Local moving companies in Illinois
When relocating from Illinois to Charleston, SC, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 78 Illinois movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Charleston, SC.
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Mighty Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3788656
Alternate Names: Heroic Moving & Storage Experts
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 93712
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 504435
Alternate Names: Golan’s Moving and Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 872553
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Cost to move from Illinois to Charleston, SC
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Charleston, SC with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,153 – $4,425 | $782 – $1,864 | $579 – $1,106 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,385 – $5,283 | $1,390 – $2,755 | $637 – $1,424 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,811 – $6,978 | $1,984 – $3,759 | $825 – $1,730 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 926-mile move from Illinois to Charleston, SC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Charleston, SC
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Charleston, SC, you can expect to spend between $1,153 and $4,425. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,385 to $5,283 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,811 and $6,978.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Charleston, SC
When moving from Illinois to Charleston, SC, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $782 and $1,864. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,390 to $2,755. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,984 up to $3,759. 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 Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Charleston, SC
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 from Illinois to Charleston, SC, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $579 and $1,106. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $637 and $1,424. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $825 and $1,730.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Illinois to Charleston, SC
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STI Moving & Storage Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Mighty Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Illinois movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Illinois | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 97% | 96% |
| Antiques | 48% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Illinois to Charleston, SC
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Charleston, SC is really like compared to Illinois. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Charleston, SC
| Illinois | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,179 | $2,500 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $62,294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 112 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 7.0% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Charleston is roughly 112% higher than in Illinois. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Charleston are approximately 124% higher than in Illinois. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- The average income is about 21% lower in Charleston than in Illinois. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- Charleston’s unemployment rate is 25% lower than Illinois, suggesting a healthier job market.
- Expect income taxes in South Carolina to run about 41% higher than in Illinois, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Charleston from Illinois
| Charleston | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 19.7 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Illinois and Charleston supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer in Charleston usually hits around 89ºF, pretty similar to the 86ºF you’re used to in Illinois. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charleston reaches a temperature of 39ºF while Illinois gets down to 17ºF. Relocating to Charleston means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 48 inches of rain each year in Charleston—compared to just 40 inches in Illinois. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- Charleston doesn’t get snow, while Illinois sees around 22 inches annually. Relocating to Charleston means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Charleston has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 44.97 vs 19.7. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Charleston
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Charleston has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Charleston
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- The Charleston Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
Parks in Charleston
- Middleton Place
- Battery & White Point Gardens
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
- Hampton Park
Sports teams in Charleston
- Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)
Universities in Charleston
- Charleston School of Law
- The Citadel College of Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
Other considerations when moving to Charleston, SC
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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 them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to South Carolina, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to South Carolina without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Illinois to Charleston take?
The time frame for a move from Illinois to Charleston, SC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Illinois, the longer it’ll take to reach Charleston. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Illinois to Charleston can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Charleston?
If you’re gearing up for a 926-mile move from Illinois to Charleston, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston, SC?
Summer in Charleston can reach highs of 89°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 39°F. That’s why most people moving from Illinois to Charleston opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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