Best Movers Near James Island, SC (2026 Reviews)
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Smooth Move Charleston is James Island's top-rated local mover on moveBuddha, earning a 4.64/5 , followed by All My Sons Moving & Storage at 4.42/5. moveBuddha scored 10 movers based in James Island out of 52 reviewed across South Carolina, drawing on 49 verified customer reviews across South Carolina.
Local movers in James Island charge by the hour. The SC average is $138/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a fast cost baseline before you collect quotes.
How do James Island moving companies compare?
James Island's 10 reviewed moving companies are ranked by moveBuddha score, a composite of verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to James Island, with a market average of 4.26/5, drawing on 49 verified customer reviews across South Carolina. The ranked list above also includes movers that serve James Island from nearby locations, so scores reflect performance across the full local service area, not just companies with a James Island address.
Proximity to James Island is a ranking factor, so a mover ranked higher on the list may have a lower score than one ranked below. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.64 |
94% | A+ | ||
|
4.42 |
62% | A | ||
|
4.3 |
90% | A+ | ||
|
4.36 |
52% | A+ | ||
4.12 |
89% | A+ | ||
|
4.14 |
46% | N/A | ||
|
3.92 |
95% | N/A | ||
|
3.92 |
90% | N/A |
What are the top-rated moving companies in James Island?
Smooth Move Charleston is James Island's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.64/5, followed by All My Sons Moving & Storage at 4.42/5.
Each review profile below covers pricing transparency, crew quality, and claims handling, the 3 factors most predictive of move-day outcome, alongside each company's BBB grade, years in business, and positive review rate.
moveBuddha scored 10 James Island movers drawing on 49 verified customer reviews across South Carolina, with a market average score of 4.26/5. Rankings include movers based in James Island and those serving the area from nearby locations. Proximity is a ranking factor, so a mover's position in the list below does not always correspond directly to its score.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Undergrads Moving: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Strong Men Moving : 3.92 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
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. 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."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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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 international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 62% positive reviews across roughly 346 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.7.
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
"Curtis and his crew were amazing! They were efficient, hard working, careful and polite, and they really knew how to get my move done quickly. Offered to place items where I wanted."
"All My Sons has now moved me a third time. They were quick in loading but still took great care with all of my items. Everyone was so friendly and helpful."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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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 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Low Country Moving, LLC has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 260 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 instant email 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 have used Low Country Moving a number of times over the last few years and they have always been excellent. Easy to work with, reasonable cost, on-time, reliable, and always hard workers."
"Our four movers arrived on time, were polite, hardworking, caring, strong, kind, empathetic ~ could not ask for more! Our original quote did not change. I highly recommend Low Country Movers."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Highly recommended
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. has been in business for 47 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. has about 52% positive reviews across roughly 129 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc..
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
John came to my house for an in-person walk-through and made me feel very confident for my first long-distance move with a moving company. He was very detail-oriented and checked in on me throughout the process.
Reads Moving Systems of Carolina exceeded my expectations. John Mentel did a virtual estimate that was spot on. Moving day was smooth. The men were professional, helpful, courteous, respectful and strong.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 3.8
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Cougar Moving has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Cougar Moving has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 132 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Cougar Moving.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Cougar Moving emphasizes clear communication.
Recent reviews
"Tyler and Dylan were extremely efficient and took great care of my belongings. Would definitely use this company again."
"Isaiah and Javon were wonderful to work with. They were personable, friendly, and a joy to work with. They made the process easy and quick and I will recommend them and Cougar Moving to all of my friends!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 46% positive reviews across roughly 323 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.8.
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 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The guys were very efficient and professional. The move out was very smooth and fast. The furniture was wrapped well. I am happy with the service and highly recommend."
"My movers, William C. and Uriah W., were absolutely wonderful! They were on time, kind, and so fast! William and Uriah took care of every item they moved. Nothing was nicked, cracked, or damaged in any way."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Undergrads Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Undergrads Moving has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 20 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Undergrads Moving.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Undergrads Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Kaleab & Alexander were so respectful of our space, super quick & efficient. They had all of our things packed up in like 45 minutes. Would 100% recommend to anyone looking for movers in the area!
Christian and Andrew were prompt, polite and took excellent care with our move. Great price and great service.
Careful handling
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Strong Men Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Strong Men Moving has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 206 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Strong Men Moving .
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Strong Men Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"I have never seen such quick, careful, and efficient packing in my life! My husband had hand surgery and we couldn’t find help to pack our POD. The guys came in and had it packed in under 3 hours."
"John and Quarius were extremely fast and efficient with our move. Cannot recommend them enough to make the painful process of moving as good of a time as it can be. Recommending them to everyone!!"
