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Local moving companies in South Carolina
When relocating from South Carolina to Philadelphia, PA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Palmetto State to the lively Philly. 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 Philadelphia, PA.
- 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
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 2,886 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 Philadelphia, PA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Philadelphia, PA is really like compared to South Carolina. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we'll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs Philadelphia, PA
| South Carolina | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $295,769 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $70,746 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 11% |
| State income tax | 7% | 3% |
Philadelphia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Philadelphia is about 59% 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 Philadelphia means you'll spend about 27% less on housing compared to South Carolina, so your budget will go further.
- You’ll typically earn about 11% more in Philadelphia than in South Carolina, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- Unemployment in Philadelphia is about 126% 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 Philadelphia are 56% 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 Philadelphia from South Carolina
| Philadelphia | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 13" | 1" |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 28.0 |
Philadelphia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Philadelphia voted Democratic, while South Carolina voted Republican.
- Summers in Philadelphia typically reach highs of 87°F, which is comparable to the average 91°F in South Carolina. The temps in your new home shouldn’t come as a shock. However, be sure to consider the area’s humidity, local weather patterns, and changes in energy expenses for a complete picture of what summer will feel like in your new home.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Philadelphia drop to 26ºF, compared to 33ºF in South Carolina. Moving to Philadelphia means you’ll need to adapt to chillier winters, which might mean higher heating costs and some adjustments to your daily routine. On the bright side, you’ll also get to experience unique winter scenery and plenty of seasonal fun.
- You’ll get about 47 inches of rain each year in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, you’ll see around 13 inches of snow each year, compared to 1 inch in South Carolina. While the heavier snowfall offers beautiful winter landscapes and plenty of opportunities for seasonal activities, it also requires extra upkeep, smarter planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than South Carolina, with a crime index of 66.09 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 Philadelphia
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Philadelphia truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Philadelphia
Parks in Philadelphia
Sports Teams in Philadelphia
Universities in Philadelphia
Other considerations when moving to Philadelphia, PA
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your Pennsylvania moving license on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Pennsylvania, but you need to check out local parking regulations ahead of 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 Pennsylvania right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Moving insurance requirements differ from state to state. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Philadelphia take?
How long it takes to move from South Carolina to Philadelphia, PA 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.
The farther north you are in South Carolina, the longer it’ll take to reach Philadelphia. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from South Carolina to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
With a 638-mile move from South Carolina to Philadelphia, it's smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia, PA?
With summer temperatures reaching 87°F and winter nights dipping to 26°F, most people make the move from South Carolina to Philadelphia in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
