How to Choose the Best Local Mover in North Charleston
You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to look for when hiring movers in North Charleston.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of a local move in North Charleston is $49 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,088 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, home size, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your moving company to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Visit sites such as Yelp, social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot to learn about the typical customer experience with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in North Charleston must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your moving company must be registered with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS).
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Assess whether your chosen mover can deliver the services that align with your expectations while obtaining quotes. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and noting any services you might require. Notify your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to determine if the company can provide suitable service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following services in the base price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, communicate any special services you require. The following services may lead to increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in North Charleston, SC
Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in North Charleston.
Schedule an Early Move
North Charleston sometimes sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be a challenge in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. You can avoid this by booking movers several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with North Charleston's hottest time of year. This can impact your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. Plan ahead and secure your desired moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
Most movers won't transport items that haven't been packed by the scheduled moving time. We suggest you begin packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Spending time packing a few boxes each day can get it done without overwhelming you.
How Much do Movers Cost in North Charleston, SC
Movers in North Charleston cost $2,588 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,549 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,588 | $2,827 | $6,549 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,198 | $3,422 | $10,084 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,228 | $3,958 | $10,187 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,097 | $5,010 | $12,297 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in North Charleston
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