Local moving companies in South Carolina
When relocating from South Carolina to Houston, TX, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 40 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Houston, TX.
- 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 Houston, TX
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from South Carolina to Houston, TX with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,083 – $4,428 | $849 – $2,070 | $648 – $1,278 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,417 – $5,429 | $1,408 – $3,030 | $680 – $1,505 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,750 – $7,526 | $1,976 – $3,907 | $844 – $1,707 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 992-mile move from South Carolina to Houston, TX using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from South Carolina to Houston, TX
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Houston, TX, you can expect to spend between $1,083 and $4,428. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,417 to $5,429 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,750 and $7,526.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Houston, TX
When moving from South Carolina to Houston, TX, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $849 and $2,070. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,408 to $3,030. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,976 up to $3,907. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Houston, TX
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from South Carolina to Houston, TX, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $648 and $1,278. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $680 and $1,505. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $844 and $1,707.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from South Carolina to Houston, TX
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. | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,175 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% | 96% |
| Antiques | 34% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 3% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Houston, TX
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Houston, TX 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. Houston, TX
| South Carolina | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,549 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $69,833 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 97 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.1% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
Houston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Houston is roughly 45% higher than in South Carolina. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- On average, homes in Houston cost 11% less than in South Carolina, making your move budget-friendly.
- You’ll typically earn about 10% more in Houston than in South Carolina, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- Houston’s unemployment rate is 13% lower than South Carolina, suggesting a healthier job market.
- In Texas, no income tax means more money stays in your pocket — an immediate financial boost for most people.
How life is different in Houston from South Carolina
| Houston | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 28.0 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both South Carolina and Houston supported the Republican candidate.
- Summer in Houston usually hits around 94ºF, pretty similar to the 91ºF 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 part of the year, Houston reaches a temperature of 43ºF while South Carolina gets down to 33ºF. Relocating to Houston means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- You’ll get about 53 inches of rain each year in Houston, 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.
- Houston doesn’t get snow, while South Carolina sees around 1 inch annually. Relocating to Houston means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Houston has a higher crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 63.5 vs 28.0. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Houston
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Houston has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Houston
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Holocaust Museum Houston
Parks in Houston
- Hermann Park
- Terry Hershey Park
- Lake Houston Park
- Memorial Park
- Tranquility Park
Sports teams in Houston
- Houston Texans (NFL)
- Houston Astros (MLB
- Houston Dash (NWSL)
- Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
- Houston Rockets (NBA)
Universities in Houston
- Houston Community College
- San Jacinto College
- University of Houston
- University of Houston – Downtown
- Texas Southern University
Other considerations when moving to Houston, TX
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Texas, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Texas without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- 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 Houston take?
The time frame for a move from South Carolina to Houston, TX, 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.
The farther north you are in South Carolina, the longer it’ll take to reach Houston. 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.
Delivery from South Carolina to Houston can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Houston?
If you’re gearing up for a 992-mile move from South Carolina to Houston, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Houston, TX?
Summer in Houston can reach highs of 94°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 43°F. That’s why most people moving from South Carolina to Houston opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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