The BEST Moving Companies in Charleston, SC
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Charleston, SC, is Smooth Move Charleston, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of South Carolina to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Charleston-based mover: Smooth Move Charleston
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Charleston, SC
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Strong Men Moving : 4 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (45%)
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Careful handling (38%)
- Damage to items (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
- Unexpected charges (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 10
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
- Professional and polite staff (29%)
- Efficient service (26%)
- Careful handling (23%)
- Damage to items (38%)
- Higher-than-expected costs (33%)
- Lack of communication (28%)
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
All My Sons Moving & Storage has been serving Charleston, SC, with local residential moving services since 2000. While their Yelp profile reflects mixed feedback with an average rating of 1.6 from 99 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts a much more favorable 4.5 average rating from 1,390 reviews, and they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and the ability to move specialty items like pianos, antiques, and safes. They accept credit cards, though a deposit is required. For those seeking a well-established moving company with diverse service offerings, All My Sons Moving & Storage presents a reputable option.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Excellent Service
- Polite and Courteous Crew
- Efficient and Careful Handling
- Punctuality Issues
- Cleanliness Concerns
- Minor Damage to Furniture
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2362770
Low Country Moving, LLC has been providing local residential moving services in and around Mt. Pleasant, SC since 2013. Known for their efficiency and care, they also offer specialized services such as piano and art moving, making them stand out among nearby competitors. Despite an average Yelp rating of 4.4 from 38 reviews, their Better Business Bureau rating of F may give potential clients pause. With no deposit required and a competitive rate of $150 per hour for a local move, they present a viable option for those seeking comprehensive and specialized moving services.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Efficient Communication
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Quick and Easy Moving Process
- Inappropriate Team Behavior
- Failure to Complete the Move as Agreed
- Stressful Experience Due to Missing Items
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2868021
Cougar Moving, based in North Charleston, SC, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2011. Known for their exceptional service, the company boasts a 4.7 average rating from 43 Yelp reviews and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, making them a standout choice compared to other nearby moving companies. Offering a competitive rate of $124 per hour for local moves, Cougar Moving also provides labor-only services and accepts both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their stellar reputation and flexible payment options make them a reliable option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Efficient service (80%)
- Professional and polite staff (68%)
- Good communication (64%)
- Damage to items (32%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
- Lack of communication (28%)
Company Info
State license #: 9865
Strong Men Moving offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Mount Pleasant, SC. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like piano moving, without requiring a deposit. Their customer reviews tell a contrasting story; while their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.7 average rating across 114 reviews, their Yelp profile holds a lower average of 1.7 from 11 reviews. This discrepancy suggests varied customer experiences but indicates a generally positive reputation, making them a strong local choice for your moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Best movers for those moving out of South Carolina
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving South Carolina for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Charleston, SC
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Charleston vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Charleston, SC move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Charleston, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in South Carolina costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Charleston, SC
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Charleston:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Charleston
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Charleston mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Charleston, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Charleston or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over South Carolina, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Charleston has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Charleston may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Charleston movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Charleston movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in South Carolina.
Average cost of movers in Charleston, South Carolina
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Charleston area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in South Carolina for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Charleston
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Charleston, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Charleston, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Charleston is $134 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $188 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $678 | $188 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,091 | $263 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,510 | $368 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,878 | $368 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $4,422 | $515 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Charleston
The cost to move from Charleston to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from South Carolina. Here are a few examples:
- Charleston to California Movers: $1,666 to $7,758
- Charleston to New York Movers: $607 to $5,528
- Charleston to Illinois Movers: $720 to $6,021
- Charleston to New York Movers: $607 to $5,528
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Charleston will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Charleston will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across South Carolina state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Charleston, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Charleston?
Resident property owners may renew Residential Parking Permits and single-day Visitor Permit Booklets by mail. Applications should be mailed to the following for immediate processing and handling: Revenue Collections 180 Lockwood Boulevard Suite 234 To schedule your appointment with The Parking division, please click the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/22parkingappts
For more info on parking permits in Charleston, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Charleston moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Charleston mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Charleston movers offer storage?
Yes, many Charleston movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Charleston mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in South Carolina?
You can see all moving companies in South Carolina by taking a look at our full list of South Carolina movers.
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