Local moving companies in South Carolina
Moving from South Carolina to Durham, NC calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.
Out of 40 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Durham, NC.
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
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
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 #: 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 #: 9860
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Truemove LLC
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving specializes in local residential moves in and around Piedmont, SC, with additional office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Unlike some nearby movers, they accept credit cards and require no deposit. Though their Yelp reviews average at 2.5 stars from 16 reviews, their Google My Business profile shines with a stellar 4.9-star rating from 758 reviews, indicating a strong reputation among a broader customer base.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- 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
Cost to move from South Carolina to Durham, NC
Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from South Carolina to Durham, NC, across different service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $849 – $2,809 | $596 – $1,449 | $287 – $539 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,350 – $3,953 | $1,008 – $1,907 | $293 – $601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,976 – $5,206 | $1,468 – $2,637 | $373 – $708 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 253-mile move from South Carolina to Durham, NC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.
Cost to hire professional movers from South Carolina to Durham, NC
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from South Carolina to Durham, NC, you’ll likely pay between $849 and $2,809. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,350 and $3,953 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,976 to $5,206.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Durham, NC
When you’re heading from South Carolina to Durham, NC, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $596 and $1,449. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,008 and $1,907. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,468 to $2,637. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Durham, NC
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck from South Carolina to Durham, NC will cost around $287 to $539. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $293 to $601, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $373 to $708.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Compare local moving companies from South Carolina to Durham, NC
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Smooth Move Charleston | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Gentlemen Movers Inc. | ✓ | × | × | × |
Among the 3,175 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where South Carolina movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:
| South Carolina | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Durham, NC
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Durham, NC 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. Durham, NC
| South Carolina | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,699 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $69,117 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.1% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
Durham sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Durham is about 60% higher than in South Carolina. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Durham to be about 32% 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 9% higher in Durham than in South Carolina. You may find the living expenses more manageable and be able to boost your savings over time.
- With unemployment 13% lower in Durham than South Carolina, you may find opportunities easier to come by.
- North Carolina has income tax rates about 36% lower than South Carolina, so your paycheck will stretch further.
How life is different in Durham from South Carolina
| Durham | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 28.0 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both South Carolina and Durham siding with the Republican party.
- The average high in the summertime in Durham is 89ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- In the coldest months, Durham drops to 30ºF, which is about the same as South Carolina at 33ºF. When winter temps match up like this, your move should feel smoother, with stable costs and minimal changes to your daily routine.
- Expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Durham, which is pretty much on par with the 48 inches you’re used to in South Carolina. While the total rainfall is similar, differences in timing and weather patterns could still affect your daily routine.
- In Durham, you can expect about 4 inches of snow each year. By comparison, South Carolina typically gets around 1 inch annually. Since both see similar snowfall, your move shouldn’t come with unexpected weather challenges.
- Durham has a higher crime rate than South Carolina, with a crime index of 54.72 compared to 28.0. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Things to do in Durham
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Durham really has something for everyone.
Museums in Durham
- Museum of Life + Science
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Museum of Durham History
- V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
- Golden Belt
Parks in Durham
- West Point on the Eno
- RollingView Falls Lake State Park
- Durham Central Park
- Historic Durham Athletic Park
- Forest Hills Park
Sports teams in Durham
- Duke University (ACC)
- Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)
Universities in Durham
- Duke University
- North Carolina Central University
- Durham Technical Community College
Other considerations when moving to Durham, NC
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify your North Carolina moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to North Carolina, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to North Carolina right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company 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.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Durham take?
How long it takes to move from South Carolina to Durham, NC depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re starting from northern South Carolina, it’ll take longer to get to Durham. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Getting your stuff from South Carolina to Durham can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Durham?
Planning a 253-mile move from South Carolina to Durham? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Durham, NC?
With the summer highs of 89°F and the winter lows of 30°F, most people move to Durham 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 Durham during summer or winter.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
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