Quick answer: A move from Seattle to Charleston costs $2,188–$11,356 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,934-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Seattle guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Seattle to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Seattle to go to Charleston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WA to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Seattle to Charleston journey
Organizing a move from Seattle to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Seattle known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Seattle to Charleston.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Access Gentle Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC, Eco-Movers, The Big Guys, The Big Guys Home Delivery, Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage, Hansen Bros Moving and Storage, Peasley Transfer and Storage, Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co, PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 41220
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 1370158
Alternate Names: Access Gentle Moving Corp
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: HG060620
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company (West) LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Charleston?
Seattle movers charge $141 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 | $1,876 - $7,992 | $1,877 - $4,686 | $1,980 - $3,723 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $5,775 - $11,356 | $3,168 - $6,770 | $2,188 - $4,432 |
4+ bedrooms | $11,529 - $17,597 | $4,376 - $9,434 | $2,654 - $5,499 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Washington to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,876 and $7,992. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $5,775 to $11,356 for the trip from WA to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $11,529 and $17,597.
Cost of moving containers from Washington to South Carolina
When you're heading from Washington to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,877 and $4,686. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,168 and $6,770. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,376 to $9,434. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,980 and $3,723 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,188 to $4,432. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,654 to $5,499.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Seattle to Charleston
What to know before moving from Seattle to Charleston
Moving from Seattle to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Seattle, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Seattle | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,975 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $842,068 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 10.35% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 27% higher than in Seattle.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 33.6% lower than in Seattle. - Income in Charleston is 20.0% lower than in Seattle, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston — including Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 41.7% higher than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Charleston can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 19.5% less than what it costs in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 16.67% lower than in Seattle.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 13.04% lower than in Seattle.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 7.00% higher than in Seattle.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,251.34 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Charleston
Charleston | Seattle | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 737,015 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
Walkability score | 40 | 74 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 71 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 58.88 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 49.23 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Seattle.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Seattle. Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Seattle is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charleston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Seattle. Based on its score of 40 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Seattle, which has a score of 74 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charleston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Seattle. While Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, Charleston earned a 50. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Charleston has a lower crime rate than Seattle based on scores of 44.97 and Seattle's 58.88, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Charleston than in Seattle, based on Charleston's safety index of 55.03 versus 49.23 for Seattle. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Charleston and Seattle is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. Charleston move
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you've decided to make the move to Holy City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Charleston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to Charleston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Seattle to Charleston moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Seattle to Charleston take?
Covering 2,934 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to Charleston, SC typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.