10 Best Moving Companies in South Carolina (2026 Reviews)
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South Carolina's top-rated local mover is HD Auston Moving Systems, which earns a 4.5/5 on moveBuddha. For long-distance moves out of South Carolina, Safeway Moving rates 4.9/5 and is the best overall value among interstate movers serving the Palmetto State, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 52 movers.
Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get an instant estimate for your Alabama move.
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HD Auston Moving Systems
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Safeway Moving
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Units Moving and Portable Storage
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Budget Truck Rental
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Smooth Move Charleston
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rating
Who are the best local movers in South Carolina?
South Carolina's top-rated local mover is HD Auston Moving Systems, which earns a 4.5/5 moveBuddha rating based on moveBuddha's analysis of 52 movers in the state. For moves under 50 miles in North Charleston, Charleston, or elsewhere in South Carolina, local movers are the lower-cost option.Keep the following in mind when moving locally in South Carolina:
- Local movers in South Carolina charge by the hour, not by weight. Studio crews average $193/hour; 1-bedroom crews run $193/hour. National carriers use weight-and-mileage pricing, a model built for long-haul logistics that adds cost on short-distance moves.
- Total costs for most smaller moves fall between $471 and $1,091. Larger homes scale to $2,553 for a 3-bedroom and $4,525 for a 5+ bedroom home, based on moveBuddha's South Carolina pricing data.
- Single-team accountability. Local movers handle your move from start to finish, without the routing complexity of large national carriers. You're working with one company and one point of contact throughout
Here are moveBuddha's top choices for movers in South Carolina:
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. HD Auston Moving Systems has been in business for 80 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. HD Auston Moving Systems has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 225 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from HD Auston Moving Systems.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. HD Auston Moving Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"John and Ronnie were great! They moved everything in a timely manner and took great care not to damage anything. I highly recommend them. My quote was reasonable and accurate."
"The moving service showed care for our home items, and they effectively completed the move with installation of the pieces in the correct destination."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Smooth Move Charleston has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Smooth Move Charleston has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 270 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Smooth Move Charleston.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Smooth Move Charleston emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Julius and his partner handled the actual move with unmatched care and attention to detail. Every fragile item was expertly wrapped, and multiple TVs arrived without a scratch. The entire process was smooth, affordable, and stress-free."
"A very smooth moving experience. The 3 man crew was on time. Protected the walls and stairs, wrapped all the furniture and loaded with care. The team was polite, timely and professional. Best of all finished well under their estimated time."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 248 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I had the most seamless, stress-free moving experience with College Hunks! Zach and Jerrell were both professional and efficient. They took time moving all my items with care, so everything made it to my new apartment safely."
"CH came highly recommended by friends and I can see why. Aaron and Joel were efficient, friendly, personable, and professional. This move was the best I’ve experienced in years!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All My Sons Moving & Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 46% positive reviews across roughly 417 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.3.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All My Sons Moving & Storage, and All My Sons Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All My Sons Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew—Charles, Tim, and one other team member—did a fantastic job. They showed up on time, stayed busy throughout the move, and made the process smooth and efficient. Everyone was friendly and personable."
"Josh, Cam, and Preston worked hard, efficiently, and handled my furniture with care. Each one was polite and treated me and my friends with utmost respect. Thank you for your professionalism and for making this ‘The Best Moving Experience, Period!’"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 24 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 252 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers showed up on time and were careful with my items. Everything was placed where I wanted. They were professional and friendly—couldn't ask for better service!"
"Kristie was fantastic with booking. The moving team was professional, fast, fun to work with and so helpful! I will never move without this company again!"
Other local SC movers
While these local South Carolina movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Strong Men Moving
- Undergrads Moving
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.
- JEGA Movers LLC
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Move It Williams LLC
- Glaser & Sons Mooving
- HD Auston Moving Systems
- Highway Men Moving
- Hilldrup
- Kelly Moving Inc
- Mark 1 Moving
- MoveCrew, LLC
- Swamp Rabbit Moving
- Fairway Moving Services
- Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
- Miracle Movers
- A & M Friendly Movers LLC
- LaBarbera Movers LLC
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
- Carey Moving & Storage
- Estrada Pro Moving
- Smith Dray Line
- Smooth Move
- Workhorse Moving and Storage
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.
- Anderson Transfer
- Cougar Moving
- Low Country Moving, LLC
What specialty moving services are available in South Carolina?
Not every mover in South Carolina offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 52 South Carolina movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Piano moving: offered by 63.46% of South Carolina movers, compared to 72.1% nationally.
- Antique handling: offered by 34.62% of South Carolina movers, compared to 46.0% nationally.
- Art packing: offered by 30.77% of South Carolina movers, compared to 45.56% nationally.
