Highly rated local moving companies for Gainesville to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Gainesville to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating six local movers in Gainesville known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Gainesville to Charleston.
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2787568
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1531
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
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 #: 077949
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Gainesville to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Florida charge about $172 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $813 – $2,747 | $624 – $1,449 | $327 – $566 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,395 – $4,210 | $1,132 – $2,008 | $345 – $704 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,004 – $5,713 | $1,366 – $2,625 | $431 – $817 |
Cost to hire movers from Gainesville to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Gainesville, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $813 and $2,747. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,395 and $4,210 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,004 to $5,713.
Cost of moving containers from Gainesville to Charleston
When you’re heading from Gainesville to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $624 and $1,449. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,132 and $2,008. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,366 to $2,625. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Florida easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Gainesville to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Gainesville to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $327 to $566. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $345 to $704, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Gainesville to Charleston costs around $431 to $817.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Gainesville to Charleston
The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Gainesville to Charleston may only cost $1,125, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,589.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Gainesville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($327–$724), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 207% higher for singles and 126% higher for families than Gainesville.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Gainesville versus $1,727 in Gainesville; families pay $7,890 compared with $3,491.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Gainesville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,444 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $288,002 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,727 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,491 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 56% more expensive in Charleston than in Gainesville. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 94% steeper in Charleston compared to Gainesville.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 6% greater in Charleston than in Gainesville, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 207% more than in Gainesville. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 126% higher than in Gainesville.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Gainesville by about 9%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Gainesville by 29%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Gainesville versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Gainesville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.42 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.22 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.70 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.25 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Gainesville than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Gainesville than in Charleston.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Charleston
| Gainesville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 50 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 52.61 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 7% greater than Gainesville.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Gainesville’s score of 6.
- Charleston is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Gainesville’s 37 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Gainesville, which has a score of 69.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 44.97 compared to Gainesville’s 8.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Charleston and Gainesville have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 52.61.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Gainesville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Gainesville and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on The Holy City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Gainesville to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Gainesville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Gainesville to Charleston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Gainesville to Charleston take?
The 307-mile move from Gainesville, FL, to Charleston, , takes one to four days. Some Gainesville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do Gainesville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Gainesville, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Gainesville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Gainesville provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Gainesville moving services
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