Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Durham moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Durham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 10 local movers in Charleston 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 Charleston to Durham.
- 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 Durham?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 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 | $884 – $2,930 | $594 – $1,449 | $299 – $543 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,472 – $4,234 | $1,066 – $2,091 | $325 – $651 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,338 – $5,630 | $1,366 – $2,730 | $435 – $777 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Durham
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Durham, you can expect to spend between $884 and $2,930. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,472 to $4,234 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Durham typically runs between $2,338 and $5,630.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Durham
When moving from Charleston to Durham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $594 and $1,449. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,066 to $2,091. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,366 up to $2,730. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Durham
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Durham. 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 $299 and $543. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $325 and $651. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $435 and $777.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Durham
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,176, but larger homes can run up to $5,043.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($299–$702) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 47% less for singles and 25% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,945 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 32% lower in Durham than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 30% lower in Durham than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 11% higher in Durham compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Durham, where the cost of living for a single person is 47% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Durham could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 25% less than in Charleston.
- Both Durham and Charleston present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 17% lower in Durham than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Durham can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 36% lower in North Carolina compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Durham:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Durham.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Durham.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Durham
| Charleston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 38 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 89% greater than Charleston.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Durham is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 54.72 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 45.28 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Durham 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: 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina 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 Durham smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Durham
Now that you’ve chosen City of The Viper as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Durham to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Durham 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, Durham offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — 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 Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Durham?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Durham are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Durham?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Durham 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 Charleston to Durham take?
A move of 303 miles from Charleston, SC to Durham, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Durham is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 6 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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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