Top-rated movers to make your Charlotte to Charleston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charlotte that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 42 top local movers in Charlotte who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charlotte to Charleston.
- 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 Charleston?
In North Carolina, moving services typically cost around $145 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $708 – $2,482 | $566 – $1,329 | $228 – $413 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,319 – $3,543 | $961 – $1,851 | $233 – $489 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,705 – $4,650 | $1,338 – $2,290 | $296 – $564 |
Cost to hire movers from Charlotte to Charleston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charleston from Charlotte, you can expect prices to land between $708 and $2,482. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,319 to $3,543 for the trip from Charlotte to Charleston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $1,705 and $4,650.
Cost of moving containers from Charlotte to Charleston
Moving containers from Charlotte to Charleston will cost you $566 to $1,329 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $961 to $1,851. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,338 to $2,290. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charlotte to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Charlotte to Charleston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $228 and $413 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $233 to $489. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $296 to $564.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charlotte to Charleston move
The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $995 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,381 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charlotte.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $228 to $482, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 68% higher for singles and -5% higher for families than Charlotte.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Charlotte versus $3,158 in Charlotte; families pay $7,890 compared with $8,325.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charlotte | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,913 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,790 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $391,658 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,158 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,325 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- Planning a move to Charleston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 40% higher than in Charlotte, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Charleston are about 43% higher than those in Charlotte.
- In terms of average income, Charleston and Charlotte are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Charleston, as living costs for a single person are 68% higher than in Charlotte. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and Charlotte, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Charleston shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charlotte by around 21%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Charleston are 24% more than in Charlotte, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in South Carolina are 56% above those in North Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charlotte and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Charlotte | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.90 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Charlotte and Charleston.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Charlotte and Charleston.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread costs are about the same in both places.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charlotte than in Charleston.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Charleston
| Charlotte | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 50 |
| Crime index | 46.52 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 53.48 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 83% less than Charlotte.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Charlotte’s score of 5.
- Charleston is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Charlotte’s 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston 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.
- Charleston and Charlotte have a similar crime rate with scores of 44.97 and 46.52, respectively.
- Charleston and Charlotte have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 53.48.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Charlotte it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Planning your move to The Holy City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?
Planning your move from Charlotte to Charleston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Charlotte to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charlotte to Charleston take?
The 209-mile journey from Charlotte, NC to Charleston, , typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Charlotte offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Charlotte?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charlotte?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charlotte, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 11 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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