Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Riverside moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Riverside can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 10 local movers in Charleston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Riverside.
- 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 Riverside?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,186 – $4,775 | $1,306 – $3,121 | $1,284 – $2,746 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,509 – $7,094 | $2,186 – $4,632 | $1,493 – $2,958 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,084 – $11,195 | $3,100 – $6,483 | $1,922 – $3,742 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Riverside
When planning a move to Riverside from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,186 and $4,775. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,509 and $7,094 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,084 to $11,195.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Riverside
When you’re heading from Charleston to Riverside, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,306 and $3,121. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,186 and $4,632. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,100 to $6,483. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Riverside
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Riverside is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,284 to $2,746. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,493 to $2,958, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Riverside costs around $1,922 to $3,742.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Riverside
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Riverside may only cost $2,462, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,705.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,284–$3,276), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Riverside
Many movers find Riverside easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 51% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,573 for one person in Riverside versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,604 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,163 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,270 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $642,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $76,755 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 8% less expensive in Riverside than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 15% steeper in Riverside compared to Charleston.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 23% greater in Riverside than in Charleston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Riverside. The cost of living for a single person there is 51% below that of Charleston.
- A move to Riverside can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 29% lower compared to Charleston.
- Riverside has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 77%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Riverside and Charleston (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 90% more in California than in South Carolina. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Riverside:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $46.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.02 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Riverside, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Riverside.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Riverside.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Riverside.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Riverside.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Riverside.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Riverside.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Riverside
| Charleston | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 317,261 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 49 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 40.24 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 59.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Riverside’s population is about 111% greater than Charleston.
- Riverside’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Riverside is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Both Riverside and Charleston have similar bike-friendliness scores (50 vs 49), meaning Riverside is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Riverside’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 40.24 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Riverside is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 59.76 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Riverside move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Riverside are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Riverside
With your sights set on City of Arts and Innovation, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Riverside.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Canyon Crest
- Victoria
- Downtown
- Magnolia Center
- La Sierra South
Best neighborhoods for families
- Orangecrest
- Mission Grove
- Canyon Crest
- Alessandro Heights
- Victoria
Things to do in Riverside
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Riverside. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Riverside?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Riverside. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Riverside?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Riverside? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Riverside take?
The 2,445-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Riverside, , takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Riverside.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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