Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Memphis moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Memphis, 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 Memphis.
- 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 Memphis?
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 | $1,084 – $3,416 | $700 – $1,830 | $520 – $973 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,080 – $5,009 | $1,272 – $2,437 | $508 – $1,057 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,633 – $7,642 | $1,685 – $3,459 | $654 – $1,374 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Memphis
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Memphis, you can expect to spend between $1,084 and $3,416. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,080 to $5,009 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Memphis typically runs between $3,633 and $7,642.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Memphis
When moving from Charleston to Memphis, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $700 and $1,830. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,272 to $2,437. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,685 up to $3,459. 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 Memphis
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Memphis. 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 $520 and $973. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $508 and $1,057. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $654 and $1,374.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Memphis
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 $1,654, but larger homes can run up to $5,983.
- 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 ($520–$1,175) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 65% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $4,402 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 48% lower in Memphis than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 74% lower in Memphis than in Charleston.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 23% less in Memphis than in Charleston.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Memphis, where the cost of living for a single person is 65% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Memphis 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 44% less than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 100% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 8% higher in Memphis than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Memphis:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Memphis.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Memphis.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Memphis
| Charleston | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 41 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis’s population is about 321% greater than Charleston.
- Memphis’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Memphis is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Memphis’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 77.49 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 22.51 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Memphis 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee 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 Memphis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you’ve chosen Bluff City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Memphis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Memphis 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, Memphis offers cultural landmarks like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — 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 Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Memphis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Memphis 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 Memphis?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Memphis 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 Memphis take?
A move of 689 miles from Charleston, SC to Memphis, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Memphis 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
Charleston moving services
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