Which James Island movers offer specialty services?
Specialty moving services are not standard across every James Island mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 10 James Island moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:
- Piano moving: 6 of 10 James Island movers (60.0%) offer it, vs. 72.52% nationally. Smooth Move Charleston (4.64/5) is James Island's top-rated piano mover.
- Antique handling: 4 of 10 James Island movers (40.0%) offer it, vs. 46.24% nationally. All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.42/5) rates highest for antique care in James Island.
- Art packing: 2 of 10 James Island movers (20.0%) offer it, vs. 45.76% nationally. Low Country Moving, LLC (4.3/5) rates highest for art packing in James Island.
- Climate-controlled storage: 2 of 10 James Island movers (20.0%) offer it, vs. 33.2% nationally. Smooth Move Charleston (4.64/5) is James Island's top-rated provider.
How much does piano moving cost in James Island?
Piano moving is available from 6 of 10 James Island movers (60.0%), compared to 72.52% nationally. Smooth Move Charleston leads James Island piano movers with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score, followed by All My Sons Moving & Storage at 4.42/5. A standalone piano move in James Island typically costs $896 to $3,920, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in James Island | Details |
|---|---|
| James Island movers offering this | 6 of 10 (60.0%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated James Island piano movers | Smooth Move Charleston, All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Upright piano | $896 to $1,680 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,344 to $2,800 |
| Grand piano | $2,016 to $3,920 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
How much does antique handling cost in James Island?
Antique handling is available from 4 of 10 James Island movers (40.0%), compared to 46.24% nationally. All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.42/5) and Low Country Moving, LLC (4.3/5) rate highest for antique care in James Island. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $1,120 to $2,800 to the total cost.
| Antique handling in James Island | Details |
|---|---|
| James Island movers offering this | 4 of 10 (40.0%) |
| National average | 46.24% |
| Top-rated James Island antique movers | All My Sons Moving & Storage, Low Country Moving, LLC |
| Added cost to a household move | $1,120 to $2,800 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $56 to $560 |
| Custom crating per item | $168 to $224 |
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 James Island?
Art packing is available from 2 of 10 James Island movers (20.0%), compared to 45.76% nationally. Low Country Moving, LLC (4.3/5) and Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. (4.36/5) rate highest for art packing in James Island. Per-piece art handling in James Island runs $56 to $560, with custom crates adding $168 to $224 per item.
| Art packing in James Island | Details |
|---|---|
| James Island movers offering this | 2 of 10 (20.0%) |
| National average | 45.76% |
| Top-rated James Island art movers | Low Country Moving, LLC, Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $56 to $560 |
| Custom crating per item | $168 to $224 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
How much does climate-controlled storage cost in James Island?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 2 of 10 James Island movers (20.0%), compared to 33.2% nationally. Smooth Move Charleston (4.64/5) and All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.42/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in James Island. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $288/month in James Island.
| Climate-controlled storage in James Island | Details |
|---|---|
| James Island movers offering this | 2 of 10 (20.0%) |
| National average | 33.2% |
| Top-rated James Island providers | Smooth Move Charleston, All My Sons Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $288 |
Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.
What is the top-rated moving company in James Island?
Smooth Move Charleston (4.64/5 on moveBuddha) is the highest-rated moving company in James Island, drawing on 49 verified customer reviews across South Carolina. The James Island market averages 4.26/5 across 10 reviewed companies. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a cost baseline before collecting quotes.
Frequently asked questions: moving in James Island, SC
How much do movers cost in James Island, SC?
Local movers in James Island, SC charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 2 James Island movers, hourly rates in this market range from $124/hour to $150/hour, with a median of $137/hour. James Island's top-rated mover is Smooth Move Charleston, earning a 4.64/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 49 verified customer reviews across South Carolina.
Key cost factors for a James Island move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: 20.0% of James Island movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 10.0% of James Island movers (1.0 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving James Island across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 60.0% of James Island movers (6.0 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%-15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 80.0% of James Island movers (8.0 companies) offer full packing, and 70.0% supply packing materials. Professional packing adds $0.15-$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in James Island include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in James Island, SC includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what James Island movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of James Island movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 80.0% (8.0 companies) | +$0.15-$0.21 per pound on average |
| Packing materials | 70.0% | Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking |
| Storage | 60.0% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$288/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 10.0% (1.0 companies) | 1%-2% of declared shipment value (~$300-$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Crating (fragile/high-value items) | 40.0% (4.0 companies) | $150-$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150-$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 80.0% (8.0 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08-$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in James Island offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the James Island movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How we chose the best moving companies in James Island
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.
