Highly rated local moving companies for Grand Rapids to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Grand Rapids 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 13 local movers in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Charleston.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Michigan 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 | $1,255 – $4,706 | $809 – $2,009 | $661 – $1,205 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,593 – $5,894 | $1,379 – $2,998 | $708 – $1,474 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,288 – $8,470 | $2,015 – $3,975 | $887 – $1,741 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Grand Rapids, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,255 and $4,706. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,593 and $5,894 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,288 to $8,470.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Charleston
When you’re heading from Grand Rapids to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $809 and $2,009. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,379 and $2,998. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,015 to $3,975. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Grand Rapids 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 $661 to $1,205. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $708 to $1,474, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Charleston costs around $887 to $1,741.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Grand Rapids to Charleston
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Charleston may only cost $2,377, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,216.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Grand Rapids.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($661–$1,579), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about -1% higher for singles and 10% higher for families than Grand Rapids.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Grand Rapids versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids; families pay $7,890 compared with $7,160.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Grand Rapids | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 51% more expensive in Charleston than in Grand Rapids. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 70% steeper in Charleston compared to Grand Rapids.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Charleston and Grand Rapids are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Charleston and Grand Rapids, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 10% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Grand Rapids by about 7%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Grand Rapids by 50%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 65% more in South Carolina than in Michigan. 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 Grand Rapids versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Charleston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Grand Rapids than in Charleston.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Charleston
| Grand Rapids | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 50 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 24% less than Grand Rapids.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Charleston is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- Both Charleston and Grand Rapids have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 50), meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Charleston and Grand Rapids have a similar crime rate with scores of 44.97 and 44.23, respectively.
- Charleston and Grand Rapids have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 55.77.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Charleston take?
The 950-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Charleston, , takes two to seven days. Some Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Grand Rapids?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Grand Rapids provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 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
Grand Rapids moving services
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