South Carolina claimed the #1 spot in the U-Haul Growth Index in 2024, unseating Texas after three consecutive years at the top. United Van Lines’ 2025 National Movers Study recorded 61% inbound moves – third highest nationally – and the Census Bureau identified South Carolina as the state with the largest net domestic migration relative to its population. From July 2023 to July 2024, the state netted more than 68,000 domestic migrants. The Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach metro ranked third fastest-growing in the country at 3.8% population growth.
Primary inbound corridors run along I-26 (Midwest and Northeast into the Charleston-Columbia axis), I-85 (mid-Atlantic into Greenville-Spartanburg), and I-95 (Florida retirees and northeastern arrivals to the Grand Strand and Lowcountry). South Carolina home values average roughly $295,769, about 4% below the national average – a significant gap for buyers relocating from New Jersey, New York, or California, which together supply a disproportionate share of inbound moves.
Intrastate movers must hold a Class E Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and administered by the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). The certificate number must appear on both sides of all moving trucks, movers must file tariffs with the state, and minimum insurance requirements are $500,000 for vehicles under 10,000 lbs and $750,000 for larger vehicles. To verify a license or file a complaint, contact ORS Consumer Services at (803) 737-5230 or 1-800-922-1531. Average hourly rates run approximately $138 per hour, with total local move costs ranging between $2,195 and $6,271 based on verified review data. Peak season runs May through September.
Top-Rated Movers in South Carolina
HD Auston Moving Systems
Address: 1111 W Bramlett Road, Ste 1003, Greenville, SC 29611
Website: https://austonmoving.com
USDOT: #271654
A second-generation family business operating since 1945, HD Auston holds South Carolina PSC license #205-D/672-E and carries an A+ Better Business Bureau rating with a 4.7-star average across more than 183 Google reviews. Based less than 10 miles from downtown Greenville, the company serves the Upstate region for local and long-distance residential moves, office relocations, packing and unpacking, and specialty items including pianos. Their secure, climate-controlled warehouse facility near Greenville offers assisted loading and unloading with every storage visit – customers do not unload on their own. No deposit is required, and the company accepts credit cards.
Smooth Move
Address: 4767 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Website: https://www.gosmoothmove.com
USDOT: #2357653
A locally owned, family-operated mover with locations in North Charleston and Rock Hill, Smooth Move holds ORS license #9823 and is certified as a ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association. The company earns 94% positive ratings across 270 verified customer reviews – one of the highest positivity rates among SC movers – with reviewers repeatedly noting that final bills came in under estimate. Services include full-service residential and commercial moves, full or partial packing, junk removal with donation drop-off, waterproof mobile storage units, and labor-only services. The company serves the Charleston Lowcountry corridor including North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Hanahan, and is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
Carey Moving & Storage (United Van Lines agent)
Address: 930 Monks Grove Church Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303
Website: https://careymoving.com
USDOT: #076235
Founded in 1907 in Spartanburg, Carey Moving & Storage is one of South Carolina’s oldest continuously operating movers and functions as a United Van Lines agent with access to a national network. ORS license #2973. Services span local, intrastate, interstate, and international residential and commercial relocations, along with packing, crating, specialty item moves (fine art, antiques, pianos), and climate-controlled warehouse storage at facilities in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Charleston. The company also offers portable storage in four container sizes across multiple Upstate and Charlotte-area locations. With 82.6% positive ratings from 184 reviews, Carey is recognized for efficient service and professional crews on large and complex corporate relocations.
Moving Companies in South Carolina: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in South Carolina?
Yes. Intrastate household goods movers in South Carolina must hold a Class E Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and administered by the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). This certificate number must be displayed on both sides of every moving truck. You can verify a mover’s license status or file a complaint by calling ORS Consumer Services at (803) 737-5230 or the statewide toll-free line at 1-800-922-1531. For interstate moves, the mover must also have a valid USDOT number searchable at fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in South Carolina?
Based on verified review data, average hourly rates for local moves in South Carolina run approximately $138 per hour. Total move costs from reviewed transactions ranged from roughly $2,195 to $6,271, though actual pricing varies with crew size, distance, and added services like packing. South Carolina is about 4% cheaper than the national average for cost of living overall, but moving costs during peak summer months (June and July) can be higher due to demand. Contact movers directly for current quotes.
How does South Carolina’s geography affect moving logistics and cost?
South Carolina spans distinct regions that create meaningfully different move types. Upstate moves between Greenville and Spartanburg are typically shorter hauls on I-85 through rolling terrain. Columbia-area moves along I-26 and I-20 serve the suburban midlands. Lowcountry and Charleston-area moves introduce specific complications: coastal humidity, tidal-area access restrictions, barrier island logistics (some requiring ferry or causeway navigation), and the compressed street grids of historic downtown Charleston. Longer cross-state moves, such as Greenville to Myrtle Beach, can exceed 200 miles and are priced as long-distance rather than local.
When is the busiest moving season in South Carolina, and should I be concerned about hurricane season?
Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July the heaviest months driven by school-year breaks and warm-weather demand. South Carolina’s Atlantic and Grand Strand coastlines fall within the Atlantic hurricane zone, with the official season running June 1 through November 30. Coastal county moves planned during active storm periods – particularly August through October – can face last-minute delays or evacuations. Movers operating near barrier islands and low-lying Lowcountry areas may suspend service during mandatory evacuations. Booking early and confirming cancellation policies before signing a contract is particularly important for coastal moves during this window.
What are my rights if a South Carolina mover damages my belongings or overcharges me?
State-licensed movers must issue a uniform Bill of Lading before moving begins, which includes a valuation/insurance section you are required to sign. The minimum automatic coverage is $0.60 per pound per item at no cost; Full Value Protection can be purchased for broader coverage. If a dispute arises, file a claim with the mover first. Unresolved complaints against ORS-licensed movers can be submitted to the ORS Consumer Services office at (803) 737-5230 or 1-800-922-1531. For interstate moves governed federally, contact the FMCSA at 1-888-DOT-SAFT or through fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.