Top-rated local movers that handle Charlotte to Santa Ana moves
When planning a move from Charlotte to Santa Ana, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 42 local movers in Charlotte who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charlotte to Santa Ana.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Easy Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best Movers US: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2406
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co. (NC), LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2225
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 648055
Alternate Names: EasyMovers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2539
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2317956
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 601
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Bournias, LLC
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 Charlotte to Santa Ana?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,222 – $5,120 | $1,229 – $3,280 | $1,392 – $2,485 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,509 – $6,881 | $2,186 – $4,916 | $1,406 – $3,020 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,725 – $10,976 | $3,194 – $6,612 | $1,793 – $4,009 |
Cost to hire movers from Charlotte to Santa Ana
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charlotte to Santa Ana, you can expect to spend between $1,222 and $5,120. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,509 to $6,881 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charlotte to Santa Ana typically runs between $6,725 and $10,976.
Cost of moving containers from Charlotte to Santa Ana
When moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,229 and $3,280. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,186 to $4,916. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,194 up to $6,612. 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 North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charlotte to Santa Ana
Renting a moving truck in Charlotte is usually your cheapest option to get to Santa Ana. 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 and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,392 and $2,485. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,406 and $3,020. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,793 and $4,009.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charlotte to Santa Ana
The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,585, but larger homes can run up to $9,705.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charlotte.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,392–$3,518) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Santa Ana runs about 101% higher for singles and 34% higher for families than Charlotte.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Charlotte versus $3,158 in Charlotte; families pay $11,160 compared with $8,325.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charlotte | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,913 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,790 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $391,658 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,158 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,325 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Santa Ana, note that rent can be roughly 48% more expensive than it is in Charlotte; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 115% higher in Santa Ana than in Charlotte.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 19% higher in Santa Ana compared to Charlotte, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Santa Ana, since the cost of living for a single person is 101% more than in Charlotte. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Santa Ana, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Santa Ana is 34% more than it is in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Santa Ana is 112% higher compared to Charlotte, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 28% higher in Santa Ana than in Charlotte. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 196% higher in California compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charlotte with Santa Ana:
| Living Expense | Charlotte | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.90 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charlotte than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charlotte than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Santa Ana
| Charlotte | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 62 |
| Crime index | 46.52 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 53.48 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Santa Ana’s population is about 65% less than Charlotte.
- Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charlotte’s score of 5.
- Santa Ana is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Charlotte’s 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, Santa Ana is more bike-friendly than Charlotte, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Santa Ana’s crime rate is higher than Charlotte with a score of 54.17 compared to Charlotte’s 46.52. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 45.83 vs Charlotte’s 53.48.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Charlotte it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Santa Ana smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fairbridge Square
- South Coast
- Park Santiago
- Sanpointe
- Meredith Parkwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meredith Parkwood
- Fairbridge Square
- West Grove Valley
- South Coast
Things to do in Santa Ana
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Santa Ana is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Santa Ana offers cultural landmarks like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Santiago Park Nature — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Angels (in Anaheim)Anaheim Ducks (in Anaheim)Santa Ana College Dons (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling)Santa Ana United (Soccer Team) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Santa Ana?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charlotte to Santa Ana are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charlotte are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Santa Ana?
Because spring and fall moves from Charlotte to Santa Ana are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charlotte to Santa Ana take?
A move of 2,425 miles from Charlotte, NC to Santa Ana, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Charlotte sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Santa Ana is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Charlotte?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Charlotte, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Charlotte offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 28 movers in Charlotte have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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