Best Long-Distance Movers in South Carolina for 2025
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in South Carolina, based on our in-depth research and analysis of 52 professional movers statewide.
For SC movers, 84.58% of customer reviews are positive, but Safeway Moving rose to the top as best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price
Let's get moving.
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Safeway Moving
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HD Auston Moving Systems
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Smooth Move Charleston
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PODS
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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Budget Truck Rental
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rating
Our track record
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 long-distance movers in South Carolina when moving out of state
Take a look at our top picks for long-distance movers in South Carolina:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
Best long-distance movers in South Carolina when staying in state
If you’re gearing up for a big move within South Carolina — we’re talking hundreds of miles, not just a quick trip across town — these are the top intrastate movers you’ll want to consider:
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 271654
HD Auston Moving Systems, with its home base in Greenville, SC, is a seasoned moving firm that has been in business since 1945. They offer a comprehensive selection of services which sets them apart from other local competitors. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving, they also extend services into office relocations. Their professional team is even equipped to handle special items, such as pianos. They pride themselves on their customer service, offering both packing and unpacking services, as well as crating services for those hard-to-pack or valuable items. Unlike many of its competitors, HD Auston Moving Systems accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, which adds to the convenience when planning a move. HD Auston Moving Systems has a varied online reputation with a modest 2.5 rating from 13 Yelp reviews, but a much stronger 4.7 average from an impressive 183 Google My Business reviews. This suggests that while there may be a few mixed opinions, the majority of customers are highly satisfied. Their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ further emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and business ethics. Overall, HD Auston Moving Systems shows a long history of quality service and a robust client-friendly approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9684-B
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Reliable Service Group Inc
Two Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Smooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Gentlemen Movers Inc., based in Columbia, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2004. They stand out in the area by also offering packing and unpacking services, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required. While their Yelp profile shows mixed reviews with an average rating of 2.0 from 21 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a higher average rating of 4.0 from 110 reviews, complemented by an impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Compared to other local movers, Gentlemen Movers Inc. provides a versatile set of services and has a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Best long-distance movers in South Carolina for small moves
Many moving companies set a minimum weight — typically about 2,000 pounds — which can be a hassle if you’re moving out of a dorm or studio apartment in South Carolina. In these cases, a traditional full-service mover might not be your best option.
South Carolina has an impressive 30 small load movers, so you won’t be short on options. To save you the hassle of sorting through them all, here are our top picks.
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Moving containers for long-distance moves in SC
If you’re up for handling the packing and loading but want to skip the long drive from South Carolina, consider a moving container. It’s a budget-friendly and convenient option compared to hiring full-service movers.
In South Carolina, renting a moving container usually runs between $1,269 and $7,285. Costs depend on several factors, so it’s smart to check a few moving quotes before you choose.
Start your relocation right with these top-rated moving container providers.
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Labor-only moving companies in South Carolina
If you’re comfortable doing the driving from South Carolina to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.
You’ll typically pay $37 to $42 per hour per worker for South Carolina-based labor-only movers.
Check out our top recommendations below.
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Rental trucks in SC for a total DIY long-distance move
Looking to save big on your out-of-state move from South Carolina? Take the DIY route. You’ll handle the driving, loading, and unloading yourself, and you’ll keep your moving costs to a minimum.
Hands-down the cheapest option out there is to rent a moving truck — even though it means you’ll be handling all the lifting and driving yourself.
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How we chose the best long-distance movers in South Carolina
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in South Carolina.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of a long-distance move out of South Carolina
If you’re gearing up for a long-distance move, prices to relocate from South Carolina typically start around $1,009 and can go up to $11,916 or more, depending on your needs.
What affects the price
- Size: If you’re moving from South Carolina, the cost can go up with every extra item you bring. To save money, pack light. Every added belonging increases your total price.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving from South Carolina plays a huge role in what you’ll pay. Whether you’re staying local or relocating cross-country, how far you go makes a big difference in your final moving cost.
- Type of move: Figuring out the best way to move out of South Carolina is no small task. You’ve got options, from full-service movers and rental trucks to moving containers and freight trailers. Each option has different costs, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
- Services: You can either handle the packing and unpacking yourself or let the pros do it for you. While letting movers take over saves you time, stress, and back pain, it does come with an extra fee.
- Seasonal timing: When you move can seriously affect how much you pay. Since moving costs often spike in the summer, you’ll save money by planning your move between October and April, when rates are typically lower.
How to save money on your long-distance move from SC
Follow these steps to save money when moving long-distance from South Carolina:
- Declutter. Cutting down on what you have to move is a simple way to save big on your moving expenses.
