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Local moving companies in South Carolina
When making the move from South Carolina to Boston, MA, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local moving companies that specialize in relocations from the Palmetto State to the vibrant Athens of America, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Out of 26 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Boston, MA.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Hilldrup: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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 #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
All My Sons Moving & Storage has been serving Charleston, SC, with local residential moving services since 2000. While their Yelp profile reflects mixed feedback with an average rating of 1.6 from 99 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a much more favorable 4.5 average rating from 1,390 reviews, and they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and the ability to move specialty items like pianos, antiques, and safes. They accept credit cards, though a deposit is required. For those seeking a well-established moving company with diverse service offerings, All My Sons Moving & Storage presents a reputable option.
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 #: 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 #: 167-G
Years in Business: 121
DOT #: 22302
Hilldrup, 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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from South Carolina to Boston, MA
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Smooth Move Charleston | ✓ | × | × | × |
| All My Sons Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Gentlemen Movers Inc. | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Hilldrup | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 2,091 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 | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 37% | 54% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 5% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 5% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Boston, MA
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Boston, MA has in store compared to South Carolina. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Boston, MA
| South Carolina | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $3,400 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $89,212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 151 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
Boston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Boston is about 219% higher than in South Carolina. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Boston to be about 149% higher than in South Carolina. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- The average income is about 40% higher in Boston than in South Carolina. You may find the living expenses more manageable and be able to boost your savings over time.
- With unemployment 32% higher in Boston than South Carolina, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- With income tax rates 29% higher in Massachusetts than in South Carolina, you may notice less flexibility in your monthly budget.
How life is different in Boston from South Carolina
| Boston | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 28.0 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both South Carolina and Boston siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Boston average around 82ºF, while South Carolina often sees temperatures soar to 91ºF. Relocating to a cooler area means escaping the intense heat, cutting down on energy costs, and enjoying more time outside.
- Winter in Boston brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 19ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 33ºF winters back in South Carolina. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Boston treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You’ll get about 47 inches of rain each year in Boston, pretty similar to the 48 inches you’re used to in South Carolina. The overall rainfall might not change much, but the timing and patterns could still impact your day-to-day life.
- In Boston, it snows about 48 inches annually vs the 1 inch of snow in South Carolina. With more snow, you get stunning winter scenery and plenty of seasonal fun, but you might also be on the hook for extra maintenance and need to stock up on cold-weather gear.
- Crime rates in Boston are higher than in South Carolina, with a crime index of 39.88 versus 28.0. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Boston
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Boston.
Museums in Boston
Parks in Boston
Sports teams in Boston
Universities in Boston
Other considerations when moving to Boston, MA
- Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- 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: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Massachusetts, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- 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 Massachusetts on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Boston take?
The time it takes to move from South Carolina to Boston, MA depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in South Carolina, the longer the drive time to Boston 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.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from South Carolina to Boston can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Boston?
If you’re planning a 931-mile move from South Carolina to Boston, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Boston, MA?
Summer temperatures in Boston can soar to 82°F, while winters can get as chilly as 19°F. That’s why most people making the move from South Carolina to Boston prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
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