Best Moving Container Companies in South Carolina (2024)

Moving to or from South Carolina never feels like a day at Myrtle Beach. But with the help of one of the best moving container companies, your move can be a lot easier.

On average, moving containers in Charleston, Columbia, and throughout the state can cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000. To get the most accurate and up-to-date estimates, check our moving cost calculator.

With all of this in mind, here are our picks for the best moving container companies in the Palmetto state.

The 5 best moving container companies in South Carolina

• U-Pack: Best overall
• PODS: Best for long-distance moves
• MovingYourself: Best for large moves
• 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best containers
• Zippy Shell: Best for city moves

How we picked the best South Carolina moving container companies

There are a lot of variables that go into different review sites’ ratings. So it can be hard for consumers to know that they’re getting an unbiased take. That is why we use a clear and objective rating system. MoveBuddha’s methodology is based on eight key factors:

• Customer satisfaction: Online reviews are helpful, but tend to lack important details. Through interviews with consumers about their moving experiences, moveBuddha gives you more detailed accounts about what to expect. The customer experience can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one. Consistent satisfaction is weighted heavily in our ratings.
• Services: Standard moving container services generally include supplying containers and transportation services, with potential storage options along the way. However, storage container size, availability, and services can vary from company to company depending on your location.
• Reputation: In addition to detailed customer reviews, moveBuddha looks at each company’s grade with the Better Business Bureau, as well as their U.S. Department of Transportation license and other accreditations with professional associations.
• Add-on options: Moving is a lot easier with helpers loading and unloading, but these services are not included with moving container companies. But a lot of moving container companies provide add-on services like packing and even insurance options that can be important perks.
• Availability: A wide service area and storage container availability are all essential details to work out before picking a moving container company.
• Type of mover: If you’re considering add-on services, a full-service mover may be a better fit for your needs, instead of a moving container company. Either way, it’s good to know what type of mover you’re in the market for, and a moving container company that communicates this effectively is a good place to start.
• Payment: Moving is expensive so it is crucial to compare quotes. More importantly, consider reviews about how consistently a company matches these estimates at the end of their moves.
• Scheduling: Your schedule is not always flexible, so you have to pick a moving container company that will work around that.

Comparing the best moving container companies in Illinois

* Based on a two-bedroom apartment from Charleston, South Carolina to Brooklyn, New York

U-Pack: Best overall

Affordability should be an important consideration if you’re using a moving container company in the first place. Sometimes, it’s more convenient to hire a full-service moving company or long-distance movers.

U-Pack is one of the lowest priced moving container companies, offering top notch services. U-Pack is affordable because they only charge you for the space you use. That said, their eight-foot ReloCubes have less space compared to competitors, so be sure to order enough containers for your house or apartment.

If you need time to get settled in between moving, U-Pack offers onsite storage options for up to six months. They also have an easy-to-use website with a number of helpful features like instant quoting and shipment tracking.

With over 200 locations in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, they will get your belongings where they need to be, as long as you’re moving far enough. That is one downside of U-Pack. Since they require a minimum distance of 250 miles, the container company is not a good option for local moves.

Pros/Cons

How much does U-Pack cost?

When Freddy was moving him from Athens, Georgia to Chicago he needed affordable moving services that included two months of storage. He decided on U-Pack because the company seemed like the best value for his 800-mile move. U-Pack quoted Freddy $1,438 and the final cost was $1,438 exactly.

Why we like U-Pack

U-Pack is a convenient and cost-effective option for the following reasons:

• Trailer rentals are available for larger moves
• Nationwide availability
• They give military discounts

PODS: Best for long-distance moves

When you think of moving containers, you probably think of PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage). As both a moving container company itself, and a catchall term for storage containers, they are the most popular brand on the list.

Unlike U-Pack, PODS has three different size containers that are eight-, 12-, and 16-feet long. The company offers 30 days to load and unload furniture and other belongings, as well as local moving services. But the variety of container sizes in such a large service area makes PODS an excellent fit for long-distance moves.

