Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Madison to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Charleston.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Charleston?
Movers in Wisconsin charge 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 | $1,191 – $4,738 | $858 – $2,135 | $652 – $1,328 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,715 – $5,861 | $1,552 – $2,857 | $748 – $1,548 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,493 – $8,559 | $1,955 – $4,004 | $958 – $1,847 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,191 and $4,738. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,715 to $5,861 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Charleston typically runs between $4,493 and $8,559.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Charleston
When moving from Madison to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $858 and $2,135. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,552 to $2,857. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,955 up to $4,004. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $652 and $1,328. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $748 and $1,548. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $958 and $1,847.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Charleston
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,334, but larger homes can run up to $7,002.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($652–$1,725) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 131% higher for singles and 45% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 56% more expensive than it is in Madison; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 52% higher in Charleston than in Madison.
- The average income in Charleston and Madison is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 131% more than in Madison. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 45% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 21% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 64% higher in Charleston than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 8% lower in South Carolina compared to Wisconsin. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Madison | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Charleston.
How life is different in Madison vs. Charleston
| Madison | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 50 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 44% less than Madison.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Charleston is less walkable than Madison with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 44.97 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 55.03 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Charleston take?
A move of 1,060 miles from Madison, WI to Charleston, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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