Highly rated local moving companies for Lafayette to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Charleston.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Acadiana Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- A & L Movers: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 7915
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1996186
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8363
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8056
Years in Business: 9
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 7508-A
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Baton Rouge
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Lafayette to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Louisiana charge about 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 | $1,131 – $4,502 | $769 – $1,812 | $598 – $1,075 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,234 – $5,583 | $1,396 – $2,895 | $634 – $1,238 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,122 – $7,748 | $1,820 – $3,788 | $770 – $1,661 |
Cost to hire movers from Lafayette to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Lafayette, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,131 and $4,502. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,234 and $5,583 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,122 to $7,748.
Cost of moving containers from Lafayette to Charleston
When you’re heading from Lafayette to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $769 and $1,812. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,396 and $2,895. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,820 to $3,788. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Louisiana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Lafayette 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 $598 to $1,075. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $634 to $1,238, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Lafayette to Charleston costs around $770 to $1,661.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Lafayette to Charleston
The cost of Lafayette movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lafayette to Charleston may only cost $1,989, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,523.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lafayette.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($598–$1,363), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 197% higher for singles and 88% higher for families than Lafayette.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Lafayette versus $1,785 in Lafayette; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,208.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lafayette | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,200 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,725 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $214,264 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,785 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,208 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.45% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 12% less expensive in Charleston than in Lafayette, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 161% steeper in Charleston compared to Lafayette.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Charleston and Lafayette are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 197% more than in Lafayette. 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 88% higher than in Lafayette.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Lafayette by about 31%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Charleston and Lafayette (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 65% more in South Carolina than in Louisiana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lafayette versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Lafayette | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $52.00 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.99 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $76.11 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.33 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lafayette than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Lafayette than in Charleston.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Charleston
| Lafayette | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,374 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 50 |
| Crime index | 45.75 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 54.25 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 24% greater than Lafayette.
- Charleston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Lafayette, making them very similar.
- Charleston and Lafayette are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston and Lafayette have a similar crime rate with scores of 44.97 and 45.75, respectively.
- Charleston and Lafayette have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 54.25.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Lafayette it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lafayette to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Charleston take?
The 871-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Charleston, , takes two to seven days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lafayette?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 2 movers in Lafayette provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 18 piano movers and 11 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
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