While PODS does not have nationwide availability, they come pretty close to it. PODS has seven locations in South Carolina, delivery to Hawaii, and is the only company with multiple container sizes with such a wide service area.

Unfortunately, PODS does not have locations in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming, so U-Pack would be a better option if you’re moving to any of those locations.

Pros/Cons

How much does PODS cost?

Alex planned to move from Minneapolis to Seattle, approximately a 1,709-mile move. He chose PODS to help because they were flexible and affordable compared to other options. He was initially quoted $2,836 and his final bill matched that after the move.

Why we like PODS

PODS is one of the most popular moving container companies for several reasons, including:

• Three different container sizes available across a wide geographic area
• Flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies
• New customer discounts and other frequent promotions

MovingYourself: Best for large moves

Founded in 2022, MovingYourself is the newest company on the list. And to be fair, it is not really a moving container company. But MovingYourself follows the same basic premise — customers handle loading and unloading, and they do the driving.

Only instead of using a moving container, you will be packing up a 52-foot moving truck. With three days to load after the giant truck arrives, customers can pack furniture and other large items that might not fit in a U-Pack ReloCube. For instance, unlike other companies like PODS, MovingYourself gives customers enough space to move a car. This makes it a great option for anyone looking into car shipping options in addition to their move.

MovingYourself only charges customers for the space they use, so even if you don’t have a car to transport, it may still be worth it. However, MovingYourself trucks are only available for interstate moves. So PODS is a better option for moving within South Carolina.

Pros/Cons

How much does MovingYourself cost?

As a new company, MovingYourself has yet to be evaluated by our Better Moves Project participants. However, the company offers similar transportation brokerage services as the founder’s previous company, MovingPlace. For the purpose of cost comparison we will reference MovingPlace as an example, which is also a reputable option for moving container-like services.

Matt was relocating from Berkeley, California, to St. Paul, Minnesota in 2022, and the 2,000-mile move was during the summer peak moving season. He chose MovingPlace because it was more affordable than competitors but didn’t require him to do the driving. Matt was quoted $3,529 and at the end of his move, he was only charged $3,218.

Why we like MovingYourself

MovingYourself may not be a traditional moving container company, but it is a great match for large moves because:

• Customers get a 52 feet of truck space to accommodate their moves
• It is the most affordable container solution for a large interstate move
• Car-shipping is an option

1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for containers

Container quality may not be the first thing you think of when researching storage pods. But if you have antiques, delicate furniture, and other belongings that require extra protection, 1-800-PACK-RAT is the best container out there.

Much like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes with eight-, 12-, and 16-feet of storage. Unlike PODS or U-Pack, the containers at PACK-RAT have barn-style doors that make loading and unloading that much easier. So there is no need for extra ramps or equipment.

If you need some time to get your new place ready, these steel containers are available for short-term and long-term storage in the company’s climate-controlled warehouses. As convenient as it is to have containers that are conducive to loading, the unmatched durability of PACK-RAT containers is what makes them the best on this list.

1-800-PACK-RAT offers services for both local and long-distance moves. But their steel containers are not available in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming.

U-Pack and PODS have better nationwide coverage for anyone moving to these states.

Pros/Cons

How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?

Desmond chose 1-800-PACK-RAT for his 2,300-mile move from Lafayette, Oregon, to Waynesville, Ohio, because of the protection of the steel containers. His quote was about $7,048, and the final bill was about $7,310.

Why we like 1-800-PACK-RAT

When it comes to moving container durability and quality, 1-800-PACK-RAT is hard to beat because:

• Their steel containers are the most weatherproof option available
• Easy-to-load containers come with a complimentary lock
• Multiple container size options

Zippy Shell: Best for city moves

When it comes to moving containers, one of the biggest inconveniences is figuring out where to put your pod. This can be especially challenging for people who live in cities with limited space.

Don’t worry, Zippy Shell has a solution with their street-legal containers that can fit in most standard parking spots. That means a lower risk of your belongings being dropped at a warehouse if your landlord won’t let you keep your container on their property.

