The best local movers for Charleston to Huntsville moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Huntsville. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 10 local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to Huntsville.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Huntsville?
The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,026 – $2,831 | $624 – $1,563 | $413 – $713 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,892 – $4,639 | $1,210 – $2,220 | $415 – $889 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,209 – $7,425 | $1,530 – $2,879 | $522 – $1,102 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Huntsville
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Huntsville will cost between $1,026 and $2,831. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $1,892 to $4,639, and a large move from Charleston to Huntsville will cost from $3,209 to $7,425.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Huntsville
If you’re moving from Charleston to Huntsville, expect to pay between $624 and $1,563 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,210 up to $2,220. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,530 and $2,879. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Huntsville
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Huntsville is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $413 and $713. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $415 and $889. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $522 up to $1,102 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Huntsville
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,368, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,922.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($413–$927) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Huntsville
Many movers find Huntsville easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 41% less for singles and 48% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,133 for one person in Huntsville versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $4,140 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,358 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,400 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $266,736 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $60,959 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $4,140 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- If you’re heading to Huntsville from Charleston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 44% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 52% less in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Fortunately, the average income in Huntsville and Charleston is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Huntsville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 41% lower than in Charleston.
- Choosing to move to Huntsville can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 48% less than in Charleston.
- Huntsville enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 22% lower compared to Charleston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Huntsville and Charleston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 29% less in Alabama than in South Carolina. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Huntsville:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $180.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $50.56 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $62.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Huntsville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Huntsville.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Huntsville.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Huntsville
| Charleston | Huntsville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 241,114 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 24 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 40 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 42.55 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 57.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Huntsville’s population is about 60% greater than Charleston.
- Huntsville’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Huntsville is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Huntsville and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 42.55 and 44.97, respectively.
- Huntsville and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 57.45 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Huntsville is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Huntsville move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Alabama doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Huntsville. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Huntsville
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Rocket City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Huntsville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Five Points
- Downtown Huntsville
- Hampton Cove
- Whitesburg
- Research Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blossomwood
- Hampton Cove
- Jones Valley
- Madison
- South Huntsville
Things to do in Huntsville
Once you’re settled into your new home in Alabama, it’s time to get out and discover what Huntsville has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Huntsville, such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Huntsville Havoc (SPHL)North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL)Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA)Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Huntsville?
The best time to move from Charleston to Huntsville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Huntsville?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Huntsville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Huntsville take?
Moving from Charleston, SC to Huntsville, covers 478 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Huntsville.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 6 movers in Charleston advertise piano moving expertise. 4 movers in Charleston provide antique moving services. State totals show 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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