10 Best Moving Companies in South Carolina (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 102 movers and 35,295 verified reviews in South Carolina, HD Auston Moving Systems is the top-rated local mover with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score, ranking #1 out of 109 movers we've scored in South Carolina.
Local moves in South Carolina typically cost $477 for a studio up to $4,531 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
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10 Best Local Moving Companies in South Carolina
moveBuddha reviewed 102 South Carolina moving companies, scoring each on customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Each mover was evaluated using verified customer reviews, FMCSA complaint data, BBB standing, and moveBuddha's own score, built from 1,000+ real quotes and moves. The 10 companies below represent the highest-scoring local movers in South Carolina.
Consistency and follow-up
Flexibility
Good communication
Careful handling
Respectful of property
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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 small-scale 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 89% positive reviews across roughly 279 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
Best move I have ever had. From beginning to end, Hardy and his crew excelled in every way. Not only were they a pleasure to work with, their communication, preparation and execution was consistent and first-rate.
Mr. Auston was professional, pleasant and helpful. He communicated via phone calls, texts and email. He assured me that everything would work out fine, and it did!
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
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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 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Smooth Move Charleston has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 974 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, and Smooth Move Charleston makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
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
My experience with smooth move was great! They were quick and efficient. All my Furniture and TVs were wrapped in packing blankets. I felt like I didn't have to worry about anything.
A 3-man crew was on time. Protected the walls and stairs. Wrapped all of the furniture and loaded with care. The team moving was polite, timely and professional. Best of all, they finished well under their estimated time.
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
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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 intrastate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1247 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 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
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 guys were friendly and professional. Took great care not to damage our property
They arrived on time, asked questions for what I needed, and were very polite, personable, and efficient.
Consistency and follow-up
Flexibility
Good communication
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 258 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Ballantyne & Beyond Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
We have used them 3 times and all three times they were excellent. On time to load and deliver. Highly recommend.
Used them about a year ago to move and will use again based on good experience. Dustin has been very responsive.
Friendly and approachable staff
Professional and polite staff
Respectful of property
Helpful movers
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Smooth Move has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Smooth Move has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 722 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Smooth Move, and Smooth Move makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Smooth Move emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Smooth Move made our moving experience truly go smoothly! Kelvin, Riley, Nathan, and Justin were so kind, helpful, and hardworking. They made sure that all of our furniture was well protected and packaged, worked efficiently
They showed up, maintained quick and friendly communication, were very polite and respectful of our property. No banged furniture, no scarred walls or doors.
Experienced movers
Affordable rates
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Consistency and follow-up
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Kelly Moving Inc has been in business for 22 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Kelly Moving Inc has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 61 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Kelly Moving Inc.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Kelly Moving Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Kelly Moving never disappoints—always on time, careful moving of furniture and very helpful.
Great experience with Kelly Movers. Very knowledgeable, efficient, careful and customer oriented. Best move I've ever made!
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
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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 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 1324 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
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 called College Hunks to move a fridge from a storage unit. I got an appointment the same day, and they even came early because they were in the area. Danny and Ryan were very nice.
Juwon, Michael and Cole were friendly, arrived on time, and were very careful moving our 200lb furniture pieces. They disassembled and reassembled our beds quickly and finished the job under the estimated time.
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Low Country Moving, LLC has been in business for 14 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. Low Country Moving, LLC has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 530 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Low Country Moving, LLC.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Low Country Moving, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I had a great experience with Low Country Moving Specialists. They worked quickly and efficiently while ensuring all my belongings were carefully moved from place to place. The crew was friendly and responsive.
Low Country Moving was outstanding -clear communication and pricing, timely, professional, careful with our stuff, and very efficient. Great value -well worth it.
Helpful movers
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
Friendly and approachable staff
Quick response times
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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 office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 82% positive reviews across roughly 3457 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.4.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All My Sons Moving & Storage.
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
Zac, Conner, AJ, and John are amazing! Helpful, prompt and polite! Highly recommend. Great team!
