Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Charlotte move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Charlotte can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 10 top local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Charlotte.
- 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 Charlotte?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 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 – $2,634 | $572 – $1,251 | $221 – $394 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,280 – $3,766 | $951 – $1,777 | $250 – $489 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,723 – $4,844 | $1,247 – $2,244 | $281 – $525 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Charlotte
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charlotte from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $708 and $2,634. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,280 to $3,766 for the trip from Charleston to Charlotte. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $1,723 and $4,844.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Charlotte
Moving containers from Charleston to Charlotte will cost you $572 to $1,251 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $951 to $1,777. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,247 to $2,244. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Charlotte
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Charlotte typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $221 and $394 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $250 to $489. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $281 to $525.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Charlotte move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $946 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,047 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $221 to $507, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Charlotte
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charlotte runs about -40% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,158 in Charleston versus $5,300 in Charleston; families pay $8,325 compared with $7,890.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,913 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,790 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $391,658 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $64,814 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,158 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $8,325 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Charlotte, expect to find rent about 28% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 30% more affordable in Charlotte compared to Charleston.
- In terms of average income, Charlotte and Charleston are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Charlotte, as the cost of living for a single person is 40% lower compared to Charleston.
- If you’re moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 6% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is about 18% lower than in Charleston. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 19% less in Charlotte relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in North Carolina are 36% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Charlotte:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $29.17 | $51.90 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Charleston and Charlotte.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Charleston and Charlotte.
- 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 are more affordable in Charleston than in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Charlotte
| Charleston | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 874,579 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 31 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 46.52 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 53.48 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charlotte’s population is about 482% greater than Charleston.
- Charlotte’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Charlotte and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 46.52 and 44.97, respectively.
- Charlotte and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 53.48 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Charlotte is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Charlotte 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: North Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: North 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 Charlotte. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charlotte
Planning your move to Queen City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ballantyne East
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Providence Plantation
- Davidson
- Marvin
- Hembstead
- Tega Cay
- Sharon Woods
- Provincetown
Things to do in Charlotte
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charlotte has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charlotte features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina PanthersCharlotte HornetsCharlotte FCCharlotte CheckersCharlotte KnightsCharlotte IndependenceCharlotte EaglesCharlotte Lady Eagles game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Charlotte?
Planning your move from Charleston to Charlotte? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Charlotte 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 Charleston to Charlotte take?
The 208-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, , typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charlotte.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 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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