Best overall value
Local moving companies in South Carolina
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Hilldrup: 4.76 out of 5 stars
HD Auston Moving Systems
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 271654
Years in Business: 79
200 Pate Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 USHD 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 271654
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 27
854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526 USTwo 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 9684-B
Alternative Business Names
- Reliable Service Group Inc
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2557751
Years in Business: 16
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707Ballantyne & 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2557751
- State license #: 9784-A
Smooth Move Charleston
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2357653
Years in Business: 12
4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 USSmooth 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2357653
- State license #: 9823
Alternative Business Names
- Go Smooth Move, LLC
Hilldrup
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 22302
Years in Business: 121
750 Berry Shoals Rd, Duncan, SC 29334Hilldrup, a local moving company based in Duncan, SC, specializes in residential moves within the area and stands out for its comprehensive range of services. Unlike many competitors, Hilldrup offers additional conveniences such as packing, unpacking, crating, and fragile-only packing options. This company is well-regarded, boasting a high average rating of 4.8 from 137 Google reviews, although Yelp reviews show a slightly lower average of 3.7. Customers can also enjoy flexible payment options with no deposit required and shipment tracking to ensure peace of mind. Hilldrup’s solid reputation and extensive services make it a reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 22302
- State license #: 167-G
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to IL
There are many factors that influence South Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from South Carolina to Illinois will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in South Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from SC to IL
If you’re moving to Illinois from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Illinois
| South Carolina | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $78,433 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.46% | 8.82% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 11% more expensive in Illinois than in South Carolina.
- Home prices are about 16% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
- The average income is about 23% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
- Cost of living is 6% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
- Illinois has a higher unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 13%.
- Sales taxes are 18% higher in Illinois than in South Carolina.
- Income taxes are 29% lower in Illinois than in South Carolina.
How life is different in Illinois vs. South Carolina
| Illinois | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 1" |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 28.0 |
- The population of Illinois is approximately 134% greater than the population of South Carolina.
- In the last presidential election, Illinois voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Illinois is 86ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Illinois reaches the temperature of 17ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Illinois versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
- In Illinois, it snows about 22 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
- Illinois has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 19.7 vs. 28.0.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Illinois
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Illinois compared to South Carolina.
| Pros of living in South Carolina | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Warm southern hospitality | Home of Chicago |
| Plentiful outdoor activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather | Delicious food |
| Rich historical significance | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Illinois
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Carolina for Illinois.
| Cons of living in South Carolina | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Harsh winter weather |
| Hurricane frequency | Bad traffic |
| Low quality of healthcare | High crime rate |
| High taxes | Dull landscape |
| Abundance of construction | Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Illinois move
- Weather: Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Illinois
While you’re in Illinois, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Millennium Park
- Navy Pier
- The Magnificent Mile
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Starved Rock State Park
- Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- Dana-Thomas House
- Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
- Discovery Center Museum
- Buffalo Rock State Park
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Grand View Drive
- Mississippi Palisades State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Illinois?
Hiring a full-service South Carolina moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Illinois?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from South Carolina to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Illinois?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Illinois are the amazing upsides of living in Illinois such as home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Illinois?
It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in South Carolina. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 11% less and home prices 15.7% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
You should make approximately $80,838 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Illinois. The cost of living in Illinois is approximately $3,569 per month for an individual and $7,930 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Illinois you live For example, larger cities like Chicago and Aurora will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
