Best South Carolina to Washington Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SC to WA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state is not just a change of address, it's embarking on an exciting adventure that promises new beginnings. Leaving behind South Carolina's warm, hospitable charm for Washington's lush landscapes and innovative spirit can be exhilarating, yet emotional. To ensure this journey is as smooth as possible, it's critical to choose trusted and reliable professional movers, like us at Great Guys Moving, to navigate this long-distance transition with ease.

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Best South Carolina to Washington Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Seattle Moves & More9.54A+Authorized For HHGContact
Swamp Rabbit Moving9.34C+Authorized For HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Smooth Move Charleston9.21A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bearded Movers & Logistics9.20NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to South Carolina guide.

6 Best SC to WA Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

S
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
S
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,278+ data points

About Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving is a South Carolina business specializing in local and long-distance moves. From its location in Greer, this company can...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing/Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3449704 / 1163908

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved300,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
3
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 743+ data points

About Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Luxury Movers Moving Company is a Myrtle Beach-based moving company that serves all surrounding areas, including Horry, Georgetown, Marion, ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long-Distance Move
  • Apartment Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3288750 / 1041081

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Smooth Move Charleston Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About Smooth Move Charleston

With locations in Rock Hill and Charleston, South Carolina, Smooth Move is a locally owned and operated moving company that is certified by ...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Packing and Unpacking
  • Short or Long Distance Moves
  • Residential or Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2357653 / 834668

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Bearded Movers & Logistics Logo
Exceptional9.20/10
based on 605+ data points

About Bearded Movers & Logistics

Website Information: Established in Greenville, South Carolina, Bearded Movers & Logistics is a locally-owned and operated moving company th...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3802279 / 1369057

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved80 (2020)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Washington

Moving from South Carolina to Washington offers a mixed bag of experiences. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the pros and cons associated with transitioning between South Carolina and Washington, allowing for a well-rounded decision-making process.

CONs
PROs
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot humid summers
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Lower minimum wage
Washington iconWashington
  • Milder summers
  • Tech industry jobs
  • Higher living wage
Washington iconWashington
  • Higher expenses
  • Less Southern comfort food
  • Faster pace
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Traditional Southern cuisine
  • Slower pace of life

Whether moving to enjoy the milder summers of Washington or seeking opportunities in its booming tech industry, this transition comes with changes beyond the weather and job market. Washington boasts vibrant urban environments such as Seattle's Capitol Hill district, known for its lively bars, unique shops like Elliott Bay Book Company, and abundant green spaces such as the iconic Cal Anderson Park. However, the shift to Washington's higher cost of living and faster lifestyle can be a culture shock for those accustomed to South Carolina's slower pace and the warmth of its traditional Southern hospitality and cuisine. This balance of benefits and challenges reflects the complexities of such a move, with benefits like Washington's natural beauty and economic opportunities weighed against the higher living costs and the need for a raincoat over a sunhat.

South Carolina vs. Washington Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape of your new home is crucial as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll explore this comparison of the local cuisine between South Carolina & Washington to give you a taste of what your future holds in either state.

South CarolinaWashington
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsSalmon
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQPho with Beef
Most popular street food itemFried Green TomatoesTacos
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensRamen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Poogan's Porch
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Salumi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

South Carolina and Washington provide distinct culinary experiences, deeply rooted in their local cultures and available resources. In South Carolina, the historic city of Charleston is home to iconic eateries like Husk and Hominy Grill, where Southern comfort food reigns supreme with dishes like Shrimp and Grits. Meanwhile, Washington's food scene is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a rich Asian culinary tradition, with places like Canlis in Seattle offering fresh Salmon dishes. Seattle also stands out for its vibrant street food scene, particularly with its diverse array of food trucks offering everything from Tacos to gourmet Ramen, reflecting the state's high marks in food culture and vegan-friendliness.

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South Carolina vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. Comparing housing aspects between South Carolina and Washington highlights the variations in cost, lifestyle, and infrastructure, providing a clearer view of what to expect. This comparison aims to elucidate these differences.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Charleston styleCraftsman, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLakeside views, large yardsEco-friendly features, proximity to tech hubs

In both South Carolina and Washington, the housing markets reflect the unique aspects of each state's geography, culture, and economy. South Carolina, known for its charming colonial and Charleston-style homes, offers a more laid-back lifestyle with spacious properties at comparatively lower costs. In contrast, Washington's housing market is heavily influenced by its robust tech industry, leading to higher property costs but also featuring homes with eco-friendly innovations and a stronger emphasis on urban living. Additionally, Washington's higher walkability and bikeability scores signify a more convenient and active lifestyle, particularly in urban areas like Seattle. Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and needs.

