As one of the premier moving companies serving the Charleston area since 2008, we at Low Country Moving Specialists have helped thousands of families and individuals relocate to our beautiful region. The Lowcountry of South Carolina offers a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities that continues to attract new residents from across the country. Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or simply seeking a change of pace, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the intricacies of relocating to Charleston and its surrounding communities.
Understanding the Lowcountry Region
“Lowcountry” refers to South Carolina’s coastal region, characterized by its distinctive geography of marshes, estuaries, and sea islands. The area encompasses Charleston and surrounding communities, including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and Johns Island. Each area offers its own unique lifestyle and advantages, but they all share the region’s characteristic southern hospitality, rich history, and natural beauty.
Charleston
As the cultural and economic hub of the Lowcountry, Charleston consistently ranks among America’s top cities. Known for its well-preserved historic district, vibrant culinary scene, and charming cobblestone streets, Charleston offers a lifestyle that balances tradition with modern convenience. Housing options range from historic downtown properties to newer developments in the surrounding areas.
Moving to downtown Charleston presents unique challenges due to narrow streets, historic preservation requirements, and parking limitations. As experienced local furniture movers in Charleston, we recommend scheduling your move during off-peak tourism seasons and working with a company familiar with the historic district’s regulations.
Mount Pleasant
Just across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant has evolved from a small town into a thriving suburb. The area offers excellent schools, shopping at Towne Centre, access to beaches, and beautiful neighborhoods ranging from historic Old Village to newer planned communities.
Mount Pleasant’s rapid growth means it combines established neighborhoods with new developments. Our team at Low Country Moving Specialists has extensive experience navigating both the older, narrower streets of established areas and the newer communities with specific moving regulations.
Summerville
Known as “The Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville offers a more relaxed pace while providing easy access to Charleston. The town features a charming downtown district, more affordable housing options, and the annual Flowertown Festival, celebrating its azalea blooms.
Summerville’s growing popularity means new neighborhoods are continuously being developed. When moving to Summerville, it’s crucial to consider commute times if you’ll be working in Charleston and to familiarize yourself with the town’s distinct communities, each with its own character and amenities.
Goose Creek and Moncks Corner
These northern communities offer more affordable housing options and a suburban lifestyle while maintaining proximity to Charleston’s amenities. Goose Creek is home to the Naval Weapons Station, making it popular with military families, while Moncks Corner provides a more rural feel with access to Lake Moultrie and the Francis Marion National Forest.
Both areas feature newer housing developments with wider streets and better access, often making the physical moving process smoother. However, as professional movers serving Goose Creek and Moncks Corner, we recommend planning ahead for longer transit times to and from Charleston.
Johns Island
As one of Charleston’s sea islands, Johns Island offers a more rural and natural setting with its majestic live oaks (including the famous Angel Oak Tree), working farms, and marshfront properties. The island is experiencing significant growth while working to maintain its natural beauty and agricultural heritage.
Moving to Johns Island requires consideration of the limited access points to the island and potential traffic during peak hours. Our moving specialists know the island’s layout and can help plan the most efficient moving schedule.
Preparing for Your Lowcountry Move
Best Time to Move to the Lowcountry
While the Charleston area enjoys relatively mild winters, the summer can be extremely hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms that complicate moving days. Additionally, hurricane season (June through November) introduces another layer of consideration. Based on our experience, the ideal times to move to the Lowcountry are:
April to May: Pleasant temperatures, beautiful blooming flowers, and before the extreme summer heat sets in
September to November: After the peak of hurricane season, with gradually cooling temperatures and lower humidity
Regardless of when you move, working with a professional moving company that understands local weather patterns can help mitigate potential challenges.
Understanding Local Housing Trends
The Charleston housing market remains competitive, with variations across neighborhoods and communities. Working with a local real estate agent familiar with the specific area you’re interested in is invaluable. Some considerations when choosing where to live include:
Flood zones and insurance requirements (particularly important in coastal areas)
Homeowners association (HOA) rules and moving restrictions
School districts (Dorchester District Two in Summerville and Mount Pleasant schools are highly rated)
Commute times (traffic across bridges can be significant during rush hours)
Navigating the Moving Process
Before Your Move
1. Research Moving Companies: Look for companies with specific experience in the Charleston area and check reviews from local customers. At [Low Country Moving Specialists](https://www.lowcountrymoving.com/), we pride ourselves on knowing the unique aspects of moving in the Lowcountry region.
2. Schedule Early: Particularly if moving during popular times (summer months or at month’s end), book your moving company at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
3. Understand Access Limitations: If moving to historic Charleston or specific planned communities, verify any restrictions on moving truck sizes, permitted moving hours, or required elevator reservations for condominiums.
4. Plan for Weather Contingencies: During summer months, consider scheduling your move for early morning to avoid afternoon heat and potential thunderstorms.
During Your Move
1. Protect Against Humidity: The Lowcountry’s high humidity can affect furniture and belongings. Professional movers use appropriate wrapping and protection techniques to guard against moisture damage.
2. Navigate Local Traffic Patterns: An experienced local moving company will know the best routes and times to avoid the Lowcountry’s traffic hotspots, particularly around bridges and major intersections.
3. Address Unique Home Layouts: Many historic homes and newer coastal properties feature unique architectural elements that require specialized moving techniques. Our furniture moving specialists are trained to navigate narrow staircases, tight doorways, and elevated homes on stilts.
Settling Into Your New Lowcountry Home
Community Integration
The Lowcountry is known for its strong sense of community. To help you feel at home:
Attend local events like the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, the Cooper River Bridge Run, or farmers’ markets in your area
Join neighborhood associations or community groups
Explore local parks and recreation areas, from Waterfront Park in Charleston to Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant
Adapting to Lowcountry Living
Weather Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with hurricane evacuation routes and preparation procedures
Cultural Experiences: Embrace local traditions, from oyster roasts to sweetgrass basket making
Local Resources: Register for library cards, find nearby medical facilities, and identify essential services in your new community
How Low Country Moving Specialists Can Help
As a locally owned and operated company since 2008, Low Country Moving Specialists brings unmatched regional expertise to your relocation. Our services include:
Full-Service Moving: From packing and loading to transportation and unpacking
Furniture Moving: Specialized care for valuable and delicate pieces
Labor-Only Options: For those who need assistance loading and unloading but have their own transportation
Local Knowledge: Our team lives and works in the Lowcountry, giving us insider knowledge of each neighborhood’s unique characteristics and challenges
Our commitment to excellence has made us one of the highest-rated moving companies in the Charleston area, with a dedicated team ready to make your transition to Lowcountry living as smooth as possible.
Conclusion
Moving to Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry region offers an opportunity to experience one of America’s most distinctive and beautiful regions. From the historic charm of downtown Charleston to the natural beauty of Johns Island or the family-friendly communities of Summerville, the area provides diverse lifestyle options to suit any preference.
At Low Country Moving Specialists, we’re proud to help new residents start their Lowcountry journey with a stress-free moving experience. Our deep knowledge of the region allows us to anticipate and address the unique challenges of relocating to this special part of South Carolina.
Ready to plan your move to the Lowcountry? Contact our team for a personalized consultation and discover why many residents trust us with their moving needs. Welcome to the Lowcountry – we look forward to helping you call it home.