A sister company to 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell’s containers are also steel framed, but don’t have steel doors. So again, if you’re moving delicate furniture, PACK-RAT is usually more expensive, but the safer bet.

With multiple locations in South Carolina and ample availability in cities throughout the country, Zippy Shell is a solid choice for local and long-distance moves. But like PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell’s containers are not available in Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming.

Pros/Cons

How much does Zippy Shell cost?

When Danielle moved from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, she chose Zippy Shell because of the container size and affordable price compared to competitors. Danielle was quoted $2,730 for a 15-foot container and a 813-mile move, which ended up being the same amount she paid.

Why we like Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell offers the most convenient containers for moving from city-to-city because:

• Containers are convenient for urban spaces
• They provide local and long-distance moving services
• Can be a more cost-effective choice compared to PODS

Moving container sizes

Another thing to remember before booking your move is that container sizes can vary based on the company you choose.

This is crucial to consider because some containers are better-suited for certain spaces than others. Some companies let customers choose between multiple container sizes, while others only have one unit. So here is what kind of space you will be working with, depending on what container company you pick.

Moving containers vs. full-service movers

If you don’t want to do any heavy lifting, you will ultimately have a better moving experience if you hire a full-service moving company or long-distance movers. If saving money is more important than saving your back, a moving container company like U-Pack is a more affordable option. But again, customers are responsible for loading and unloading their containers.

Sometimes people want to use a moving container company like PODS and then hire local movers to help load and unload. While this is an option, it can turn out to be less cost-effective than an affordable full-service mover like Safeway Moving and American Van Lines.

That is why it is smart to reference our moving cost calculator to compare costs and make sure you’re not doing more work than you’re paying for.

Our take

U-Pack and PODS remain top picks for affordability, convenience, and overall consistent moving experiences across the board. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or up to three-bedrooms, both companies should be able to meet your needs pretty much anywhere in the US.

MovingYourself is a better option for larger moves that are out of state because they provide 52-foot trucks. And if you have car-shipping needs on top of your big move, then there is an added reason to book a truck with MovingYourself. MovingPlace provides similar services, so always get estimates from multiple companies before making a decision.

We recommend requesting at least three quotes from different companies so you can get a good side-by-side look at the best services at the time of your move. If you’re overwhelmed about the idea of requesting multiple estimates, don’t worry. Our moving cost calculator allows you to do this quickly and easily.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to use a pod or a moving truck?

Moving truck companies like U-Haul tend to be cheaper compared to moving container companies or pods. However, truck rental companies are cheaper because they require customers to do the driving themselves. Other truck rental companies like Penske are known for being more reliable and having better customer reviews, but also for being more expensive.

U-Pack may be a comparable and more efficient option for anyone who doesn’t want to drive their own truck. This is why it’s always a good idea to compare quotes, but also the amount of hours you will spend packing, loading, and driving. That way you can see if it’s really worth it to save money, or foot the bill for full-service movers 

How much do moving shipping containers cost from South Carolina to Georgia?

For someone moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, U-Pack estimates that it would cost about $1,254 for the 350-mile move. In contrast, PODS quoted the same move with the same amount of belongings at $2,494. PODS also required a five-minute phone call to get this higher estimate, but U-Pack provided their quote within a few seconds online.

Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in South Carolina?

If you’re looking for a reliable long-distance moving container company in South Carolina, U-Pack is our pick for the best value. Along with nationwide availability, U-Pack has the most competitive pricing, positive reviews, and a user-friendly website that allows for instant and accurate quotes. They do not service local moves, but for long-distance relocation, U-Pack will give you the best service for your money.

What cannot be moved in a pod?

There are a lot of items that can be packed in most moving containers. The things that cannot be moved include:

• Pets
• Toxic chemicals
• Gas and other flammable liquids
• Lawn mowers
• Motorized vehicles (unless otherwise noted)
• Hazardous waste

We also discourage packing legal paperwork and currency in a pod or moving container. While customers are technically permitted to do so, it can be inconvenient if you need to access these money and documents during your move.