Local moving companies in Santa Ana
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Executive Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company

DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 USMoving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customersโ94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the moversโ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies. Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Alternative Business Names
- NorthStar Moving Corporation
Meathead Movers

DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USMeathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meat Head Movers Inc
- Meathead Movers Inc
Maison Moving

DOT #: 76628
Years in Business: 17
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 USWord spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings. Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 76628
- State license #: 0190726
Alternative Business Names
- Orange County Movers Inc
- College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County
- Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Local Associations
Executive Moving Systems

DOT #: 614506
Years in Business: 41
2910 East White Star Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806 USExecutive Moving Systems stands out for its highly professional team, careful handling of items, clear communication, and swift, efficient moving process, as highlighted by 77% of the 148 reviews analyzed. Movers earned strong praise for their politeness, organization, and ability to deliver damage-free moves, often exceeding customer expectations. Many noted jobs were completed quickly and on schedule, with helpful office staff and transparent service descriptions. On the downside, 21% of the feedback described incidents where items were damaged, communication fell short after booking, or unexpected charges increased costs significantly. A few customers reported broken or missing belongings and struggled with claims or delayed responses from the company. Compared to many movers, EMS receives notably more consistent praise for staff professionalism and reliability, but some negative accounts reinforce the importance of ongoing communication and attentive claims support. Most customers recommend EMS, but first-time users are urged to stay proactive about confirming arrangements and costs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- DOT #: 614506
- State license #: 0166469
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Executive Moving Systems Inc
Trek Movers

DOT #: 3256910
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 9
5200 Irvine Blvd A, Irvine, CA 92620 USMoving experiences don't get much better than with Trek Movers, according to a thorough analysis of 1,359 customer feedback reports. An outstanding 95.6% of input is positive, making Trek Movers one of the highest-rated moving companies in the market. Customers repeatedly highlight efficient service, meticulous care for belongings, polite and professional staff, quick moves, and great communication. Friendly movers arrive on schedule, treat items with respect, and follow up as needed. In comparison to other companies, reports of property damage, surprise costs, or slow arrivals are rare, but some customers did encounter issues with higher-than-expected bills, instances of item damage, or delayed service. Negative experiences, though infrequent, often relate to pricing or isolated mishandled moves. Only a handful of reviews are neutral, usually referencing minor miscommunications or logistical inconveniences. Trek Movers sets a high bar in the moving industry for reliability and attention to detail, easily outperforming many competitors on trust, speed, and professionalism.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3256910
- State license #: 0191956
Alternative Business Names
- Trek Solutions LLC
- Trek Movers Inc
Factors influencing moving costs from Santa Ana to Charleston
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Charleston
Moving from Santa Ana to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Santa Ana than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Santa Ana compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Santa Ana | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,650 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $843,858 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 6% lower than in Santa Ana, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 33.7% lower than in Santa Ana. - Income in Charleston is 19.4% lower than in Santa Ana, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 16.3% lower than in Santa Ana. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 29.3% lower than in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 42.86% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 2.70% lower than in Santa Ana.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Santa Ana.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,510.66 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Charleston
Charleston | Santa Ana | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 310,227 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 7 |
Walkability score | 40 | 67 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 62 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 54.17 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 45.83 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston's population is about 52% less than Santa Ana.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Santa Ana's higher score of 7.
- Charleston is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 44.97 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 55.03 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Santa Ana it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana 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.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina, itโs the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- 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 Santa Ana to Charleston?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Santa Ana to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Charleston take?
The 2,469-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Charleston, SC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.