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Top local movers for Charleston to Long Beach moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Long Beach can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Long Beach.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
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
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
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,137 – $4,739 | $1,253 – $3,085 | $1,410 – $2,703 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,359 – $7,092 | $2,204 – $4,907 | $1,439 – $3,249 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,189 – $10,976 | $3,188 – $6,097 | $1,892 – $3,644 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Long Beach
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Long Beach typically costs between $1,137 and $4,739. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,359 and $7,092 when moving from Charleston to Long Beach. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Long Beach, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,189 up to $10,976.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Long Beach
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Long Beach, you’ll typically spend between $1,253 and $3,085 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,204 up to $4,907. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,188 and $6,097. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Long Beach
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Long Beach move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,410 and $2,703. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,439 to $3,249. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,892 and $3,644.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Long Beach
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Long Beach might be as low as $2,437, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,905.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,410 to $3,257 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Long Beach
Many movers find Long Beach easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 49% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,681 for one person in Long Beach versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,051 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,450 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,780 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $835,800 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $78,995 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,681 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,051 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Good news! When moving to Long Beach from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 17% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 49% higher in Long Beach than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 27% higher in Long Beach than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Long Beach. The cost of living for a single person is 49% less compared to Charleston.
- Relocating to Long Beach could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Long Beach exceeds that of Charleston by about 30%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Long Beach exceed those in Charleston by 14%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 90% higher in California than in South Carolina. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Long Beach, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $147.18 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $51.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.79 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $41.20 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Long Beach.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Long Beach.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Long Beach
| Charleston | Long Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 451,307 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 73 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 70 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 58.58 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 41.42 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Long Beach’s population is about 200% greater than Charleston.
- Long Beach’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Long Beach is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 73 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Long Beach’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.58 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Long Beach is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.42 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Long Beach is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Long Beach move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Long Beach without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Long Beach
Ready to relocate to Aquatic Capital of America? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Long Beach.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont Shore
- Recreation Park
- Carroll Park
- Alamitos Beach
- Bluff Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bixby Village
- Los Altos
- Wrigley Heights
- Park Estates
- Alamitos Heights
Things to do in Long Beach
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Long Beach. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Long Beach include museums and art centers like the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, and Long Beach Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Long Beach. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Long Beach?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Long Beach in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Long Beach take?
Covering 2,493 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Long Beach, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Long Beach can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Long Beach?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,300 and 1,465 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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