Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Dayton moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Dayton, 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 Dayton.
- 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 Dayton?
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 | $1,115 – $3,543 | $677 – $1,637 | $483 – $922 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,995 – $5,231 | $1,245 – $2,633 | $521 – $1,095 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,542 – $7,566 | $1,752 – $3,283 | $631 – $1,298 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Dayton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Dayton, you can expect to spend between $1,115 and $3,543. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,995 to $5,231 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Dayton typically runs between $3,542 and $7,566.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Dayton
When moving from Charleston to Dayton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $677 and $1,637. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,245 to $2,633. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,752 up to $3,283. 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 Dayton
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Dayton. 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 $483 and $922. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $521 and $1,095. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $631 and $1,298.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Dayton
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 $1,687, but larger homes can run up to $5,979.
- 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 ($483–$1,191) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 70% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 63% lower in Dayton than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 76% lower in Dayton than in Charleston.
- The average income in Dayton and Charleston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 70% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Dayton 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 52% less than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 70% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 17% lower in Dayton than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Dayton can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 50% lower in Ohio 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 Dayton:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Dayton.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Dayton
| Charleston | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 47 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 8% less than Charleston.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Dayton is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 4.0 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 40.68 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Dayton 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio 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 Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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 Dayton
Now that you’ve chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Dayton 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, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — 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 Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Dayton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Dayton 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 Dayton?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Dayton 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 Dayton take?
A move of 662 miles from Charleston, SC to Dayton, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Dayton 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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