($515+) Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $515 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,715 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 689 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,448, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,715 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,052 - $3,261, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $515 - $1,401.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,956 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Charleston to Memphis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,956 - $5,422. Moving containers run about 33% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 689-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 689-mile route from Charleston to Memphis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,448 for a studio up to $7,715 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,052 - $3,261 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $515 - $1,401, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $874 - $2,715, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Full-service movers for the 689-mile relocation from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,448 and $7,715. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $305 - $2,032, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Charleston typically charge a base rate around $311 plus $134 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,448 - $3,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,956 - $5,422
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,525 - $7,715
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Charleston to Memphis.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Charleston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing59% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Charleston | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Low Country Moving, LLC | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Charleston to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Charleston, SC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,052 and $3,261. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Charleston typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,052 - $1,888
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,311 - $2,412
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,261
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Charleston, SC and Memphis, TN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $711 in Charleston, SC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $76 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $152 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,052. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,311 - $2,412.
What are the best moving containers Charleston to Memphis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Charleston to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Charleston:
- Smooth Move Charleston (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- Low Country Moving, LLC (4.7/5), 14 years in business
- Cougar Moving (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Truck rentals from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, range from $515 - $1,401 for the 689-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $223 - $255
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Charleston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Charleston to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $515 - $918
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $513 - $1,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $681 - $1,401
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Charleston to Memphis starts at $515 - $1,401, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($223 - $255), overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $76 and $356.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $152.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $223 and $255 for the 689-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $711 for 2 movers in Charleston, South Carolina, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Charleston to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
For larger DIY moves from Charleston, South Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Memphis, Tennessee.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,018 and $1,950.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $874 - $1,634
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,018 - $1,950
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,348 - $2,715
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $76 - $152 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Charleston, South Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $711.
What are the best freight companies from Charleston to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Memphis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Charleston, SC vs Memphis, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Memphis, side by side with Charleston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Charleston, SC | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,500/mo | $1,299/mo |
| Median home value | $468,536 | $154,209 |
| Average income | $90,038/yr | $51,211/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.0% | None |
| Walkability score | 40/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 55.03/100 | 22.51/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Charleston, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Carolina to Tennessee, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 155 movers in South Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 689-mile move.
Our take
The 689-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN, costs between $1,448 and $7,715 with full-service movers, $1,052 - $3,261 with a moving container, and $515 - $1,401 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,956 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 40 and 50 in Charleston. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $515 to $7,715, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,448 and $7,715, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Charleston?
Local movers based in Charleston typically start around $311 as a base rate, plus $134/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Charleston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Charleston handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.