Top-rated local movers that handle Lancaster to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Lancaster to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 21 local movers in Lancaster who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Lancaster to Charleston.
- Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Elite Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen’s Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 159158
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 1861478
Alternate Names: Speedwell Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0061148
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 34380
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189126
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1360438
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191251
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2399435
Alternate Names: Oleg’s Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Charleston?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,237 – $5,195 | $1,353 – $3,237 | $1,296 – $2,560 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,749 – $7,327 | $2,221 – $4,662 | $1,491 – $2,985 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,840 – $11,338 | $3,246 – $6,528 | $1,958 – $3,777 |
Cost to hire movers from Lancaster to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lancaster to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,237 and $5,195. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,749 to $7,327 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Lancaster to Charleston typically runs between $6,840 and $11,338.
Cost of moving containers from Lancaster to Charleston
When moving from Lancaster to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,353 and $3,237. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,221 to $4,662. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,246 up to $6,528. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Lancaster is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,296 and $2,560. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,491 and $2,985. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,958 and $3,777.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Lancaster to Charleston
The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,674, but larger homes can run up to $11,309.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Lancaster.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,296–$3,620) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 109% higher for singles and 42% higher for families than Lancaster.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Lancaster versus $2,540 in Lancaster; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,562.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lancaster | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,305 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $473,053 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,540 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,562 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Lancaster to Charleston, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 18% higher in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 17% less in Charleston than in Lancaster.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 109% more than in Lancaster. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 42% more than it is in Lancaster.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 74% lower than that of Lancaster. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 12% lower in Charleston than in Lancaster. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Charleston can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Lancaster with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Lancaster | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $225.00 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.67 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.51 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Lancaster than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lancaster than in Charleston.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Charleston
| Lancaster | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 50 |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 54.5 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 13% less than Lancaster.
- Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, while Lancaster has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Charleston is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Lancaster’s 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston and Lancaster have a similar crime rate with scores of 44.97 and 45.5, respectively.
- Charleston and Lancaster have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 54.5.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Lancaster it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- 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 Lancaster to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lancaster to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lancaster are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Lancaster to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Lancaster to Charleston take?
A move of 2,454 miles from Lancaster, CA to Charleston, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Lancaster sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Lancaster?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Lancaster, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Lancaster offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Lancaster have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Lancaster moving services
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