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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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Average cost of local movers in Charleston, SC
Engaging a moving company in Charleston offers the ultimate convenience, making the moving process much simpler. Keep in mind, though, that this convenience does have a higher price tag compared to doing it yourself.
Here’s how much professional movers cost in Charleston based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $458 | $193 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $651 | $193 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,077 | $271 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,540 | $379 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,919 | $379 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,512 | $531 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more cost details
- Studio: Moving a studio apartment usually calls for the help of two movers, with the job potentially taking three hours. How long it takes often depends on your items, at an hourly fee of $193.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $193 per hour for four hours using a two-person moving crew.
- Two bedrooms: The typical expense to relocate a two-bedroom residence in South Carolina is around $271 per hour. Plan on needing three movers to assist for approximately five hours.
- Three bedrooms: If you’re moving a three-bedroom house in South Carolina, the hourly rate for hiring movers is $379. This job usually requires eight hours and a crew of four people.
- Four bedrooms: When moving a four-bedroom residence in South Carolina, it will involve four movers and take approximately nine hours, costing $379 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: Opting for South Carolina movers for a dwelling with five or more bedrooms incurs an hourly fee of $531. Usually, this process requires five movers, taking nearly 10 hours.
Good news for Charleston moves: Hourly moving rates in SC hover around $138, which undercuts the U.S. norm of $139.
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Charleston move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in Charleston, SC
By examining licenses, insurance packages, digital feedback, and numerous other elements, our proficient team has selected the leading moving services in Charleston.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 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
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Undergrads Moving: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Strong Men Moving : 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor packing quality
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Highly recommended
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #:
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 9865
DOT #:
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Inexperienced movers
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Professional and polite staff
- Highly recommended
- Unexpected charges
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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Average cost to hire interstate movers in Charleston, SC
The cost of moving out of South Carolina can shift a lot depending on where you’re headed. To give you an idea, we’ve listed a few sample routes below. For the most accurate estimate, take a look at your specific route from South Carolina or use our moving cost calculator.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Charleston
Determining the cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston involves several key factors, such as the distance of the move, the volume of belongings, and your chosen method of transportation.
Here are some typical cost ranges to give you an idea of what long-distance moves from South Carolina might require:
- Charleston to Washington DC: $1,334 – $3,016
- Charleston to Philadelphia: $1,531 – $3,124
- Charleston to Mesa: $2,343 – $4,375
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Charleston
Out-of-state moving costs from Charleston for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.
In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Charleston:
- Charleston to Washington DC: $1,771 – $3,955
- Charleston to Milwaukee: $2,125 – $4,645
- Charleston to Las Vegas: $3,257 – $5,674
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Charleston
Moving a four-bedroom home from Charleston to another state comes with a wide range of possible costs. The final price often depends on how far you’re going, how much you’re moving, and the time of year.
Here’s a general look at what out-of-state moves with four or more bedrooms from Charleston might cost:
- Charleston to Nashville: $2,997 – $5,886
- Charleston to Louisville: $3,394 – $6,262
- Charleston to Austin: $4,108 – $6,334
Best interstate moving companies in Charleston, SC
Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of what your move from South Carolina might cost, it’s a good time to start comparing the best long-distance moving companies in Charleston .
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
rating
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years’ experience
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Average cost of moving containers in Charleston, SC
In Charleston, using moving containers typically starts at around $480 for a local move. For longer in-state or regional relocations, that number can rise to about $2,980. If you’re planning a coast-to-coast move, expect rates in excess of $6,930. Your final price will largely depend on how far you’re moving and your container size.
Best moving containers in Charleston, SC
To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Charleston, SC
In Charleston, renting a moving truck typically costs around $60 per day. However, daily rates can vary from $19 to $39. Additionally, expect a per-mile charge ranging from $1 to $5, which is influenced by how far you’re moving and the truck size needed. This remains the most cost-effective moving choice, but remember, it involves all the lifting and driving solo.
Here are the typical costs of Charleston rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19 – $39 per day
- Mileage fee: $1 – $1 per mile
- Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
- Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
- Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets
The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:
- How far you drive the truck
- How long you have the truck rental
- Additional insurance
- Parking
- Toll fees
- Fuel
- Accommodations and dining
- Moving equipment rentals
Best moving truck rentals in Charleston, SC
If you’re looking to save the most money, your best bet is to pack up and drive a rental truck yourself. Luckily, finding moving truck rental companies in Charleston is easy. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here are some of the top options:
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Charleston, SC
Labor-only moving services in Charleston are generally priced at an hourly rate of $66 for each individual mover. Whether you’re moving a small apartment or a larger space, you will usually require two movers, which means budgeting around $134 per hour for their assistance in Charleston.
Best labor-only moving companies in Charleston
Not all labor-only moving services in Charleston are created equal. The best ones combine fair pricing with dependable service. Some even go the extra mile by helping with packing or providing supplies.
Here’s a look at our favorite labor-only moving companies.
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Factors that affect the cost of movers in Charleston, SC
The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Charleston, SC, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:
- Where you’re moving: The farther the distance between your current home and your new one, the more you can expect to pay. A local move within the same city or nearby area will usually cost less than a long-distance or cross-country relocation due to fuel, mileage, and labor time.
- How much stuff you have: More belongings mean more work. Larger moves often need a bigger truck and additional crew members, which increases the overall cost.
- When you move: Timing matters. Summer, weekends, and month beginnings are in high demand—and more expensive. You can save by scheduling your move for mid-month or mid-week.
- Moving method: Full-service movers offer convenience, but they charge for it. If you go with a moving container company, you can cut costs by handling the packing and lifting yourself.
- Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.
Quick tips for a stress-free move
- Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can’t beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item’s value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
- Confirm your move is approved. Certain neighborhoods, especially those with HOAs, may restrict moving days or hours. Be sure to check those policies ahead of time and notify your property manager of your planned move-in or move-out date.
- Get all your documents together ahead of time. Apartment complexes may require documents like proof of insurance and elevator bookings on moving day. Review your moving contract in advance so you’re not rushing to find what you need last minute.
What discounts do Charleston movers offer?
Some movers in Charleston advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:
| Type of discount | Charleston | South Carolina | National average |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA members | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.13% |
| Seniors | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.32% |
| Students | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.17% |
| Teachers | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.35% |
| Law enforcement | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.72% |
| Military | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3.97% |
Discount availability varies by company, so it’s smart to bring it up when comparing movers in Charleston.
What is the cheapest way to move to Charleston?
An economical approach is to use a container service, which lets you handle the packing and loading, while they take care of transporting your belongings in Charleston. Alternatively, renting a truck lets you manage the move entirely by yourself.
Here are the average moving costs from Charleston to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $2,347 – $5,464 | $1,509 – $2,886 | $692 – $1,445 |
| $1,999 – $5,060 | $1,261 – $2,320 | $441 – $874 | |
| Manchester | $2,253 – $5,576 | $1,406 – $2,827 | $728 – $1,504 |
How to pay for your Charleston move
Whether you prefer plastic or paper, the table below shows which payment types are most widely accepted in Charleston, and how that compares to state and national movers.
| Payment method | Charleston | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | 8 | 49 | 2859 |
| Cash | 4 | 12 | 822 |
| Money order | 1 | 8 | 272 |
Whether you’re paying in cash or card, it’s smart to double-check your options before moving day.
Helpful Charleston resources
Charleston moving services
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