Considering moving from Charleston, SC, to Charlotte, NC? This out-of-state move requires careful planning including budgeting, hiring movers, and preparing your new home. We’re here to guide you to a smooth transition from Charleston to Charlotte.
Table of Contents
Distance Between Charleston and Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, is located northwest of Charleston, SC. The distance between the two cities is approximately 200 miles, with a drive time of about three hours.
Planning for Your Move
The easiest way to start planning your move is by making a list of everything you need to accomplish. Here’s a basic checklist for moving to a new city.
- Find a Moving Company
- Plan for Additional Costs
- Hiring Movers
- Packing Supplies
- Renting a Moving Vehicle
- Find a Neighborhood to Live In
- Budget for New Cost of Living
- Budget for New Home Expenses
- Find a New Job
- Find Schooling Options
- Find New Places to Visit
Types of Moving Companies
There are two main types of moving companies: traditional and labor-only.
Traditional moving companies handle every aspect of your move, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and reassembly. Some also offer additional services like storage, packing supplies, and vehicle transportation, ensuring professionals manage every part of your move.
Labor-only moving companies focus on the heavy lifting. They assist with assembly, disassembly, and loading and unloading your vehicle, while you’re responsible for renting a moving truck and transporting your belongings. This option allows you to be more in control of your move and can potentially save you money.
Moving Companies in the Area
Now that we’ve talked about different types of moving companies, let’s look at companies in your area.
Moving Companies in Charleston
Here are some top companies you can consider when hiring a moving company in Charleston, SC.
- UniMovers: Labor-Only Moving Company
- All My Sons Moving and Storage: Traditional Moving Company
- Holy City Moving: Labor-Only Moving Company
Moving Companies in Charlotte
Here are some of the top moving companies to choose from in Charlotte, NC.
- UniMovers: Labor-Only Moving Company
- Miracle Movers: Traditional Moving Company
- Two Men and a Truck: Traditional Moving Company
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
The Cost of Moving from Charleston to Charlotte
Let’s take a closer look at the cost of moving from Charleston, SC, to Charlotte, NC. Labor costs can vary depending on the moving company you choose. For a rough estimate, we’ll use UniMovers’ rates, as they operate in both Charleston and Charlotte.
Cost of Labor
UniMovers charges by the hour, with a two-hour minimum. The rates vary based on the number of movers you need. Below are the estimated rates for your area, which include both loading and unloading your moving vehicle.
| Apartment/House Type | Size (ft2) | Number of Movers | Hours | Cost |
| Studio/Small Apartment | 400-600 ft2 | 2 Movers | 3-4 Hours | $360-$480 |
| 1-3 Bedroom Apartment | 700-1200 ft2 | 2 Movers | 4-5 Hours | $480-$600 |
| 2-3 Bedroom Home | 1200-1600 ft2 | 3 Movers | 5-7 Hours | $900-$1260 |
| 3-4 Bedroom Home | 1500-2200 ft2 | 3 Movers | 7-8 Hours | $1260-$1440 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 2000-3000 ft2 | 4 Movers | 7-10 Hours | $1260-$2400 |
| Large House | 3000+ ft2 | 4-6 Movers | 10+ Hours | $2400+ |
Additional Moving Expenses
In addition to hiring movers, you’ll need to budget for other moving expenses. Two significant costs are packing supplies and renting a moving truck.
Want to save a little money on your move? Consider getting free packing supplies from friends or local businesses. Also, be sure to rent a moving truck that’s the right size for your belongings. Avoid paying for extra space you don’t need!
Top Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Unsure where to live in Charlotte, NC? The city offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in Charlotte.
- Uptown Charlotte
- Ballantyne
- South Park
- South End
- NoDa
Expenses To Prepare For
Your moving budget should account for more than just labor costs, truck rental, and moving supplies. Be sure to consider additional expenses like changes in the cost of living and purchasing new items for your new home.
Cost of Living in Charleston vs Charlotte
The cost of living in Charleston, SC is the same as the national average. When moving to Charlotte, NC your cost of living will shift to 3% lower than the national average. This means you can expect a decrease in monthly expenses for housing, utilities, and food, potentially giving you some extra money each month.
Here is an average expectation for your normal expenses by category.
- Monthly Rent- $1,651
- Energy Bill- $162.05
- Milk (per gallon)- $4.68
- Gasoline (per gallon)- $3.09
New Decorations and Home Supplies
New decorations and home supplies can make your new place feel like home. However, it’s important to budget for these items to avoid overspending.
Handling the New City
Ready to explore your new city? Let’s dive into the opportunities that await you in Charlotte.
Finding a New Job in Charlotte
Finding a job in your new city is essential and Charlotte offers plenty of opportunities! The average salary in Charlotte is $68,880 per year, or $33 per hour. The 25th percentile earns $49,647 per year and the top earners make around $96,826 per year. High-paying roles in the city include vice president, software engineer, director, and attorney.
Some of the top industries in Charlotte include banking, financial services, manufacturing, and energy. The top employers in some of these industries are the Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Duke Energy.
Finding Schooling in Charlotte
If you’re moving to Charlotte with your family, finding a school district will likely be on your to-do list. The city offers numerous public and private school options.
Top public school districts include Fort Mill School District and Union County Public Schools. For private schools, consider Cannon School and Providence Day School.
Top Places to Visit in the City
Let’s explore your new city! Here are some of the top places to visit in Charlotte, NC.
Not looking forward to cooking right after you move in? Eat out at one of the top restaurants in Charlotte, NC.
Conclusion
Moving from Charleston to Charlotte may seem daunting, but with proper planning, it can go smoothly. By budgeting, hiring movers, gathering supplies, and familiarizing yourself with your new city in advance, you can ensure a seamless transition.
Charlotte, NC offers many opportunities, including diverse neighborhoods, plenty of job opportunities, and a variety of school districts. With its numerous attractions and activities, the city promises exciting new adventures and a vibrant lifestyle.
FAQ
The choice of moving company depends on what services you require. Traditional moving companies are perfect if you want help with all aspects of your move. Labor-only moving companies are a good choice if you only want help with the heavy lifting and you want to save a little money.
Charlotte has a slightly lower cost of living compared to Charleston. You can expect your monthly expenses for housing, utilities, and food to be somewhat lower than what you’re accustomed to.
Charlotte is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions. From beaches and parks to amusement parks and shopping centers, Charlotte offers a wide range of activities and places to explore.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
