The best local movers for Charleston to Olympia moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Olympia. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated eight local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to Olympia.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Olympia?
The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,396 – $5,777 | $1,490 – $3,792 | $1,657 – $3,215 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,049 – $7,886 | $2,563 – $5,698 | $1,742 – $3,638 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,315 – $12,221 | $3,504 – $7,864 | $2,246 – $4,654 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Olympia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Olympia will cost between $1,396 and $5,777. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $4,049 to $7,886, and a large move from Charleston to Olympia will cost from $7,315 to $12,221.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Olympia
If you’re moving from Charleston to Olympia, expect to pay between $1,490 and $3,792 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,563 up to $5,698. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,504 and $7,864. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Olympia
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Olympia is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,657 and $3,215. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,742 and $3,638. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,246 up to $4,654 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Olympia

What to know before moving from Charleston to Olympia
Many movers find Olympia easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 53% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,473 for one person in Olympia versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $5,391 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,675 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,817 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Olympia from Charleston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 24% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 9% less in Olympia than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 7% higher in Olympia than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Olympia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 53% lower than in Charleston.
- Choosing to move to Olympia can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Charleston.
- In Olympia, the unemployment rate is approximately 40% higher than in Charleston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Olympia and Charleston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Washington 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Olympia:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $152.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Olympia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Olympia.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Olympia.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Olympia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Olympia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Olympia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Olympia.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Olympia
| Charleston | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 55,605 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 59 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 27.95 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 62.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia’s population is about 63% less than Charleston.
- Olympia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Olympia and Charleston are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia 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.
- Olympia’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 27.95 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 62.25 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Olympia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Olympia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Olympia
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Oly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Downtown
- Bigelow Highlands
- Upper Eastside
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
- Woodfield Estates
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Holiday Hills
- Woodfield Estates
- Eastside
- Cain Road
- Indian Creek
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
Once you’re settled into your new home in Washington, it’s time to get out and discover what Olympia has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Olympia, such as the Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Olympia?
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Olympia?
How long does a move from Charleston to Olympia take?
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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