- Book in advance. Book your move early to snag the best rates — last-minute plans often come with a higher price tag.
- Consider moving containers. Want to save money and don’t mind doing some of the work yourself? Renting a moving container is a wallet-friendly option that lets you pack and load at your own pace.
- Research and compare. Don’t jump at the first quote you get. Shop around, compare a few movers, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price.
- Ask about discounts. Scoring a good moving discount might require a little digging, but it’s totally worth it, especially if you’re a student, senior, or serving in the military. The best long-distance moving companies often feature special promotions, seasonal sales, and exclusive deals all year round. Before you lock in your move, chat with your sales rep to see which discounts you can snag.
A moving checklist is your go-to tool for keeping everything organized and your budget in check, especially if you’re tackling a long-distance move.
Choosing the right SC long-distance moving option
Choosing between full-service movers, portable storage containers, or a DIY truck rental comes down to your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and how much you prize convenience. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out the best moving solution for your relocation from South Carolina.
Full-service SC movers
If you want a totally stress-free move, full-service moving companies in South Carolina have you covered. They’ll take care of everything, packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your stuff at your new place.
- Pros: Quick and hassle-free
- Cons: It’s pricier than just renting a moving truck or storage container.
- Consider if: You’re facing a big move. Whether it's across the country or simply a huge haul, full-service movers take all the stress off your plate.
Moving containers in SC
Moving containers are the perfect compromise between DIY and full-service moves. You can pack and load your things in South Carolina whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the transportation. When your belongings arrive at your new home, just unload and settle in.
- Pros: Budget-friendly prices and customizable moving options
- Cons: You’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting
- Consider if: If you want to cut moving costs without the hassle of driving a big truck — especially for a long haul— this option is your best bet.
Renting a moving truck in SC
If you want full control over your move, renting a moving truck puts you in the driver’s seat, literally. You call the shots on packing, loading, and unloading, making the entire process yours from beginning to end.
- Pros: Cut costs and keeps you in control of your move
- Cons: Takes a lot of time and energy
- Consider if: If you’re watching your budget or prefer to handle your own move, this is a great pick.
Things to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in South Carolina
Whether you're staying in South Carolina for the warm southern hospitality, plentiful outdoor activities, and beautiful landscapes or heading out because of the high cost of living, hurricane frequency, and low quality of healthcare, here’s what you need to know before moving.
Company 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.
Insurance options
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.
Moving date
Weather plays a big role in how busy moving companies get, which can drive up prices and limit availability.
- Winter low temperature: 33°F
- Summer high temperature: 91°F
- Annual rainfall: 48”
- Annual snowfall: 1”
Taking your car
Planning a cross-country move but don't want to drive your car yourself? A South Carolina car shipping service is a hassle-free way to get your vehicle safely to your new place.
Remember, vehicle inspection requirements can differ a lot from one state or city to another, so be sure to find out what’s needed in your new location. Take South Carolina’s requirements, as an example. Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
FAQ
What is considered a long-distance move?
Moving companies can’t seem to agree on what qualifies as a long-distance move. Some set the bar at 50 miles, while others don’t consider it long-distance until you’re 400 miles out. The FMCSA, however, pins “long-haul” status on moves over 450 miles. Whether you’re staying within South Carolina, moving next door to another state, or trekking across the country, going with a long-distance mover means you’ve got experienced pros guiding you every step of the way.
How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
For a hassle-free long-distance move, try to lock in your moving date at least a month ahead, better yet, book a few months early if you can. The earlier you schedule, the more likely you are to score great rates and your preferred time slot. Plus, planning ahead gives you extra breathing room to sort your budget, declutter, and pack at your own pace.
What happens if my belongings are delayed during a long-distance move?
If your long-distance movers show up late, they're generally not required to compensate you. When they pick up your belongings, you’ll receive a Bill of Lading with an estimated delivery date—but most companies allow themselves a delivery window of up to 30 days. Think your movers are deliberately delaying delivery or holding your stuff hostage? You can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Consumer Complaint Database or reach out to the Better Business Bureau for help.
Do I need to buy moving insurance for a long-distance move from SC?
Moving insurance isn’t mandatory for long-distance moves, but if you’re transporting anything valuable or irreplaceable, it’s smart to look into your options. Most moving companies include “released value protection” by default, but that only covers you for $0.60 per pound. So, if your 10-pound, $3,000 statue disappears, you’d only get six bucks.
If you want maximum protection, look into full-value protection, which ensures your belongings are replaced or repaired at proper value. In South Carolina, very few movers offer it: just 5.77% out of 52. Nationally, 29.73% of 3,175 movers provide this stronger level of coverage.
Helpful South Carolina resources
South Carolina moving services
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