Moving from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC requires careful planning. Finding movers, securing housing, getting a job, and familiarizing yourself with your new city can be overwhelming. We’re here to help simplify these tasks. Here’s a guide to help you make the move from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC.
Table of Contents
Distance Between Charleston and Raleigh
Raleigh is located northeast of Charleston. The move from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC is around 280 miles. This out-of-state drive will take a little over four hours.
Planning for Your Move
Planning your move can be a very daunting task. Here’s a simplified list to help you get started, including some crucial tasks to complete before your move.
- Find a moving company
- Plan for additional costs
- Finding a neighborhood to live in
- Budget for new cost of living
- Budget for new house expenses
- Find a new job
- Find schooling options
- Find new places to visit
Types of Moving Companies
Depending on your move, there are many types of moving companies to choose from. For an out-of-state move, you need to consider companies that specialize in such services.
One option is a traditional moving company, which assists with every aspect of your move. They handle packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your items. Many traditional moving companies also provide packing supplies, eliminating the need to purchase your own.
Another option is a labor-only moving company, which helps only with the heavy lifting, such as loading and unloading. These companies are usually more budget-friendly.
Moving Companies in the Area
Now that we’ve discussed the type of moving companies let’s look at some of your options. Since you’re moving out of state, we’ll look at moving companies in Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC.
Moving Companies in Charleston, SC
Here are some local moving companies you can consider 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 Raleigh, NC
Here are some local moving companies in Raleigh you can consider hiring.
- UniMovers- labor-only moving company
- Miracle Movers Raleigh- traditional moving company
- Little Guys Moving- 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 Raleigh
Now that we’ve discussed moving companies, let’s talk about the cost of moving from Charleston to Raleigh. It’s important to know these costs will vary depending on which movers you hire. We’ll use UniMovers rates since they’re located in Charleston and Raleigh.
Cost of Labor
UniMovers charges by the hour with a two mover and two-hour minimum per move. The rates also depend on the number of movers assisting you. Here are the estimated rates for your area, which include loading and unloading your moving vehicle. Additional services like packing and assembly will take more time and thus increase the overall cost of services.
| Apartment/House Type | Size (square ft) | 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 | $1680-$2400 |
| Large House | 3000+ ft2 | 4-6 Movers | 10+ Hours | $2400+ |
Additional Moving Expenses
Moving involves many additional expenses beyond hiring a moving company. The two major costs to budget for are truck rental and moving supplies.
If you hire labor-only movers, you’ll need to rent a moving truck. To keep costs down, rent a truck appropriately sized for your belongings. Renting a truck that’s too big will leave you paying for unused space.
Moving supplies can be expensive when buying new. Use items you already have to save money, such as totes, drawers, and baskets. You can also ask local businesses for free boxes.
Top Neighborhoods in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC is full of many amazing neighborhoods you can live in. Not sure where to start looking? Here are some of the top neighborhoods in Raleigh for you to check out.
- Georgetown
- Glenwood
- Caraleigh Mills
- Fairmount
- Sunset Hills
Expenses to Prepare For
Moving to a new city has many additional expenses you need to plan for. Two expenses to consider are the cost-of-living differences and buying new home supplies.
Cost of Living in Charleston versus Raleigh
The cost of living in Charleston, SC is 2% lower than the national average. Moving to Raleigh will reduce your cost of living slightly, as it’s 4% lower than the national average. This small difference can give you a bit more flexibility in your monthly budget, potentially leaving you with some extra money each month.
New Decorations and House Supplies
When creating a move budget, it’s important to set aside money for new items you’ll want in your home. These can include essential housing supplies and fun decorations to make your new place feel like home.
Handling the New City
Moving to a new city can be both intimidating and stressful. Here are some important things to consider when moving to Raleigh, NC.
Finding a New Job in Raleigh
Finding a new job in Raleigh will depend greatly on your profession. Some of the highest-paying jobs in the city are software engineer, attorney, account executive, and project manager.
The average annual salary in Raleigh is $70,782, which equates to about $34 per hour for a 40-hour work week. The typical salary range in the city is between $52,517 and $87,353 per year.
Finding Schooling in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC, is home to many excellent school districts, with numerous smaller districts in the neighboring towns. You’ll have plenty of options for both public and private schools in and around Raleigh.
Raleigh also boasts many colleges, including 10 traditional public colleges and several private universities. The largest college in the area is North Carolina State University.
Top Places to Visit in the City
Raleigh, NC is full of new places to visit and activities to do. Here are the top places to visit in the city.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Pullen Park
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Umstead State Park
Not looking forward to cooking after your big move? Here are the top restaurants to enjoy in Raleigh.
- Hummingbird
- Death and Taxes
- St. Roch Fine Oysters & Bar
- Stanbury
Conclusion
Moving from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC requires careful planning. With the help of movers, this out-of-state move can go smoothly. Proper budgeting can also reduce the costs associated with renting a moving truck and purchasing moving supplies.
Moving to Raleigh opens numerous opportunities. You’ll find a variety of neighborhoods and job options in this vibrant city. There are also plenty of attractions to explore, from scenic sights to restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Raleigh promises an exciting new chapter..
FAQ
The move itself can be cheap if you budget correctly. Hiring a moving company, renting a truck, and getting moving supplies can add up quickly. However, the cost of living in Raleigh is cheaper so you will be saving money in the future.
Raleigh is full of many opportunities to help further your life. There are many new job opportunities, schooling options, and neighborhoods to live in. Additionally, there are many unique parks and sites to visit in the city.
The moving company you want to hire depends on your budget and what services you’re looking for. If you want help with all aspects of the move traditional movers are for you. If you want to save a little money and get help with the heavy lifting, then labor-only movers may be a better option.
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.
