Top local movers for Indianapolis to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Indianapolis that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 27 local movers in Indianapolis who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Indianapolis to Charleston.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Charleston?
Movers in Indiana generally charge an average of $130 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 | $1,056 – $3,570 | $729 – $1,713 | $514 – $1,005 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,082 – $5,346 | $1,326 – $2,731 | $555 – $1,136 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,637 – $7,205 | $1,848 – $3,518 | $673 – $1,334 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Charleston typically costs between $1,056 and $3,570. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,082 and $5,346 when moving from Indianapolis to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Indianapolis to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,637 up to $7,205.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Indianapolis to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $729 and $1,713 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,326 up to $2,731. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,848 and $3,518. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Indianapolis 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 $514 and $1,005. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $555 to $1,136. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $673 and $1,334.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Indianapolis to Charleston

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 89% higher for singles and 18% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 79% higher in Charleston than in Indianapolis, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 154% higher in Charleston than in Indianapolis.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and Indianapolis, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 89% greater than in Indianapolis. 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 18% more than it is in Indianapolis.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 29% lower than Indianapolis, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Indianapolis by 29%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 122% higher in South Carolina than in Indiana. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Indianapolis and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Indianapolis than in Charleston.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Charleston
| Indianapolis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 50 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 83% less than Indianapolis.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Charleston is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 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 Indianapolis with a score of 44.97 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 55.03 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Charleston?
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Charleston?
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Charleston take?
Do movers in Indianapolis offer any discounts?
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