Quick answer: We compared 52 movers in Charleston, SC, and found a standout for local moves — Smooth Move Charleston. They've accumulated 270 reviews, with 94.4% positive feedback.
For long-distance moves from Charleston, we recommend Colonial Van Lines. As a trusted national company, they stand out with clear flat-rate pricing, reliable service, and consistently strong customer reviews.
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Our team assessed over 4,000 professional movers nationwide utilizing our proprietary ranking system. We consider essential criteria such as pricing, customer feedback, and service offerings. Additionally, we scrutinize numerous online reviews to identify each company's typical highlights and areas for improvement.
You can count on us to provide information that’s relevant and trustworthy. Our specialists regularly review and verify our content so it stays precise and current.
Top-Rated Local Charleston Movers
Moving to a new location in Charleston can be stress-free with experienced local movers. With the right team, your short-distance move can be seamless and straightforward.
Here's our shortlist of the best local movers to ensure your move goes off without a hitch:
Smooth Move Charleston
Smooth Move Charleston (DOT: 2357653) is a versatile moving company that offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and junk removal. They also provide specialized services such as piano and pool table moving, and have climate-controlled storage options available. The company is equipped for both small moves and labor-only jobs, expanding their adaptability to various moving needs.
However, Smooth Move Charleston does not offer international moving services or fragile-only packing, which may be a drawback for those with specific requirements. They accept payments by credit card, enhancing convenience for their customers. Despite their wide array of offerings, they do not provide discounts for seniors, military personnel, or students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
All My Sons Moving & Storage
All My Sons Moving & Storage (DOT: 902281) is an active moving company that offers a wide range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international moves, and climate-controlled storage. They also provide expertise in handling antiques and pianos, ensuring delicate items are transported with care. Customers can benefit from their packing and unpacking services, as well as the availability of packing materials, making for a convenient moving experience.
However, potential clients might find it a drawback that the company does not offer shipment tracking, which some might find important for peace of mind during moves. Despite this, their comprehensive service offerings make them a viable option for those seeking professional and reliable moving assistance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Low Country Moving, LLC
Low Country Moving, LLC (DOT: 2362770) is a versatile moving company that offers a wide range of services, including full-service moving and the ability to handle interstate and intrastate relocations. They cater to specific needs such as moving antiques, pianos, and providing packing materials. Additionally, they offer labor-only services, making them flexible for clients who require additional manpower for their moves.
While they provide valuable services, some customers might find it inconvenient that the company does not offer international moving services. Despite the comprehensive service offerings, Low Country Moving, LLC does not currently support payment by credit card or provide storage solutions. They are noted for giving instant email quotes and do not require deposits, which could simplify the booking process for many clients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor packing quality
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Labor-only
- Piano
- In-state
Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.
Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc. (DOT: 2021301) is a versatile moving company offering a range of comprehensive services. They cater to both interstate and international moves, and include specialized services like piano and antique moving, ensuring your valuable possessions are handled with care. Their full-service offerings are complemented by packing and unpacking options, making relocation easier for their customers.
Reads Moving Systems does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, which might be a limitation for some clients looking for modern payment solutions. Nonetheless, their active status in the industry and wide service offerings make them a reliable choice for those in need of moving assistance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Highly recommended
Cons
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Cougar Moving
Cougar Moving (DOT: 2868021) is an active moving company that offers full-service moving solutions, specializing in small moves and labor-only services. They provide the convenience of intrastate moving and accept payments by cash and credit card.
While they do not offer specialized services such as antique handling or international moves, they can accommodate simple and local moving needs. A potential downside for some customers is the lack of storage options and packing services, which are not part of their offerings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Labor-only
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
More South Carolina Moving Options
Curious about all moving solutions near you? Check out this list of the best moving companies in South Carolina.
The Best Long-Distance Movers in Charleston
Saying goodbye to Charleston is the start of a new chapter. With the right interstate moving company, your move — whether near or far — begins without unnecessary stress. Take a look at our top picks to help you plan your relocation:
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a trusted full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, handling long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years of experience and 12,000+ moves annually, they offer expert packing, storage, and interstate transport throughout the continental US. Moving crews are highly trained Their user-friendly mobile app makes getting a quote fast and easy, and customers consistently praise their friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country. Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business. Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing put them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is one of the largest and most well-known moving networks globally. With agent locations in all 50 states, as well as worldwide, and over 80 years in business, the company comes well-equipped for just about any type of move. The only drawback to Allied is they're known as a premium brand in the industry and their pricing can often come in above the competition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was founded seven years ago by Semen Mayzlin. Semen began his career as a moving company driver but got frustrated with the existing companies in the industry and decided to start his own premier long distance moving company. The company has grown over the past 7 years and now has 10 tractor trailers servicing moves all over the country.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
Moving Services Offered in Charleston
Not every moving company offers the same range of services, and availability can vary widely from one location to another. Some movers may specialize in fragile-item packing, pianos, or storage solutions, while others may not offer these services at all in Charleston.
To make comparison simple, the table below lists how many movers in Charleston provide each service, with state and national figures included for context. This way, you can see what’s common locally and which services might take more effort to track down.
| Service | Charleston | SC | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 8 | 50 | 3,074 |
| Unpacking | 8 | 50 | 2,974 |
| Packing materials | 7 | 46 | 1,814 |
| Piano | 6 | 33 | 2,300 |
| Antiques | 4 | 18 | 1,465 |
| Art | 2 | 16 | 1,449 |
| Standard storage | 6 | 42 | 2,696 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 2 | 17 | 1,035 |
| Fragile-only packing | 0 | 7 | 748 |
| Custom crating | 4 | 28 | 1,929 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
If convenience is the priority, full-service movers pack, load, and unload everything for you. For those who prefer to save money or stay more involved, alternatives such as moving containers, rental trucks, or hired labor by the hour can be a smart fit.
PODS
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Did you know? You don’t have to choose between full-service movers and doing it all alone. In Charleston, there are 8 labor-only providers ready to give you hourly help with the heavy lifting.
FAQs
Do all Charleston movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Charleston, 6 companies can handle out-of-state moves, compared to 40 across South Carolina.
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Yes. Peak summer months tend to be pricier. Since 2 movers in Charleston offer instant online quotes, it's easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are Charleston movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 6 movers in Charleston also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do Charleston movers offer discounts?
No, Charleston movers do not currently offer advertised discounts. However, you should
always double-check with a moving rep when you call for an estimate, since many companies provide various promotions
and deals, either ongoing or during certain times of the year.
Can I pay movers in cash in Charleston?
Yes. 4 movers in Charleston accept cash, compared to 12 statewide.
How many Charleston movers provide packing services?
8 movers in Charleston offer packing services, and 7 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any Charleston movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 0 movers in Charleston offer fragile-only packing, while 2 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in Charleston provide storage options?
There are 6 movers in Charleston that offer standard storage, and 2 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
