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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices

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?toggle

Alex made an approximately 1,709-mile move and chose PODS to help because they were flexible and affordable compared to other options. He was initially quoted $2,836, and his final bill matched that estimate to a tee.

PODS container sizestoggle

If you’re moving locally (within 50 miles), you can book eight-, 12- or 16-foot containers from PODS. That being said, their 12-foot containers are only available for local moves.


  • Container sizes: 8-, 12-, 16-foot
  • Container material: Steel frame, weather-resistant polymer siding
  • Climate-controlled storage: No
  • Capacity: 402–835 cubic feet, 4,200–5,200 pounds

U-Pack: Best overall value

Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

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?toggle

When Freddy was moving from Athens, Georgia to Chicago he needed affordable moving services that included two months of storage.

He decided on U-Pack because the company seemed like the best value for his 800-mile move. U-Pack quoted Freddy $1,438, which wound up being the exact cost he owed after the move.

U-Pack container sizestoggle

  • Container sizes: 8-foot ReloCubes, 28-foot trailers
  • Container material: Steel
  • Climate-controlled storage: No
  • Capacity: ReloCubes: 308 cubic feet, 2,500 pounds. Trailer: 1,944 cubic feet, 22,500 pounds

MovingYourself: Best for large moves

best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

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?toggle

MovingYourself offers similar transportation brokerage services as the founder’s other company, MovingPlace. While we don’t have quotes for MovingYourself, we can look to MovingPlace to get an idea.

Matt hired MovingPlace for a 2,000-mile move was during the summer peak moving season. He was quoted $3,529 and at the end of his move, he was only charged $3,218.

MovingYourself container sizestoggle

 

  • Container sizes: 22-foot and 53-foot moving trucks
  • Container material: Metal
  • Climate-controlled storage: No
  • Capacity: Varies

1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for container options

Most container options
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

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?toggle

Desmond chose 1-800-PACK-RAT for his 2,300-mile move from Lafayette, Oregon, to Waynesville, Ohio, because of the protection of the steel containers. His quote was about $7,048, and the final bill was $7,310.

1-800-PACK-RAT container sizestoggle

  • Container sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot
  • Container material: All-steel construction
  • Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
  • Capacity: 404–830 cubic feet, 4,000–6,000 pounds

Zippy Shell: Best for city-to-city moves

Best for city to city moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.2 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

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?toggle

When Danielle moved from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, she chose Zippy Shell because of the container size and affordable price compared to competitors. Danielle was quoted $2,730 for a 15-foot container and an 813-mile move, which ended up being the amount she paid.

Zippy Shell container sizestoggle

Zippy Shell offers 10-foot and 15-foot containers, plus 22-foot trailers. Their containers have slightly less capacity, which is worth considering when you compare Zippy Shell vs. PODS and other competitors.


  • Container sizes: 10-foot and 15-foot; 22-foot trailer
  • Container material: All-steel construction
  • Climate-controlled storage: Yes (at some locations)
  • Capacity: 420–680 cubic feet, 3,500–5,500 pounds

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 companiestoggle

A lot of variables go into our company ratings. MoveBuddha’s methodology is based on the following key factors:

  • Customer satisfaction: Online reviews are helpful but tend to lack important details. Through interviews with consumers about their moving experiences, moveBuddha gives you more detailed accounts about what to expect.
  • Services: Standard moving container services generally include supplying containers and transportation services, with potential storage options along the way. However, storage container size, availability, and services can vary from company to company and also factored into our ratings.
  • Reputation: In addition to detailed customer reviews, moveBuddha looks at each company’s grade with the Better Business Bureau, as well as their U.S. Department of Transportation license and other accreditations with professional associations.
  • Add-on options: Moving is a lot easier with helpers loading and unloading, but these services aren’t included with moving container companies. We considered which companies provide add-on services like packing and flexible insurance options in our evaluation.
  • Availability: A wide service area and storage container availability are all essential details to work out before picking a moving container company. We factored in each company’s overall availability as well.
  • Payment: Moving is expensive, so it is crucial to compare quotes. We gathered sample quotes and asked our readers about their estimates and final costs, also weighing in the ease of getting quotes.
  • Scheduling: It’s also crucial to work with a moving container company that can meet your scheduling needs. We looked into reviews to see how easy each company makes it to schedule a move on your timetable.

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
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?toggle

Moving truck companies like U-Haul tend to be cheaper than moving container companies or pods. However, truck rental companies are cheaper because they require customers to do the driving themselves.

Other truck rental companies like Penske are known for being more reliable and having better customer reviews, but also for being more expensive.

How much do moving shipping containers cost from South Carolina to Georgia?toggle

For someone moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, U-Pack estimates that it would cost about $1,254 for the 350-mile move.

In contrast, PODS quoted the same move with the same amount of belongings at $2,494. PODS also required a five-minute phone call to get this higher estimate, but U-Pack provided their quote within a few seconds online.

Which moving container company offers the best value for long-distance moves in South Carolina?toggle

If you’re looking for a reliable long-distance moving container company in South Carolina, U-Pack is our pick for the best value. Along with nationwide availability, U-Pack has the most competitive pricing, positive reviews, and a user-friendly website that allows for instant and accurate quotes.

They do not service local moves, but for long-distance relocation, U-Pack will give you the best service for your money.

What cannot be moved in a pod?toggle

There are a lot of items that can be packed in most moving containers. The things that cannot be moved include:

  • Pets
  • Toxic chemicals
  • Gas and other flammable liquids
  • Lawn mowers
  • Motorized vehicles (unless otherwise noted)
  • Hazardous waste

We also discourage packing legal paperwork and currency in a pod or moving container. While customers are technically permitted to do so, it can be inconvenient if you need to access these money and documents during your move.

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All