Local moving companies in South Carolina
When making the move from South Carolina to San Diego, CA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 40 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to San Diego, CA.
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Smooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9684-B
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Reliable Service Group Inc
Two Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9860
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Truemove LLC
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving specializes in local residential moves in and around Piedmont, SC, with additional office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Unlike some nearby movers, they accept credit cards and require no deposit. Though their Yelp reviews average at 2.5 stars from 16 reviews, their Google My Business profile shines with a stellar 4.9-star rating from 758 reviews, indicating a strong reputation among a broader customer base.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Gentlemen Movers Inc., based in Columbia, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2004. They stand out in the area by also offering packing and unpacking services, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews with an average rating of 2.0 from 21 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a higher average rating of 4.0 from 110 reviews, complemented by an impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Compared to other local movers, Gentlemen Movers Inc. provides a versatile set of services and has a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from South Carolina to San Diego, CA, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,146 – $5,101 | $1,299 – $3,102 | $1,238 – $2,469 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,339 – $7,384 | $2,176 – $4,371 | $1,452 – $2,908 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,145 – $10,766 | $3,143 – $6,365 | $1,852 – $3,529 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,343-mile move from South Carolina to San Diego, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to San Diego, CA, you can expect prices to land between $1,146 and $5,101. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,339 to $7,384. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,145 and $10,766.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from South Carolina to San Diego, CA, will cost you $1,299 to $3,102 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,176 to $4,371. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,143 to $6,365. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,238 and $2,469 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from South Carolina to San Diego, CA with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,452 to $2,908. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,852 to $3,529.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Smooth Move Charleston | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Gentlemen Movers Inc. | ✓ | × | × | × |
Considering the 3,175 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how South Carolina movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| South Carolina | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to San Diego, CA
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in San Diego, CA stacks up against South Carolina. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. San Diego, CA
| South Carolina | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $72,963 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 155 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
San Diego sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 171% more expensive in San Diego than in South Carolina, so be sure to plan ahead and allocate additional funds.
- In San Diego, home prices run about 239% higher than in South Carolina. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- On average, incomes in San Diego are about 15% higher than in South Carolina. This could help you stay on top of living expenses or grow your savings over time.
- Unemployment in San Diego runs 40% above South Carolina, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes in California are 90% higher than in South Carolina, leaving you with less take-home pay to cover expenses or save.
How life is different in San Diego from South Carolina
| San Diego | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 28.0 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, San Diego voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
- Summers in San Diego average 79ºF, while South Carolina typically sees highs of 91ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in San Diego generally drop to around 46ºF, while South Carolina can get as cold as 33ºF. Moving to San Diego means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- In San Diego, you’ll get just 12 inches of rain annually, less than the 48 inches you typically see in South Carolina. With all the extra sunshine, you’ll have more opportunities to explore your new surroundings. This sunnier forecast is the perfect way to start your next chapter.
- San Diego doesn’t get snow, while South Carolina sees around 1 inch annually. Relocating to San Diego means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in San Diego are higher than in South Carolina, with a crime index of 39.83 versus 28.0. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in San Diego
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, San Diego can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
Other considerations when moving to San Diego, CA
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to San Diego take?
The time it takes to move from South Carolina to San Diego, CA varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to San Diego from northern South Carolina, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from South Carolina to San Diego typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to San Diego?
Because of the 2,343-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Carolina to San Diego as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego, CA?
With summer temperatures reaching 79°F and winter nights dipping to 46°F, most people make the move from South Carolina to San Diego in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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