How Much Do Charleston, SC Movers Cost?
Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Charleston is $134 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $490 to $4,422, on average. If you’re moving out of South Carolina, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Charleston really depends on where you’re moving.
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Average cost to hire interstate movers in Charleston, SC
Since the cost of moving out of Charleston depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Charleston or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Charleston
The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Charleston depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you’re moving.
Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:
- Charleston to Los Angeles: $2,618–$5,298
- Charleston to New York City: $1,973–$3,708
- Charleston to Chicago: $1,992–$4,177
- Charleston to Brooklyn: $1,785–$3,940
- Charleston to Queens: $1,841–$3,708
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Charleston
As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Charleston can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.
Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Charleston:
- Charleston to Los Angeles: $3,752–$6,341
- Charleston to New York City: $2,183–$4,961
- Charleston to Chicago: $2,297–$5,229
- Charleston to Brooklyn: $2,294–$5,057
- Charleston to Queens: $2,206–$4,672
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Charleston
The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of South Carolina will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.
While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Charleston:
- Charleston to Los Angeles: $6,448–$10,855
- Charleston to New York City: $3,831–$6,289
- Charleston to Chicago: $3,794–$6,838
- Charleston to Brooklyn: $3,680–$6,224
- Charleston to Queens: $3,793–$6,808
Best interstate moving companies in Charleston, SC
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Charleston should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Average cost to hire a local moving company in Charleston, SC
Hiring a full-service Charleston mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Charleston move.
If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading and they transport your belongings in Charleston for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.
Here are the average moving costs from Charleston to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $2,137 - $5,414 | $1,320 - $2,609 | $543 - $1,120 |
| Kansas City | $2,444 - $5,975 | $1,515 - $3,219 | $812 - $1,717 |
| Sioux Falls | $2,781 - $6,136 | $1,721 - $3,710 | $985 - $2,203 |
And here's how much professional movers cost in Charleston based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $188 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $678 | $188 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $1,091 | $263 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $2,510 | $368 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,878 | $368 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $4,422 | $515 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Charleston to move a studio apartment is $188 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
- One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Charleston apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $188, and require two movers.
- Two bedrooms: It will cost $263 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Charleston to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
- Three bedrooms: Local Charleston movers charge an average hourly rate of $368 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
- Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Charleston, you can expect to pay $368 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
- Five or more bedrooms: If your Charleston home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $515 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.
It's worth noting the cost per hour for Charleston movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $188 per hour for two movers to $515 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.
Overall, hiring local Charleston movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Charleston move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in Charleston, SC
Our expert team of analysts has dug deep into licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to find you the best local moving companies in Charleston.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Strong Men Moving : 4 out of 5 stars
- Efficient Service
- Professional Team
- Courteous & Friendly Movers
- Late Arrivals
- Miscommunication About Pricing
- Occasional Damage to Items
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Smooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and Courteous Staff
- Efficient and Careful with Belongings
- Good Communication from Certain Crews
- Hidden Fees
- Damage to Furniture
- Poor Customer Service and Communication
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
All My Sons Moving & Storage has been serving Charleston, SC, with local residential moving services since 2000. While their Yelp profile reflects mixed feedback with an average rating of 1.6 from 99 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a much more favorable 4.5 average rating from 1,390 reviews, and they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and the ability to move specialty items like pianos, antiques, and safes. They accept credit cards, though a deposit is required. For those seeking a well-established moving company with diverse service offerings, All My Sons Moving & Storage presents a reputable option.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Excellent Service
- Polite and Courteous Crew
- Efficient and Careful Handling
- Punctuality Issues
- Cleanliness Concerns
- Minor Damage to Furniture
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2362770
Low Country Moving, LLC has been providing local residential moving services in and around Mt. Pleasant, SC since 2013. Known for their efficiency and care, they also offer specialized services such as piano and art moving, making them stand out among nearby competitors. Despite an average Yelp rating of 4.4 from 38 reviews, their Better Business Bureau rating of F may give potential clients pause. With no deposit required and a competitive rate of $150 per hour for a local move, they present a viable option for those seeking comprehensive and specialized moving services.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Efficient Communication
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Quick and Easy Moving Process
- Inappropriate Team Behavior
- Failure to Complete the Move as Agreed
- Stressful Experience Due to Missing Items
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2868021
Cougar Moving, based in North Charleston, SC, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2011. Known for their exceptional service, the company boasts a 4.7 average rating from 43 Yelp reviews and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, making them a standout choice compared to other nearby moving companies. Offering a competitive rate of $124 per hour for local moves, Cougar Moving also provides labor-only services and accepts both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their stellar reputation and flexible payment options make them a reliable option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Professional Service
- Efficient and Careful Handling
- Excellent Communication
- Poor Time Management
- Unexpected Charges
- Damaged Items
Company Info
State license #: 9865
Strong Men Moving offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Mount Pleasant, SC. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like piano moving, without requiring a deposit. Their customer reviews tell a contrasting story; while their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.7 average rating across 114 reviews, their Yelp profile holds a lower average of 1.7 from 11 reviews. This discrepancy suggests varied customer experiences but indicates a generally positive reputation, making them a strong local choice for your moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Visit our best movers in Charleston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Charleston, consider one of Charleston’s top long-distance movers.
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Average cost of PODS in Charleston, SC
PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Charleston. The exact PODS cost you’ll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.
A local Charleston move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Charleston can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.
Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:
- Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
- Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
- Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)
If you’re looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You’ll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it’s loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won’t have to worry about driving.
PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Phoenix based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.
Best moving containers in Charleston, SC
The best Charleston moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.
Check out these highly rated moving containers:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Average cost to rent a moving truck in Charleston, SC
You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Charleston will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Charleston ranges from $19-$39 per day.
While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.
Here are the typical costs of Charleston rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19–$39 per day
- Mileage fee: $0.69–$0.99 per mile
- Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
- Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
- Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets
The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:
- How far you drive the truck
- How long you have the truck rental
- Additional insurance
- Parking
- Toll fees
- Fuel
- Accommodations and dining
- Moving equipment rentals
Best moving truck rentals in Charleston, SC
The best moving truck rentals in Charleston provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.
These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Charleston, SC
The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Charleston is an hourly rate of $67 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $133.95 per hour to hire labor assistance in Charleston.
Best labor-only moving companies in Charleston
The best Charleston labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.
We like these top-notch labor-only movers:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Factors that affect the cost of movers in Charleston, SC
The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Charleston, SC, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:
- The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
- When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
- The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
- Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.
Quick tips for a stress-free move
- Have important documentation.
Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance
and elevator reservation on moving day.
- Get approval.
Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Secure a parking permit (if needed). Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts
- Check state licensing laws. 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.
- Invest in moving 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.
Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.
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