- Climate-controlled storage: offered by 32.69% of South Carolina movers, compared to 33.03% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 13.46% of South Carolina movers, compared to 23.71% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for South Carolina's cost of living.
How much does piano moving cost in South Carolina?
Piano moving is available from 33 of 52 South Carolina movers (63.46%), compared to 72.1% nationally. HD Auston Moving Systems leads South Carolina piano movers with a 4.5/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Smooth Move Charleston at 4.62/5. A standalone piano move in South Carolina typically costs $768 to $3,360, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina movers offering this | 33 of 52 (63.46%) |
| National average | 72.1% |
| Top-rated South Carolina piano movers | HD Auston Moving Systems, Smooth Move Charleston |
| Upright piano | $768 to $1,440 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,152 to $2,400 |
| Grand piano | $1,728 to $3,360 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's actual value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano carrier.
How much does antique handling cost in South Carolina?
Antique handling is available from 18 of 52 South Carolina movers (34.62%), compared to 46.0% nationally. All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.52/5) and Kelly Moving Inc (4.48/5) rate highest for antique care in South Carolina. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $960 to $2,400 to the total cost.
| Antique handling in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina movers offering this | 18 of 52 (34.62%) |
| National average | 46.0% |
| Top-rated South Carolina antique movers | All My Sons Moving & Storage, Kelly Moving Inc |
| Added cost to a household move | $960 to $2,400 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $48 to $480 |
| Custom crating per item | $144 to $192 |
Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.
How much does art packing cost in South Carolina?
Art packing is available from 16 of 52 South Carolina movers (30.77%), compared to 45.56% nationally. Kelly Moving Inc (4.48/5) and Hilldrup (4.44/5) rate highest for art packing in South Carolina. Per-piece art handling in South Carolina runs $48 to $480, with custom crates adding $144 to $192 per item.
| Art packing in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina movers offering this | 16 of 52 (30.77%) |
| National average | 45.56% |
| Top-rated South Carolina art movers | Kelly Moving Inc, Hilldrup |
| Per-piece handling fee | $48 to $480 |
| Custom crating per item | $144 to $192 |
Standard moving blankets offer no protection against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures, the three damage modes most likely to affect framed artwork and sculpture in transit. Archival materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece address all three. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
How much does climate-controlled storage cost in South Carolina?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 17 of 52 South Carolina movers (32.69%), compared to 33.03% nationally. HD Auston Moving Systems (4.5/5) and Smooth Move Charleston (4.62/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in South Carolina. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $247/month in South Carolina.
| Climate-controlled storage in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina movers offering this | 17 of 52 (32.69%) |
| National average | 33.03% |
| Top-rated South Carolina providers | HD Auston Moving Systems, Smooth Move Charleston |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $247 |
There is a meaningful difference between temperature-controlled and climate-controlled storage. Temperature-only units manage heat but leave humidity unregulated, which is the condition that causes wood furniture to warp, vinyl records to warp and stick, and mold to develop on fabric and electronics. Climate-controlled units manage both variables. The distinction matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days and for moves that run between seasons with significant humidity differences.
How much does fragile-only packing cost in South Carolina?
Fragile-only packing is available from 7 of 52 South Carolina movers (13.46%), compared to 23.71% nationally. Hilldrup (4.44/5) and Ballantyne & Beyond Moving (4.44/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in South Carolina. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina movers offering this | 7 of 52 (13.46%) |
| National average | 23.71% |
| Top-rated South Carolina providers | Hilldrup, Ballantyne & Beyond Moving |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Full-service packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound to a move's total cost across the entire shipment. Fragile-only packing applies that cost only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps, the items that account for the majority of in-transit breakage claims. For movers who plan to pack most of their own belongings, fragile-only is the most cost-efficient way to get professional help where it matters most.
Who are the best interstate movers for moves out of South Carolina?
The top-rated interstate moving companies for moves originating in South Carolina, based on moveBuddha's national carrier ratings, are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), North American Van Lines (4.8/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), and Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5). Safeway Moving leads on transparent pricing and consistent delivery performance. American Van Lines is the strongest pick for flat-rate pricing and certified professional crews.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for moving out of South Carolina:
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
What are the best moving containers in South Carolina?
The best moving container companies available in South Carolina are Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. They cost significantly less than full-service movers and carry none of the one-way mileage risk of rental trucks. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size.
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What are the best rental trucks in South Carolina?
Going the DIY route in South Carolina? Budget Truck Rental, U-Haul, and Penske Truck Rental are the strongest options. Budget earns a 4.3/5 for its transparent pricing and solid discount availability. It's the best overall value among South Carolina rental truck options. U-Haul scores 4.2/5 with the broadest availability and seven truck sizes, plus one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske comes in at 4.0/5 with a reliably maintained fleet and unlimited mileage options on select routes that pay off on longer hauls.
