Best Moving Container Companies in South Carolina (2025)
Quick answer: Based on our in-depth research, PODS and U-Pack are our top recommendations for the best moving container companies in South Carolina.
On average, moving containers in Charleston, Columbia, and throughout the state of SC can cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000. To get the most accurate and up-to-date estimates, check our free moving cost calculator.
We’ve rounded up our top five picks for moving containers in South Carolina, highlighting their cost, sizes, and availability. Read on to see which one fits your moving needs.
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Our track record
5 Best moving container companies in South Carolina
Here are our picks for the best moving container companies in the Palmetto State.
PODS: Best for long-distance moves
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Why we chose PODS
When you hear moving containers, you probably think of PODS. The popular company has seven locations in South Carolina and delivers to Hawaii. It is the only company with multiple container sizes and such a wide service area.
PODS gives you 30 days to load and unload furniture and other belongings so you don’t have to rush settling into your new house. You can store your stuff at your property or in one of PODS’ climate-controlled facilities.
It also stands out for offering local moving services in addition to its robust network for long-distance moves across the country.
Unfortunately, PODS doesn’t have locations in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming, so U-Pack would be a better option if you’re moving to any of those locations.
Pros and cons
- Unlimited loading/unloading time (charges apply after 30 days)
- Short-term and long-term storage options
- Handles local and long-distance moves
- Not available for moves to all states
- No online quotes for long-distance moves
How much does PODS cost?
PODS container sizes
U-Pack: Best overall value
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Why we chose U-Pack
U-Pack is one of the lowest priced moving container companies, offering top notch services. U-Pack is affordable because they only charge you for the space you use.
That said, their eight-foot ReloCubes have less space than competitors’, so be sure to order enough containers for your house or apartment.
If you need time to settle in between moving, U-Pack offers onsite storage options for up to six months. They also have an easy-to-use website with helpful features like instant quotes and shipment tracking.
With over 200 locations in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, they’ll get your belongings where they need to be, as long as you’re moving far enough. Since they require a minimum distance of 250 miles, the container company isn’t a good option for local moves.
Pros and cons
- No deposit upfront
- Free and accurate quotes online
- Easy-to-use website that includes shipment tracking
- Only one container size
- Doesn’t service local moves
How much does U-Pack cost?
U-Pack container sizes
MovingYourself: Best for large moves
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
Why we chose MovingYourself
Founded in 2022, MovingYourself is the newest company on the list. It’s not really a moving container company, but MovingYourself follows the same basic premise— customers handle loading and unloading, and they do the driving.
Instead of using a moving container, you’ll pack a 52-foot moving truck. With three days to load after the giant truck arrives, customers can pack furniture and other large items that might not fit in a U-Pack ReloCube.
Unlike other container companies, MovingYourself gives customers enough space to move a car. This makes it an excellent option for anyone looking into car shipping options in addition to their move.
MovingYourself only charges for the space you use, so even if you don’t have a car to transport, it may still be worth it. However, MovingYourself trucks are only available for interstate moves.
Pros and cons
- Offers more space than moving containers (up to 52 feet)
- You only pay for space you need
- Offers car-shipping solutions
- Charges a 10% deposit upon booking
- New company with limited online reviews
- Doesn’t service local moves
How much does MovingYourself cost?
MovingYourself container sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for container options
- Barn-style container doors make packing easier
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- $10k insurance included with option to purchase more
- Free lock provided for container door
Why we chose 1-800-PACK-RAT
If you have antiques, delicate furniture, and other belongings that require extra protection, 1-800-PACK-RAT is the best container out there.
Much like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes with eight-, 12-, and 16-feet of storage. Unlike PODS or U-Pack, the containers at PACK-RAT have barn-style doors that make loading and unloading that much easier.
If you need some time to get your new place ready, these steel containers are available for short-term and long-term storage in the company’s climate-controlled warehouses.
As convenient as it is to have containers that are conducive to loading, the unmatched durability of PACK-RAT containers is what makes them the best on this list.
Just keep in mind that PACK—RAT isn’t available in a handful of states, so you should double-check their availability if you’re moving to another state.