South Carolina vs. Washington Weather Considerations

When considering a move from South Carolina to Washington, it's essential to grasp how the weather differs between these two states. Understanding climate variations will help you adjust to your new environment seamlessly. This comparison aims to highlight the key meteorological differences you'll encounter, forming a critical part of your relocation decision.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

South Carolina

75°F / 55°F

Washington

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 38°F

South Carolina

47°F / 36°F

Washington

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.8"

South Carolina

38.4"

Washington

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1"

South Carolina

20"

Washington

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth CarolinaWashington
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsVolcanoes, Earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the warm, humid climate of South Carolina to the cooler, more variable weather in Washington will require some adjustments. Washington experiences fewer days of sunshine and higher average humidity, making it feel quite different from the sunny, drier South Carolina summer. One striking difference lies in the winter temperatures and snowfall—Washington's colder winters with more significant snowfall contrast sharply with South Carolina's milder winters. Additionally, the types of natural disasters common in each state vary greatly, with South Carolina more prone to hurricanes and floods, while Washington faces risks from volcanoes and earthquakes. Anticipating these changes in weather patterns and natural disaster risks will be crucial for a smooth transition to life in Washington.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Carolina to Washington

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to consider how your finances will be affected. This comparison aims to outline the differences in key financial aspects between South Carolina and Washington, helping you understand what to expect. The comparison chart below highlights South Carolina and Washington across various money and finance topics, essential for anyone planning the move.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaWashington
Avg. Household Income$64,115$91,306
Cost of Living Index96.85104.1
State Income Tax0 - 7%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax7.46%9.23%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, AgricultureTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh

While South Carolina offers a lower cost of living and attractive average property tax rates, Washington entices with its significantly higher average household income and no state income tax. However, Washington's higher cost of living and sales tax rate can offset some of these financial advantages. The industry landscapes in both states also suggest diverse job markets, with South Carolina focusing more on manufacturing and tourism, whereas Washington stands out for its booming technology and aerospace industries. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

South Carolina vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison

This quick guide aims to provide a snapshot of the comparison of the politics between South Carolina & Washington , giving you an overview of the political and religious makeup of the two states you're moving from and to. It's crafted to help you understand the community and demographic differences at a glance.

South CarolinaWashington
Political Make-upTraditionally RepublicanLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative with a strong focus on local governanceProgressive, especially in urban areas like Seattle and Tacoma
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly ChristianMore secular, diverse religious communities

Moving from South Carolina to Washington, you'll transition from a traditionally Republican stronghold to a state that leans more Democratic, especially in urban areas such as Seattle and Tacoma. The local politics of Washington might appear more progressive compared to the conservative governance you're used to. Additionally, you might notice a significant shift in religious makeup, from a predominantly Christian community to a more secular and religiously diverse society. This could affect your social interactions and community engagement in your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Washington

Moving can be a big decision, especially when it comes to education for you or your family. In this guide, we aim to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Carolina and Washington to make an informed decision.

South CarolinaWashington

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Clemson Elementary (Clemson)
Cascade K-8 (Shoreline)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
The Bush School (Seattle)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Dutch Fork Middle School (Irmo)
Ocean Bay Middle School (Myrtle Beach)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)
Environmental & Adventure School (Kirkland)
Washington Middle School (Seattle)

Top 3 High Schools

Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Mayo High School for Math
Science & Technology (Darlington)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)

Top 3 private high schools

Porter-Gaud (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Trident Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Greenville Classical Academy (Simpsonville)
Cambridge Academy (Greenwood)
The Bush School (Seattle)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)

Top 3 School Districts

Lexington 1
Charleston County
Greenville County
Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District

In comparing the educational landscapes of South Carolina and Washington, several key differences stand out. For instance, South Carolina offers a blend of historical and highly regarded institutions like the Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston, known for its rigorous academics, compared to Washington's focus on innovative and STEM-oriented schools such as Tesla STEM High School in Redmond. Furthermore, Washington's dedication to providing unique learning experiences is evident in its top private K-12 schools like The Bush School in Seattle, which promotes experiential learning. Meanwhile, South Carolina boasts strong private institutions like the Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, with a rich tradition in academic excellence. This comparative insight should aid you in discerning which state aligns better with your educational preferences and needs.

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