Top Moving Companies in Charleston, SC (May 2026)
Smooth Move Charleston stands out as the best mover in Charleston, SC, with 270 reviews and 94.4% of customers rating their experience positively. Our rankings are based on an analysis of 52 companies operating locally.
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.
Colonial Van Lines
|
Safeway Moving
|
American Van Lines
|
Hi, I'm Michael Marshall from FreightWaves
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade. Build your move plan in minutes.
-
Smooth Move Charleston | 4.88
-
Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
-
PODS | 4.5
-
Budget Truck Rental | 4.3
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.
Here’s how we rank movers:
Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.
Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.
Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.
Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.
Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.
Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.
Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.
Top-Rated Local Movers in Charleston, SC
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:
Top-rated movers in Charleston:
- Smooth Move Charleston: 270 reviews (94.4% positive)
- Elite Movers Inc:
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 346 reviews (61.8% positive)
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 260 reviews (89.6% positive)
- Two Men and a Truck Moving:
Smooth Move Charleston
Smooth Move Charleston (DOT: 2357653) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and junk removal. They also provide specialized services for pianos and pool tables, ensuring delicate items are transported with care. Customers can take advantage of climate-controlled storage options, adding a layer of assurance for temperature-sensitive belongings. However, they do not offer international moving services, which may be a consideration for those planning a move abroad.
"Julius and his partner handled the actual move with unmatched care and attention to detail. Every fragile item was expertly wrapped, and multiple TVs arrived without a scratch. The entire process was smooth, affordable, and stress-free."
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
Elite Movers Inc
Elite Movers Inc (DOT: 3579816) provides a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and specialized care for antiques. They also offer labor-only services and are well-suited for small moves, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs.
Customers can pay by cash or credit card, but the company does not accept cryptocurrency. A downside for some clients might be the lack of international moving services, which could limit options for those seeking to move abroad.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
All My Sons Moving & Storage
All My Sons Moving & Storage (DOT: 902281) offers a range of comprehensive services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocation, and climate-controlled storage options. They provide specialized services like packing, crating, and handling of antiques and pianos, making them a reliable choice for complex moving needs.
While they do offer unpacking services and can handle small moves, a possible downside for some customers is that they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. However, clients can pay by credit card, adding convenience to their services.
"Curtis and his crew were amazing! They were efficient, hard working, careful and polite, and they really knew how to get my move done quickly. Offered to place items where I wanted."
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) offers a range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and intrastate moving, and specialized handling of antiques and pianos. They also provide crating services and assist with office relocations, emphasizing their capability in handling complex moves.
While they offer competitive hourly rates without requiring a deposit, some customers may find the lack of international moving services a limitation. Additionally, they provide instant email quotes, making the initial process straightforward and hassle-free.
"I have used Low Country Moving a number of times over the last few years and they have always been excellent. Easy to work with, reasonable cost, on-time, reliable, and always hard workers."
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
Two Men and a Truck Moving
Two Men and a Truck Moving provides a comprehensive range of services, including full-service and interstate moves, along with packing and unpacking support, making them a versatile choice for many relocation needs. They also cater to seniors, although they do not offer specific discounts for this demographic. Additionally, while they handle items like pianos, pool tables, and safes, they do not offer climate-controlled storage or international moving services, which might be a downside for some customers. The company requires deposits and accepts both cash and credit card payments.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
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, SC
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
|
Safeway Moving
|
American Van Lines
|
Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s 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 built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on 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) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
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 most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
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)
BLVD Moving
BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-time professional crews
- Flexible rescheduling
- Last-minute services
Cons
- Limited insurance options
- Limited pricing on website
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)
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 | 3,069 |
| Unpacking | 8 | 50 | 2,967 |
| Packing materials | 7 | 46 | 1,827 |
| Piano | 6 | 33 | 2,288 |
| Antiques | 4 | 18 | 1,460 |
| Art | 2 | 16 | 1,446 |
| Standard storage | 6 | 42 | 2,677 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 2 | 17 | 1,049 |
| Fragile-only packing | 0 | 7 | 753 |
| Custom crating | 4 | 28 | 1,919 |
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 truck, or hired labor by the hour can be a smart fit.
PODS |
Budget Truck Rental |
Smooth Move Charleston |
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?
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Are Charleston movers insured and licensed?
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?
How many Charleston movers provide packing services?
Do any Charleston movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
How many movers in Charleston provide storage options?
Charleston, South Carolina Relocation Resources
