($504+) Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $552 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,024 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,475, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,024 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,083 - $3,563, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $552 - $1,428.
- 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 $2,227 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Moving options from Charleston to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,227 - $5,256 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 689 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,475 - $4,275 | $1,083 - $1,865 | $552 - $993 | $936 - $1,732 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,227 - $5,256 | $1,376 - $2,800 | $589 - $1,121 | $1,058 - $2,175 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,737 - $8,024 | $1,934 - $3,563 | $729 - $1,428 | $1,399 - $2,795 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Hiring full-service movers from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $1,475 and $8,024. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 689-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $305 - $2,032, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Charleston and Memphis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Charleston tend to start around $311 plus $134/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,475 - $4,275
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,227 - $5,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,737 - $8,024
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Charleston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% 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 coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs90% 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 items40% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Smooth Move Charleston | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $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 is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Charleston, SC. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,083 and $3,563. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Charleston costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,083 - $1,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,563
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $152 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Memphis, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $711 in Charleston, SC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,083. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,376 - $2,800, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 689 miles from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, running $552 - $1,428. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $552 - $993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $589 - $1,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 - $1,428
Pro tip: A rental truck from Charleston to Memphis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $552 - $1,428. But once you factor in fuel ($223 - $255) , overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $223 - $255 for the 689-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Charleston, South Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $711.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 689-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $305 - $457 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $305.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Charleston, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,058 and $2,175.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Charleston to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $936 - $1,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,175
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,399 - $2,795
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Charleston, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $711.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
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.
- Premier Logistics Solutions (4.62/5 stars): Premier Logistics Solutions is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Memphis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 53 movers based in South Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 689-mile route.
Our take
The 689-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Memphis, TN, costs between $1,475 and $8,024 with full-service movers, $1,083 - $3,563 with a moving container, and $552 - $1,428 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 $2,227 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 do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Memphis a safe place to live?
Memphis has a safety index of 22.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 77.49, compared to 55.03 and 44.97 in Charleston. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Charleston, SC to Memphis, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $589 - $1,121. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Charleston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Charleston handle piano moves, and 40% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.