What to Know About At Your Best Moving Service

At Your Best Moving Service operates as a full-service mover in South Carolina, handling residential and commercial relocations across the state.

At Your Best Moving Service is based in South Carolina and offers packing, loading, transport, and unloading for people moving within the state or relocating from out of state. The company handles both household goods and commercial equipment. Like other moving services, they charge based on the distance of your move, the volume of items, and the services you select—packing and unpacking typically cost more than transport alone.

Before booking any mover, you should understand what services they offer, how they price their work, and what protections exist if something goes wrong during the move. This guide covers what to expect when working with a moving company and how to prepare for your relocation.

Key Takeaways

• Moving companies in South Carolina charge based on distance, weight or volume of goods, and which services you select, so get written estimates from multiple movers before deciding.
• Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, while labor-only movers provide crew and equipment but you arrange the truck yourself.
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate moves, and South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees intrastate movers.
• Protect your belongings by documenting items before the move, keeping a detailed inventory, and understanding the mover's liability limits and insurance coverage.
• Moving scams often involve lowball estimates that jump at pickup, so verify the company's registration and ask for a binding written estimate before committing.

How moving companies price their services

Moving costs depend on three main factors: how far you are moving, how much you are moving, and which services you choose. A local move within South Carolina might be priced by the hour, while a long-distance move is typically priced by weight (for interstate moves) or by volume and distance (for intrastate moves). If you hire a full-service mover, packing materials and labor to pack your belongings add to the total cost.

Get written estimates from at least two or three moving companies before you book. A reputable mover will send someone to your home to see what you are moving, or they will ask detailed questions about your inventory over the phone. Estimates should be in writing and should specify whether they are binding (the price will not change) or non-binding (the final bill may be higher). Be cautious of estimates that are significantly lower than others—they may increase dramatically on moving day.

Full-service versus labor-only moves

A full-service mover provides the truck, the crew, packing materials, and labor for the entire process. You pack (or they pack for you), they load the truck, they drive it to your new location, and they unload. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. At Your Best Moving Service offers full-service moves, meaning they handle all these steps.

Labor-only movers, by contrast, provide the crew and equipment but you rent the truck yourself and arrange the transport. This option costs less but requires more coordination on your part. Some people use labor-only movers for local moves when they want to save money and can manage the logistics themselves.

What regulations protect you during a move

Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These movers must have a USDOT number, and you can look up their safety record and complaint history on the FMCSA website. Intrastate moves (staying within South Carolina) are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can verify that a mover is registered with the state before you book.

Both interstate and intrastate movers are required to provide you with a written estimate and a bill of lading (a detailed inventory of your items). If something is damaged or lost, the mover's liability is limited by law. Standard liability covers a small amount per pound of damaged goods—typically enough to replace a few items but not your entire shipment. You can purchase additional insurance (called "full value protection") if you want broader coverage for high-value belongings.

Steps to prepare for your move

Start by taking photos or video of your belongings before the move. This creates a record of what you own and its condition. Make a detailed inventory list, room by room, and keep a copy for yourself. Label boxes clearly with their contents and destination room so you can track what arrives and where it goes.

Communicate with your mover about any fragile items, valuable pieces, or items that need special handling (like pianos, artwork, or antiques). Confirm the moving date, time, and any access restrictions at your current or new location. On moving day, do a final walk-through of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind, and check items as they are unloaded at your new location.

Red flags that signal a moving scam

Avoid movers who give you a quote over the phone without seeing your belongings or asking detailed questions about what you are moving. Lowball estimates that jump significantly on moving day are a common scam—the mover quotes a price that seems too good to be true, then demands much more money once your items are loaded on the truck. Never pay the full amount upfront; most legitimate movers ask for a deposit and the balance upon delivery.

Verify the mover's registration before you book. For interstate moves, check the FMCSA database using their USDOT number. For intrastate moves, contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to confirm they are registered. If a company cannot provide a USDOT number or state registration, do not hire them. Read online reviews on the Better Business Bureau and Google, but remember that a few negative reviews do not necessarily mean the company is a scam—look for patterns of complaints about the same issues.

Insurance and liability explained

Standard moving insurance, called "released value protection," covers a small amount per pound of damaged goods—usually 60 cents per pound. This means if a 10-pound item is destroyed, you might recover $6. This coverage is included in the moving cost but is very limited. If you have valuable items, you should purchase full value protection, which covers the replacement cost of damaged or lost goods. The cost of this insurance varies by the total value of your shipment and the mover.

Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover moving damage, so check your policy before you move. If your policy does cover moves, you may not need to buy additional moving insurance. Ask your mover what their liability limits are and what insurance options they offer before you sign the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

For interstate moves, look up the company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website to verify their registration and see their safety record. For intrastate moves within South Carolina, contact the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to confirm registration. Legitimate movers provide written estimates, a bill of lading, and proof of insurance.

What should I do if my belongings are damaged during the move?

Document the damage with photos immediately and report it to the mover in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract (usually 30 days). Keep all packing materials and damaged items as evidence. File a claim with the mover's insurance. If the mover denies your claim or offers too little, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA (for interstate moves) or the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (for intrastate moves).

Can I negotiate the moving estimate?

You can ask for a discount, especially if you are flexible about your moving date or if you book during the off-season (fall and winter are typically slower). However, do not pressure a mover to lower their estimate so much that it becomes unrealistic—this often leads to surprise charges on moving day. Compare estimates from multiple companies and choose based on reputation and service, not just price.

What items can movers not transport?

Movers cannot transport hazardous materials like paint, propane, gasoline, or certain chemicals. They also typically will not move plants, pets, or perishable food. Some movers have restrictions on firearms, ammunition, and certain electronics. Ask your mover for a full list of prohibited items before you book so you can plan to transport these yourself.

How far in advance should I book a moving company?

Book at least four to six weeks before your move, especially if you are moving during the busy season (May through September). During peak times, popular movers fill up quickly. If you are moving on short notice, you may have fewer options and may pay a premium for rush service.