Top-rated local movers that handle Plano to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Plano to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 68 local movers in Plano 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 Plano to Charleston.
- AB Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Around the Block Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Fantastic Moves: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Wrightway Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc. , AB Movers , AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2166531
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2166531
Alternate Names: Around The Block Moving Company , A.T.B. Office Relocators, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000521440B
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 1032910
Alternate Names: Lone Star Loaders, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006034328C
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939415
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Plano to Charleston?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,195 – $4,601 | $866 – $2,135 | $719 – $1,300 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,635 – $6,266 | $1,537 – $2,978 | $710 – $1,593 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,039 – $8,071 | $2,035 – $4,088 | $966 – $1,920 |
Cost to hire movers from Plano to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Plano to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,195 and $4,601. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,635 to $6,266 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Plano to Charleston typically runs between $4,039 and $8,071.
Cost of moving containers from Plano to Charleston
When moving from Plano to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $866 and $2,135. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,537 to $2,978. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,035 up to $4,088. 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 Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Plano to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Plano is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. 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 $719 and $1,300. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $710 and $1,593. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $966 and $1,920.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Plano to Charleston
The cost of Plano movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,252, but larger homes can run up to $6,610.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Plano.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($719–$1,758) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Plano to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 111% higher for singles and 30% higher for families than Plano.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Plano versus $2,506 in Plano; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,078.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Plano | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,637 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,938 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $511,000 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,874 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,506 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,078 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 19% more expensive than it is in Plano; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 9% higher in Charleston than in Plano.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Charleston than in Plano.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 111% more than in Plano. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 30% more than it is in Plano.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 27% lower than that of Plano. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in Charleston than in Plano. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Plano with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Plano | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.04 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.48 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.38 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.54 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $81.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Plano than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Plano than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Plano than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Plano than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Plano than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Plano than in Charleston.
How life is different in Plano vs. Charleston
| Plano | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 50 |
| Crime index | 23.02 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 76.98 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 47% less than Plano.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is higher than Plano’s score of 2.
- Charleston and Plano are similarly walkable.
- Both Charleston and Plano have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 50), meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Plano. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Plano with a score of 44.97 compared to Plano’s 23.02. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Plano neighborhoods are safer than 23.02%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Plano with a score of 55.03 vs Plano’s 76.98.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Plano it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Plano to Charleston 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina 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 Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston 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, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Plano to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Plano to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Plano are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Plano to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Plano to Charleston 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 Plano to Charleston take?
A move of 1,089 miles from Plano, TX to Charleston, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Plano sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Plano?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 12 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 9 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Plano offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 46 movers in Plano have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 37 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 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.
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