Ricky's crew did a great job. Super efficient
Consistency and follow-up
Flexibility
Good communication
Quick response times
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mark 1 Moving has been in business for 38 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mark 1 Moving has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 103 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mark 1 Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mark 1 Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Kristen came out right away, provided an accurate quote, and kept in touch throughout. The crew secured everything, delivered promptly, and nothing was missing or damaged. They went above and beyond.
Kristen was in good communication throughout the process, with no surprises. The team was professional and efficient, and we referred family because of the service.
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Compare the top moving companies in South Carolina
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in South Carolina compare.
| Mover | Years in business | BBB rating | Verified reviews | Positive reviews | Interstate moves | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD Auston Moving Systems | 80 | F | 279 | 88.5% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Smooth Move Charleston | 13 | A+ | 974 | 96.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 24 | A+ | 1,247 | 92.6% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | 18 | A+ | 258 | 86.8% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Smooth Move | 13 | A+ | 722 | 97.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Kelly Moving Inc | 22 | A+ | 61 | 98.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 7 | A+ | 1,324 | 97.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Low Country Moving, LLC | 14 | A+ | 530 | 91.7% | No | Get A Quote |
| All My Sons Moving & Storage | 27 | A | 3,457 | 82.3% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Mark 1 Moving | 38 | A+ | 103 | 84.5% | Yes | Get A Quote |
Other local South Carolina movers
These South Carolina movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 102 South Carolina movers we've reviewed →
- 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
- Carey Moving & Storage
- Glaser & Sons Mooving
- 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
- Estrada Pro Moving
- Smith Dray Line
- Workhorse Moving and Storage
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.
- Anderson Transfer
- Cougar Moving
- Low Country Moving, LLC
South Carolina is the #1 most popular moving destination in the country right now. moveBuddha's mid-2026 data shows about 2 people searching to move in for every 1 searching to leave (2.02 in-to-out ratio), reclaiming the top spot from Idaho. If you're moving to South Carolina, movers book up fast, compare quotes and lock in a date early. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →
Popular moving routes from South Carolina
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination. Find your exact moving route →
| Route | Route details |
|---|---|
| South Carolina to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| South Carolina to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| South Carolina to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| South Carolina to New York | Northeast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity |
| South Carolina to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| South Carolina to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| South Carolina to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| South Carolina to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| South Carolina to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
| South Carolina to Illinois | Midwest hub; major urban access considerations |
If you're moving from South Carolina to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover is not the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, binding estimate practices, and logistics capacity that most local carriers don't carry. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in South Carolina for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in South Carolina?
Not every mover in South Carolina offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 102 South Carolina movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in South Carolina
| Piano moving in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated South Carolina piano movers | HD Auston Moving Systems Smooth Move Charleston |
| South Carolina movers offering this | 52 of 102 (47.06%) |
| National average | 42.33% |
| 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.
See our full guide to the best piano movers for a breakdown of what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Antique movers in South Carolina
| Antique handling in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated South Carolina antique movers | HD Auston Moving Systems TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| South Carolina movers offering this | 37 of 102 (34.26%) |
| National average | 26.25% |
| 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.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in South Carolina
| Art packing in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated South Carolina art movers | Low Country Moving, LLC Mark 1 Moving |
| South Carolina movers offering this | 25 of 102 (23.15%) |
| National average | 26.62% |
| 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 3 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 3. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
See our complete guide to how to pack and move art for a full breakdown of materials, techniques, and questions to ask before booking.
Climate-controlled storage in South Carolina
| Climate-controlled storage in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated South Carolina providers | HD Auston Moving Systems Smooth Move Charleston |
| South Carolina movers offering this | 29 of 102 (27.45%) |
| National average | 24.36% |
| 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, 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.
See our guide to climate-controlled storage for a deeper look at when it's worth the cost and how to compare options.
Fragile-only packing in South Carolina
| Fragile-only packing in South Carolina | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated South Carolina providers | Mark 1 Moving Gentlemen Movers Inc. |
| South Carolina movers offering this | 15 of 102 (13.89%) |
| National average | 11.77% |
| 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.
