I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell
you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that’s right for you.
I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you
that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that’s right for you.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few
reasons why:
Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in South Carolina
Staying local in North Charleston, Columbia, or somewhere else in South Carolina within a 50-mile radius?
A local mover in SC could be the way to go.
Out of 52 local South Carolina companies we reviewed,
HD Auston Moving Systems earned the top spot for South Carolina
moves for their excellent service and fair rates.
Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.
Review Quality
4.1
Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.
Quote Accuracy
3.9
Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.
Customer Service
5.0
Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.
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.”
Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.
Review Quality
4.1
Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.
Quote Accuracy
4.1
Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.
Customer Service
5.0
Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.
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!”
Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.
Review Quality
3.8
Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.
Quote Accuracy
4.3
Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.
Customer Service
5.0
Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.
Recent Reviews
“The staff and movers were great to work with from getting an estimate to scheduling all went smoothly. The coordination of picking up and delivering was flawless.”
“Our crew from Ballantyne & Beyond made a long day of loading and unloading as much fun as could possibly be had. These guys were hard working, careful, polite, funny and engaging.”
Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.
Review Quality
4.1
Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.
Quote Accuracy
3.9
Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.
Customer Service
5.0
Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.
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!”
Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.
Review Quality
5.0
Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.
Quote Accuracy
3.9
Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.
Customer Service
5.0
Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.
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.”
If you’re trying to save money, need extra storage, or want the freedom to move on your schedule, moving containers are a smart
alternative to hiring full-service movers. You’ll handle the loading yourself, but you’ll get several days to complete the task.
When you’re done, the container company will handle driving your items to your new home.
Opting for a rental truck is one of the most economical moving methods — but it requires the most hands-on work.
You’ll need to manage everything from start to finish, including driving. If you’re willing to put in the labor,
it can result in major savings, particularly for local moves.
Rental trucks can also be used for cross-country moves, but don’t overlook hidden costs like fuel and per-mile fees.
These extras can really add up, so take them into account when budgeting.
Want a hand with the heavy lifting without having to hire a full-service mover?
Labor-only companies can send crews to help you with loading, packing,
and even disassembly and reassembly of furniture and electronics. However,
you’ll still need to rent a moving truck and handle the driving.
How we chose the best moving companies in South Carolina
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 52 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers
based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Average cost of moving companies in South Carolina
The table below includes estimated moving costs for local relocations within South Carolina.
For a deeper dive into pricing, here’s our guide on the cost to move in South Carolina.
Remember, the figures shown are averages. Your actual moving costs may vary significantly based on the details of your move and whether the movers use flat-rate pricing.
On average, moving a studio within South Carolina costs about $444.
Moving a one-bedroom apartment locally in South Carolina
will cost around $637.
Two-bedroom moves in South Carolina come in at approximately
$1,063.
The typical cost of moving a three-bedroom home in South Carolina is
$2,526.
A four-bedroom move in South Carolina generally runs about
$2,905.
Need to move a five-bedroom or larger house in South Carolina? Expect to spend about
$4,498.
Factors that affect moving costs in South Carolina
An online moving quote is a useful planning tool, but the actual price you pay will be based in large part on these variables.
Distance: Even local moves depend on time and fuel, while interstate moves from
South Carolina can carry extra fees.
Size: A bigger home means more work and larger moving trucks, which means higher pricing.
Time of year: High-demand periods in South Carolina
— such as peak moving seasons
— usually come with increased rates.
Additional services:
If you add services like packing or disassembly, expect those to raise your final cost.
Things to keep in mind when moving
Whether you are moving one town over in South Carolina or are making a big
cross-country relocation,
here are some common considerations:
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.
HOA rules: If you are moving to or from a neighborhood that has an HOA,
it’s a good idea to brush up on the handbook. Many HOAs have established restrictions on which days and/or times moving is allowed,
as well as guidelines on permissible truck sizes, parking, and notifying residents about when your move will occur.
Checking the rules before moving day will ensure you won’t get hit with fines —
or end up with angry neighbors!
Elevator reservation:
If you’re moving to or from a multi-level building with an elevator, property management may require you to use
a service elevator or reserve an elevator ahead of time. You may also have some restrictions on when you can move,
so be sure to check on the guidelines ahead of time.
Parking permits:
South Carolina does not require special permits for moving rental trucks and vans or moving containers,
but your destination state and/or city might. You can visit the municipal website for your new location for a list of
parking rules and restrictions, or a contact number to call for additional help.
Licensing and compliance:
All the movers on our list are verified as licensed and insured, but you can check licensing, USDOT status,
and safety violations for a mover in South Carolina or any other U.S. state, by searching by their name in the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.
Change of address:
You should submit your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior
to your move. This will notify the postal service of your official moving date and help ensure all of your mail is forwarded to
your new South Carolina or out-of-state residence.
Moving insurance: Federal law mandates that movers provide basic coverage — known as released value protection
— at no charge to customers. While it is free, this insurance offers very minimal coverage, however
— just $0.60 per pound per item. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $2,000 is lost or damaged,
your compensation would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). For high-value items, you may want to consider
purchasing more comprehensive protection directly through your moving company or with a third-party insurance provider.
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.
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