Local moving companies in Irvine
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers

DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 USMoving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industryโmiscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
NorthStar Moving Company

DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 USMoving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customersโ94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the moversโ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies. Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Alternative Business Names
- NorthStar Moving Corporation
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

DOT #: 649215
Years in Business: 28
25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 USWord travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customersโnearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 649215
- State license #: 189603
Alternative Business Names
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc
- Richards Moving Company
- Orange County Storage Movers
Maison Moving

DOT #: 76628
Years in Business: 17
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 USWord spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings. Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 76628
- State license #: 0190726
Alternative Business Names
- Orange County Movers Inc
- College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County
- Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Local Associations
Meathead Movers

DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USMeathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meat Head Movers Inc
- Meathead Movers Inc
Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Charleston
What to know before moving from Irvine to Charleston
Moving from Irvine to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Irvine | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $4,000 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $1,561,760 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 38% lower than in Irvine, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 64.2% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Charleston is 45.4% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 42.2% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 56.2% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 25.93% lower than in Irvine.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 16.13% higher than in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,734.48 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Charleston
Charleston | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 307,670 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
Walkability score | 40 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 69 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 51% less than Irvine.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Irvine's higher score of 4.
- Charleston and Irvine are similarily walkable.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 44.97 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 55.03 vs Irvine's 68.99.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Irvine it's good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Charleston move
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- 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 Irvine to Charleston?
The best time to move from Irvine to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Irvine to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Irvine to Charleston take?
The 2,477-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Charleston, SC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.