DIY Moving Options in South Carolina
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in South Carolina. Moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only crews are all solid DIY options that can cut your moving costs by roughly 30%, the right choice comes down to how much you want to handle yourself. If you're weighing the tradeoffs, our guide to professional movers vs. DIY moving breaks down the full cost and effort comparison.
What are the best moving containers in South Carolina?
The best moving container companies available in South Carolina are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), 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.
What are the best rental trucks in South Carolina?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in South Carolina are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes.
DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service moving. In South Carolina, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $671 and a 2-bedroom runs $1,096.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in South Carolina?
The best labor-only movers in South Carolina start with HD Auston Moving Systems and Smooth Move Charleston, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $138/hour for a 2-person crew in South Carolina, 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:
How much do movers cost in South Carolina?
Local moves in South Carolina average $477 for a studio up to $4,531 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in South Carolina charge $138/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $477 | $193 |
| 1 bedroom | $671 | $193 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,096 | $271 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,559 | $379 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,938 | $379 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,531 | $531 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized South Carolina moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a South Carolina Mover
South Carolina mover licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in South Carolina
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in South Carolina:
- Best overall local mover in South Carolina: HD Auston Moving Systems (4.64/5). moveBuddha ranks HD Auston Moving Systems #1 of 109 among reviewed South Carolina movers. Local move costs range from $477 for a studio to $4,531 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: PODS (4.5/5). 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 budget 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 about moving in South Carolina
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 3 movers, including one of the best flat-rate companies in South Carolina, to compare value and services.
Can South Carolina movers handle relocations across state lines?
Yes. A strong share of movers in South Carolina are qualified for interstate work. Of the 102 total movers in SC, 83 carry authorization to manage interstate relocations. This ensures plenty of choice if you need a mover with a USDOT number regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To find the most reliable fit, take a look at our picks for the best 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 much does it cost to hire movers in South Carolina?
Local moving costs in South Carolina range from $477 for a studio to $4,531 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $138/hour for a 2-person crew. Your total depends on home size, distance, access conditions, and any add-on services like packing or storage.
What is the cheapest way to move in South Carolina?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in South Carolina. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. 80 of 102 movers in South Carolina (74.07%) offer professional packing, and 66 (61.11%) offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. Brokers can offer competitive pricing but add a layer between you and the company doing the work, which can complicate communication and claims if something goes wrong. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not sell or share your information. We recommend booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in South Carolina?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.
How long does a move take in South Carolina?
A local move in South Carolina typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of South Carolina add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in South Carolina?
The cheapest time to move in South Carolina is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in South Carolina?
moveBuddha scores 102 moving companies in South Carolina on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, HD Auston Moving Systems ranks #1 of 109 in South Carolina, placing in the top 0.9% of South Carolina movers.
How we chose the best moving companies in South Carolina
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 102 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.
How to hire movers in South Carolina
Follow these steps to compare movers, get accurate quotes, and book a reliable South Carolina moving company.
- Estimate your cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your South Carolina move. Local moves typically cost $477 for a studio up to $4,531 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $138/hour for a 2-person crew.
- Choose your move type. Pick the option that fits your budget: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), rental trucks (cheapest, but you drive), or labor-only crews for loading and unloading. DIY options like containers and rental trucks can cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving.
- Verify licensing and insurance. To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Verify a license.
- Compare and vet movers. Compare movers using moveBuddha's weighted scoring: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). HD Auston Moving Systems currently ranks first with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score among 102 reviewed South Carolina movers.
- Get quotes and book your move. Request written binding estimates from at least 3 South Carolina movers before you commit. Compare line items including packing, access fees, and valuation coverage. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead and choosing mid-week, mid-month dates often saves on total cost.
- Prepare for move day. Account for local weather: South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.. Confirm parking permits, elevator reservations, and HOA rules at both locations. File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. Review your mover's insurance coverage and document valuables before the crew arrives.