Highly rated local moving companies for Knoxville to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Knoxville to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating nine local movers in Knoxville known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Knoxville to Charleston.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 137
DOT #: 553340
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving Knoxville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
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
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Tennessee charge about $123 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,024 – $3,185 | $623 – $1,519 | $326 – $620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,854 – $4,608 | $1,095 – $2,154 | $365 – $743 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,774 – $6,901 | $1,478 – $2,578 | $444 – $845 |
Cost to hire movers from Knoxville to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Knoxville, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,024 and $3,185. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,854 and $4,608 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,774 to $6,901.
Cost of moving containers from Knoxville to Charleston
When you’re heading from Knoxville to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $623 and $1,519. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,095 and $2,154. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,478 to $2,578. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Tennessee easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Knoxville to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $326 to $620. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $365 to $743, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Knoxville to Charleston costs around $444 to $845.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Knoxville to Charleston
The cost of Knoxville movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Knoxville to Charleston may only cost $1,324, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,521.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Knoxville.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($326–$827), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Knoxville to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 143% higher for singles and 52% higher for families than Knoxville.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Knoxville versus $2,184 in Knoxville; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,200.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Knoxville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 39% more expensive in Charleston than in Knoxville. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 60% steeper in Charleston compared to Knoxville.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Charleston and Knoxville are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 143% more than in Knoxville. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 52% higher than in Knoxville.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Knoxville by about 15%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Charleston and Knoxville (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Knoxville versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Knoxville than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Knoxville than in Charleston.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Charleston
| Knoxville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 50 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 21% less than Knoxville.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Knoxville’s score of 4.
- Charleston is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Knoxville’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Knoxville with a score of 44.97 compared to Knoxville’s 42.54. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Charleston and Knoxville have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 57.46.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Knoxville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Knoxville and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on The Holy City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Knoxville to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Knoxville to Charleston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Knoxville to Charleston take?
The 372-mile move from Knoxville, TN, to Charleston, , takes one to four days. Some Knoxville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do Knoxville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Knoxville?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Knoxville provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Knoxville moving services
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