10 best movers in Sumter, South Carolina

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of South Carolina is International Van Lines. If you're planning a local move in the Sumter area, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Sumter

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. When crossing state boundaries, check that your mover has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

While moving can be expensive, the average hourly rate for moving services in Sumter is lower than the national average. Despite the cost of living in Sumter only being higher than 57.0% of the country, moving prices in the area are lower than expected.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are various factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

• Professional labor
• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Packing
• Storage

Your total moving cost may also be influenced by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving fragile, valuable or very bulky items. Some items that can be more expensive to move include the following:

• Safes
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques

Ask movers whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, transportation emergencies and limited supplies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Sumter.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed in advance. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still booking your preferred relocation service.

Movers are busiest between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less busy months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service.

While you can move by yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading large items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Sumter

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers take care of the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in South Carolina are also required to have a license from the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move stretches from May through September, resulting in capped supply and inflated pricing nationwide for relocations of all scopes. The steep rates may deter you from a summer move. Additionally, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Sumter's scorching heat, which could further complicate a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies limit insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fuel sources
• Aerosols
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.