You take on all the labor, but you'll pay less for the privilege. For long-distance moves out of South Carolina, do the full math on gas and mileage fees before committing.
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Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in South Carolina?
The best labor-only movers in South Carolina start with Smooth Move Charleston and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At a national average of $138.21/hour for a 2-person crew, labor-only is the most affordable way to get professional help on moving day.
You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Take a look at these highly recommended labor-only movers for your South Carolina move:
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How much do movers cost in South Carolina?
Based on moveBuddha's analysis of South Carolina mover quotes collected in 2025, a local move cost in South Carolina starts around $471 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $193/hour) and reaches $4,525 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours). All figures are for intrastate moves. Costs climb considerably once you cross state lines.
The table below shows estimated costs by home size. Your actual price will depend on move complexity and your mover's pricing structure.
Want a more personalized number? Try our free moving cost calculator.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $471 | $193 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $665 | $193 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,091 | $271 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,553 | $379 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,933 | $379 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,525 | $531 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more about the average cost of SC movers:
Here are some additional South Carolina movign cost factors to know about:
- On average, moving a studio within South Carolina costs about $471.
- Moving a one-bedroom apartment locally in South Carolina will cost around $665.
- Two-bedroom moves in South Carolina come in at approximately $1,091.
- The typical cost of moving a three-bedroom home in South Carolina is $2,553.
- A four-bedroom move in South Carolina generally runs about $2,933.
- Need to move a five-bedroom or larger house in South Carolina? Expect to spend about $4,525.
What affects the cost of a move in South Carolina?
Below are the main cost factors that determine the price of a move involving South Carolina:
- Access conditions: Stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle requirements add $72–$480 or more in South Carolina when the truck cannot load directly. Shuttle service alone adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound, with minimums that often start around $192.
- Additional services: Storage-in-transit runs approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom shipment at roughly 514 cubic feet averages $247/month in South Carolina. Bulky items like safes, sectionals, and large appliances add $144–$384 per item for specialized handling.
- Distance: Local moves in South Carolina are priced by the hour at an average of $138/hour for a 2-mover crew. Interstate moves switch to weight-and-mileage pricing, and fuel surcharges add 8%–15% to transportation charges on long-distance moves, or $96–$384 on many full-service relocations in South Carolina.
- Home size: A studio move in South Carolina averages $471 with 2 movers over 3 hours. A 3-bedroom runs $2,553 and a 5+ bedroom home averages $4,525, based on moveBuddha's analysis of South Carolina mover quotes.
- Packing services: Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average to your total cost. A fragile-only packing service covers dishes, glassware, and lamps without a full-service packing contract, reducing the add-on cost while protecting the items most likely to break in transit.
- Time of year: Peak moving season runs May through September in South Carolina, with the highest rates concentrated in June and July. Booking midweek or in the off-season (October through April) typically yields lower rates and more scheduling flexibility.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in South Carolina
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here's our final takeaways on the best moving companies in South Carolina:
- Best local mover in South Carolina: HD Auston Moving Systems (4.5/5). moveBuddha ranks HD Auston Moving Systems first among 52 reviewed South Carolina movers. Local move costs range from $471 for a studio to $4,525 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.9/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated interstate carrier for moves out of South Carolina, with flat-rate pricing, veteran ownership, and full licensing and insurance for long-distance relocations.
- Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.9/5). American Van Lines is the strongest pick for movers who prioritize professionally certified crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves.
- Best moving container: Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5). Container moves cost significantly less than full-service movers. You load on your own schedule and the company handles transport, with no one-way mileage risk.
- Best DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are the lowest-cost moving method in South Carolina. Factor in fuel and per-mile charges on any move with real distance behind it before committing to the base rate.
FAQs
What should I consider when hiring a moving company in South Carolina?
When selecting a moving company in South Carolina, look for a strong track record, honest and upfront pricing, a wide range of services, and several insurance coverage choices. These elements — among others — are key to our reviews and rankings, helping you easily identify the best movers in South Carolina.
Be sure to request quotes from at least three movers, including one of the best flat-rate companies in South Carolina, to compare value and services.
Are interstate moves common with South Carolina movers?
Many movers in South Carolina are qualified to take on cross-state relocations. Of the 52 total moving companies in SC, 40 are licensed for interstate service. This means most providers in the state are equipped to legally manage moves beyond state lines, with a USDOT number and oversight from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To get started, check out our recommendations for the top long-distance movers in South Carolina.
How can I see all moving companies in South Carolina?
You can see all moving companies in South Carolina in our comprehensive list of South Carolina movers.
How we chose the best moving companies in South Carolina
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 52 South Carolina moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
