Top local movers for Seattle to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Seattle that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 63 local movers in Seattle who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Seattle to Charleston.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 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 #: HG064180
Pricing: $180/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2120054
Alternate Names: On The Go Moving and Storage , On The Go Moving & Storage Bellevue , On The Go Moving & Storage Redmond , On The Go Moving & Storage Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 19251
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: CHHJ Seattle, LLC. , College Hunks Hauling Junk Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
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 #: 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
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Charleston?
Movers in Washington generally charge an average of $143 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,498 – $6,712 | $1,441 – $3,560 | $1,597 – $3,252 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,611 – $9,724 | $2,556 – $5,619 | $1,678 – $3,725 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,500 – $14,344 | $3,636 – $7,092 | $2,185 – $4,663 |
Cost to hire movers from Seattle to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to Charleston typically costs between $1,498 and $6,712. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,611 and $9,724 when moving from Seattle to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Seattle to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $8,500 up to $14,344.
Cost of moving containers from Seattle to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Seattle to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $1,441 and $3,560 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,556 up to $5,619. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,636 and $7,092. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Washington.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Seattle to Charleston move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,597 and $3,252. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,678 to $3,725. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,185 and $4,663.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Seattle to Charleston
The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Seattle to Charleston might be as low as $3,084, while a four-bedroom could reach $13,533.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Seattle.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,597 to $4,211 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 42% higher for singles and -19% higher for families than Seattle.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Seattle versus $3,740 in Seattle; families pay $7,890 compared with $9,801.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Seattle | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 27% higher in Charleston than in Seattle, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 34% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 20% lower in Charleston than in Seattle.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 42% greater than in Seattle. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 19% lower than in Seattle.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 17% lower than Seattle, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Charleston than Seattle, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Seattle and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Seattle than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Charleston.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Charleston
| Seattle | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 50 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 80% less than Seattle.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Seattle’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Seattle’s 74 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 44.97 compared to Seattle’s 58.88. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 55.03 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Charleston move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to The Holy City? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Seattle to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Seattle to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Seattle to Charleston take?
Covering 2,937 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to Charleston, 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.
Do movers in Seattle offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Seattle can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Seattle, 48 movers can handle pianos. 36 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WA, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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