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Local moving companies in South Carolina
When relocating from South Carolina to Mobile, AL, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Palmetto State to the lively Port City. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 27 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Mobile, AL.
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.72 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 #: 9715-G
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Greenville, LLC
All My Sons Moving & Storage, serving Greenville, SC since 2000, specializes in local residential moving services and boasts a solid reputation for reliability and professionalism. Unlike some competitors, they provide comprehensive options including packing, unpacking, and crating services, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. Their consumer reviews reflect a mixed reputation: a strong 4.4 average rating on Google with 1456 reviews contrasts with a lower 1.2 average rating on Yelp from 163 reviews, but their A rating from the BBB suggests a commitment to quality customer service. While they do require a deposit, they accept credit cards, adding convenience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 #: 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
Comparing local moving companies from South Carolina to Mobile, Alabama:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD Auston Moving Systems | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| All My Sons Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Smooth Move Charleston | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,884 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how South Carolina movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| South Carolina | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 97% |
| Antiques | 34% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Mobile, AL
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Mobile, AL to what you’re used to in South Carolina. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs Mobile, AL
| South Carolina | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $295,769 | $186,159 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $61,962 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 6% |
| State income tax | 7% | 5% |
Mobile sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Mobile is about 22% higher than in South Carolina. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
- Moving to Mobile means you'll spend about 37% less on housing compared to South Carolina, so your budget will go further.
- Expect salaries in Mobile to be approximately 3% lower than in South Carolina. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Mobile is about 32% higher than in South Carolina. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
- Income taxes in Mobile are 29% lower than in South Carolina. That means you can save more, pay off debt faster, or just enjoy a little extra room in your budget.
How life is different in Mobile from South Carolina
| Mobile | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 187,041 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 66" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 64.95 | 28.0 |
Mobile sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both South Carolina and Mobile siding with the Republican party.
- Summer in Mobile usually hits around 91°F, pretty similar to the 91°F you’re used to in South Carolina. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Mobile usually drop to around 38°F, while in South Carolina, they can fall as low as 33°F. Moving to Mobile means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- Expect around 66 inches of rain each year in Mobile, which is quite a bit more than the 48 inches you're used to back in South Carolina. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Mobile, you can expect around 0 inches of snow each year, about the same as the 1 inch you’re acquainted with in South Carolina. Since snowfall is similar in both places, you probably won’t run into any unexpected weather issues when you move.
- Crime rates in Mobile are higher than in South Carolina, with a crime index of 64.95 versus 28.0. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Mobile
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Mobile can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Mobile
Parks in Mobile
Sports Teams in Mobile
Universities in Mobile
Other considerations when moving to Mobile, AL
- Weather: October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you'll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area's rules before moving day.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your Alabama moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Alabama, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Alabama on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Mobile take?
The time frame for a move from South Carolina to Mobile, AL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Carolina, the longer the drive time to Mobile will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Mobile from South Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Mobile?
Because of the 527-mile move, it’s best to book your move from South Carolina to Mobile as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mobile, AL?
With the summer highs of 91ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Mobile from South Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Mobile during summer or winter.
