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Best moving companies in Charleston, SC 2025

We compared 27 companies and chose the top movers

    • Colonial Van Lines
      4.3(2,662)
    • PODS
      4.6(4,065)
    Author picture
    By: Cassidy McCants
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Best moving companies in Charleston, SC 2025

    Our 2 picks for movers in Charleston

    1. Best overall: Colonial Van Lines
    2. Moving containers: PODS

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Charleston. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Charleston customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Best overall
    Colonial Van Lines
    Colonial Van Lines
    4.3
    2,662 reviews
    Highlight
    Climate-controlled storage options
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Seasonal
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    Colonial Van Lines provides moves to and from Charleston. It offers binding quotes, so your price is locked in as long as your initial inventory is accurate.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
    • Storage options: Climate-controlled facilities and modular cubes
    • Packing services: Single items, kitchen, full packing

    Pros

    • Portable moving containers
    • Quick, efficient crews, according to reviewers
    • More than 50 years in the moving industry

    Cons

    • No local or international moves
    • Some reports of communication issues
    • Deposit requirements: Anywhere from one-third of the full price to 40%
    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • “My coordinator, Lauren, was with me every step of the way. She answered every single one of my calls, especially at the most important time. She was phenomenal. … She gave me a really, really amazing price. She was honest with me from the start. As the move got closer, I was checked on constantly. Then the actual moving service that came was even better. They were A1. Colonial set me up with a good company that moved my belongings. The only hiccup was that the arrival time was off. But they rectified it. You didn't even notice it because they were really great.” — Kaycee in Charleston
    • “My experience with Colonial Van Lines went very well. The drivers and the movers were wonderful. They were very kind and hardworking. Their quote was also reasonable. ... We ended up with Colonial and we're very pleased. Their customer service was very good. However, the drivers were very late coming to pick up and I couldn't get anybody on the phone for a while. But that was the only issue I had.” — L from North Charleston
    Moving containers
    PODS
    PODS
    4.6
    4,065 reviews
    Highlight
    Flexible timelines
    Types of moves
    Local, long-distance, international
    Discounts available
    Military
    Read Reviews

    PODS offers local, long-distance and international moves and professional third-party packing services. It’s a carrier and broker with a focus on portable storage containers, and it provides moving services to and from Charleston.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier and broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Phone
    • Storage options: Various container sizes for short- or long-term storage
    • Packing services: Professional third-party packing services

    Pros

    • Flexibility
    • Cheaper than traditional moving companies
    • Simplified moving process

    Cons

    • Not available in all locations
    • Some delivery delays, according to reviewers
    • Upfront charges
    • Deposit requirements: None; full amount charged one to seven days prior
    • Discounts: Military
    • “Using Pods was easy and straightforward. The delivery and pick up were on time. Ray did the pick up. I can't remember the delivery gentleman name. It was a tight spot. The delivery took a little longer but he worked it in. Ray pick up went way smoother than the delivery. He definitely knew his job. Well done.” — Sandy in Charleston
    • “Everything that PODS said they were going to do, they did and it was great. I highly recommend them. I started online, then some rep called me and we finished over the phone. The pod that I got ended up being a little big, but I'd rather it be too big than too small. It was a pretty good deal.” — Jesse from Summerville

    Moving Companies in Charleston Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Colonial Van Lines logo
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    Simplify your search

    Find a team that works for you & enjoy a stress-free move.

      What to consider when choosing a mover in Charleston

      Hiring the right movers can make a move significantly smoother. Here are some tips for finding the right type of mover for you:

      1. Determine what kind of mover you need. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
      2. Research movers available in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
      3. Get details on pricing and insurance. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Charleston

      Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

      Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally lead to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover.

      To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

      Should you tip your movers?

      Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

      A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Charleston

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful Charleston move

      Moving to Charleston can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

      1. Develop a moving budget

      Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

      Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

      2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

      Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

      3. Pack efficiently

      Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

      Moving within or to South Carolina?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Charleston

      All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. Verify current state regulations with South Carolina’s transportation authority.

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to hire movers?

      When budgeting for your move, remember that local movers generally charge an hourly rate (around $80 to $100 for a two-person crew), while interstate movers calculate costs based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for long-distance moves. Ultimately, your total moving cost will depend on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you're moving and the time of year.

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      While a DIY move can be budget-friendly, hiring professional movers is often a worthwhile investment. The stress and hassle of DIY moving can be overwhelming, and it’s not always cheap — consider the costs of truck rental, equipment and time off from work. If your budget allows, professional movers can save you time, money and a whole lot of worry.

      How early should I start planning a move?

      To ensure a smooth move, it's generally recommended to begin planning at least two months ahead of your target date. This time frame allows you to gather quotes from multiple movers and efficiently pack your belongings. It also provides a buffer for unexpected issues that may arise.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Charleston, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Charleston. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.

      Not sure how to choose?

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