Pros and cons
- Services for local and long-distance moves
- Easy-to-load, weather-resistant steel containers
- Unlimited loading and unloading time (charges apply after 30 days)
- Potential fuel surcharges for long-distance moves
- Charges a $500 deposit five days before a move
- Limited availability nationwide
How much does 1-800-PACK-RAT cost?
1-800-PACK-RAT container sizes
Zippy Shell: Best for city-to-city moves
- Available for local and long distance moves
- Street legal containers perfect for city parking
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
Why we chose Zippy Shell
When it comes to moving containers, one of the biggest inconveniences is figuring out where to put your pod. This can be especially challenging for people who live in cities with limited space.
Zippy Shell has a solution with their street-legal containers that can fit in most standard parking spots. That means a lower risk of your belongings being dropped at a warehouse if your landlord won’t let you keep your container on their property.
A sister company to 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell’s containers are also steel framed, but they don’t have steel doors. So again, if you’re moving delicate furniture, PACK-RAT is usually more expensive but the safer bet.
With multiple locations in South Carolina and ample availability in cities throughout the country, Zippy Shell is a solid choice for local and long-distance moves.
Pros and cons
- Street-legal containers can be parked on most city streets
- 30 days of storage included for long-distance moves
- Multiple add-on services and insurance options
- Charges for 50% of the move two days before
- Steep cancellation fee ($299) for changing plans within 10 days of move
- Limited nationwide availability
How much does Zippy Shell cost?
Zippy Shell container sizes
Local South Carolina moving container companies
Looking for a smaller local moving container company in SC? Here are a few top options:
Comparing the best moving container companies in SC
Provider | BBB Rating | State Availability | Container Options |
---|---|---|---|
U-Pack | A+ | 50 | 8-foot |
PODS | A+ | 46* | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot |
MovingYourself | A- | 48** | Up to 52 feet |
1-800–PACK-RAT | A+ | 31^ | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot |
Zippy Shell | A+ | 34^^ | 16-foot |
*Not in AK, MT, ND, or WY
**Not in AK or HI
^Not in AL, AK, AR, DE, HI, IA, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WI, or WY
^^Not in AK, AR, DE, HI, KS, ME, MS, MT, NE, NH, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, or WY
How we picked the best South Carolina moving container companies
Comparing moving container sizes
Another thing to remember before booking your move is that container sizes can vary based on the company you choose.
Here’s the kind of space you’ll typically be working with, depending on what container company you pick.
Container Size | Ideal For |
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8-foot containers | Studio apartment, or approximately 500 square feet of belongings |
10-foot containers | One-bedroom apartment or house, or approximately 500–800 square feet of belongings |
16-foot containers | Two-bedroom apartment or house, or up to approximately 1,200 square feet of belongings |
Moving containers vs. full-service movers
If you don’t want to do any heavy lifting, you’ll ultimately have a better moving experience with a full-service moving company or long-distance movers.
If saving money is more important than saving your back, a moving container company like U-Pack is a more affordable option. But again, customers are responsible for loading and unloading their containers.
Sometimes people want to use a moving container company like PODS and then hire local movers to help load and unload.
While this is a viable option, it can turn out to be less cost-effective than an affordable full-service mover like Safeway Moving and American Van Lines.
That’s why it is smart to reference our moving cost calculator to compare costs and make sure you’re not doing more work than you’re paying for.
Our take
U-Pack and PODS are our top picks for affordability, convenience, and overall consistent moving experiences across the board.
Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or up to three-bedrooms, both companies should be able to meet your needs pretty much anywhere in the US.
MovingYourself is a better option for larger moves that are out of state because they provide 52-foot trucks. And if you have car-shipping needs on top of your big move, then there’s an added reason to book a truck with MovingYourself.
We recommend requesting at least three quotes from different companies so you can get a good side-by-side look at the best services at the time of your move.
If you’re overwhelmed about the idea of requesting multiple estimates, don’t worry. Our free moving cost calculator allows you to do this quickly and easily.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to use a pod or a moving truck?
How much do moving shipping containers cost from South Carolina to Georgia?
Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in South Carolina?
What cannot be moved in a pod?
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