Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Albany move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Albany 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 Albany.
- 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 Albany?
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 | $1,110 – $3,908 | $777 – $1,832 | $582 – $1,132 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,236 – $5,234 | $1,438 – $2,900 | $621 – $1,385 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,787 – $7,073 | $1,821 – $3,797 | $779 – $1,537 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Albany
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Albany from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,110 and $3,908. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,236 to $5,234 for the trip from Charleston to Albany. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,787 and $7,073.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Albany
Moving containers from Charleston to Albany will cost you $777 to $1,832 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,438 to $2,900. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,821 to $3,797. 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 Albany
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Albany typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $582 and $1,132 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $621 to $1,385. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $779 to $1,537.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Albany move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,886 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,018 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 $582 to $1,452, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Albany
Many movers find Albany easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 66% less for singles and 47% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,801 for one person in Albany versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $4,205 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,426 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,900 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $281,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $66,546 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,801 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $4,205 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 10.9% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Albany, expect to find rent about 42% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 50% more affordable in Albany compared to Charleston.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 7% higher in Albany compared to Charleston, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Albany, as the cost of living for a single person is 66% lower compared to Charleston.
- A move to Albany can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 47% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- Albany shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 77%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 11% less in Albany relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in New York are 56% above those in South 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 Charleston and Albany:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $79.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $31.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Albany, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Albany.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Albany.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Albany.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Albany.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Albany.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Albany.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Albany
| Charleston | Albany | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 99,224 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 65 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 55 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 10.0 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 49.65 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albany’s population is about 34% less than Charleston.
- Albany’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Albany is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Albany 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.
- Albany’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 10.0 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Albany is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 49.65 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Albany is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Albany 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New York’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New York 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 Albany. 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. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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 Albany
Planning your move to Smallbany? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Albany.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Center Square
- Hudson Park
- Park South
- Washington Park
- Mansion
- Downtown
- Historic Pastures
- Sheridan Hollow
- Melrose
- North Albany/Shaker Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Center Square
- Helderberg
- Melrose
- Park South
- Hudson Park
- New Scotland/Woodlawn
- Northside
- Union Street
- Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Things to do in Albany
After settling into your new New York home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Albany has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Albany features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the New York State Museum, USS Slater DE-766, Albany Institute of History & Art, and The Irish American Heritage Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve — 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 Albany Great Danes (America East)Saint Rose Golden Knights (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Albany?
Planning your move from Charleston to Albany? 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 Albany?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Albany 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 Albany take?
The 896-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Albany, , typically takes two to seven 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 Albany.
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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