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Top local movers for Charleston to Seattle moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Seattle can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Seattle.
- 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 Seattle?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,316 – $5,383 | $1,369 – $3,776 | $1,645 – $3,067 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,044 – $7,805 | $2,683 – $5,405 | $1,782 – $3,835 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,681 – $11,491 | $3,389 – $7,165 | $2,185 – $4,709 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Seattle
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Seattle typically costs between $1,316 and $5,383. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,044 and $7,805 when moving from Charleston to Seattle. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Seattle, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,681 up to $11,491.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Seattle
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Seattle, you’ll typically spend between $1,369 and $3,776 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,683 up to $5,405. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,389 and $7,165. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Seattle
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Seattle move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,645 and $3,067. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,782 to $3,835. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,185 and $4,709.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Seattle
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Seattle might be as low as $2,574, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,738.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,645 to $4,252 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Seattle
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Seattle runs about -29% higher for singles and 24% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,740 in Charleston versus $5,300 in Charleston; families pay $9,801 compared with $7,890.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $4,655 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $842,068 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $77,845 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,740 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $9,801 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.35% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Seattle from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 21% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 51% higher in Seattle than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 25% higher in Seattle than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Seattle. The cost of living for a single person is 29% less compared to Charleston.
- As you plan your move to Seattle, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 24% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle exceeds that of Charleston by about 20%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Seattle exceed those in Charleston by 15%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Seattle, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $250.22 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $60.15 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $6.07 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.84 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $78.35 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Seattle, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Seattle.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Seattle.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Seattle.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Seattle.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Seattle.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Seattle.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Seattle
| Charleston | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 737,015 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 71 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 58.88 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 49.23 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle’s population is about 390% greater than Charleston.
- Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Seattle is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle 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.
- Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.88 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 49.23 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Seattle move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Seattle without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Seattle
Ready to relocate to Emerald City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Seattle. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Seattle?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Seattle. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Seattle?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Seattle in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Seattle take?
Covering 2,937 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Seattle, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Seattle can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Seattle?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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