Top local movers for Bakersfield to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Bakersfield that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Bakersfield who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Bakersfield to Charleston.
- Meathead Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hansen’s Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage : 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0130609
Years in Business: 53
DOT #: 2728836
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192218
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3455958
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA , Excel Relocation Systems
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 credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190666
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 076235
Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Charleston?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 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 | $1,213 – $5,265 | $1,297 – $3,064 | $1,376 – $2,637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,694 – $7,797 | $2,235 – $4,645 | $1,460 – $3,234 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,531 – $11,832 | $3,298 – $6,638 | $1,826 – $4,084 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Charleston typically costs between $1,213 and $5,265. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,694 and $7,797 when moving from Bakersfield to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Bakersfield to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,531 up to $11,832.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Bakersfield to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $1,297 and $3,064 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,235 up to $4,645. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,298 and $6,638. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Bakersfield to Charleston 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 $1,376 and $2,637. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,460 to $3,234. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,826 and $4,084.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Bakersfield to Charleston
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Bakersfield to Charleston might be as low as $2,732, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,111.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Bakersfield.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,376 to $3,337 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 113% higher for singles and 14% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Bakersfield versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 47% higher in Charleston than in Bakersfield, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 43% higher in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 16% lower in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 113% greater than in Bakersfield. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Charleston, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 14% more than it is in Bakersfield.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 32% lower than Bakersfield, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Bakersfield by 9%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Bakersfield and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Bakersfield than in Charleston.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Charleston
| Bakersfield | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 50 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 83% less than Bakersfield.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Bakersfield’s score of 4.
- Charleston is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 44.97 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 55.03 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Charleston 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, 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 Charleston 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 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to The Holy City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
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
Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Bakersfield to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Bakersfield to Charleston 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 Bakersfield to Charleston take?
Covering 2,487 miles, the move from Bakersfield, CA to Charleston, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Bakersfield movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Bakersfield can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Bakersfield, 2 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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
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