Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Madison moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Madison, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 10 local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Madison.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Madison?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,077 – $4,509 | $849 – $2,135 | $693 – $1,353 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,268 – $5,866 | $1,462 – $2,887 | $770 – $1,579 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,029 – $7,524 | $2,138 – $4,083 | $931 – $1,810 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Madison
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Madison, you can expect to spend between $1,077 and $4,509. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,268 to $5,866 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Madison typically runs between $4,029 and $7,524.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Madison
When moving from Charleston to Madison, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $849 and $2,135. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,462 to $2,887. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,138 up to $4,083. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Madison
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Madison. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $693 and $1,353. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $770 and $1,579. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $931 and $1,810.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Madison
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,176, but larger homes can run up to $6,787.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($693–$1,674) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 57% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 7.65% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 36% lower in Madison than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 34% lower in Madison than in Charleston.
- The average income in Madison and Charleston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 57% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Madison could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 31% less than in Charleston.
- Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 18% lower than that of Charleston. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 39% lower in Madison than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Madison can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 9% higher in Wisconsin compared to South Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Madison:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Madison.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Madison
| Charleston | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 66 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 80% greater than Charleston.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Madison is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 34.57 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Madison move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Madison smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Madison
Now that you’ve chosen Mad City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Madison to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, it’s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Madison offers cultural landmarks like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Madison?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Madison are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Madison?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Madison are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Madison take?
A move of 1,060 miles from Charleston, SC to Madison, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Madison is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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