What to Know About Carey Moving & Storage in South Carolina
Carey Moving & Storage is a full-service mover based in South Carolina
Carey Moving & Storage operates as a household goods carrier licensed to move residential and commercial items within South Carolina and across state lines. The company handles packing, loading, transport, and storage services, which means you can use them for a single move, a temporary storage situation, or both together. They maintain climate-controlled storage facilities and offer packing supplies and labor for the physical move itself.
The company has been operating in South Carolina for decades and maintains a physical location where you can discuss your move in person. Like all interstate movers, Carey is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must display a USDOT number and MC number that you can verify before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Carey Moving & Storage offers packing, loading, transport, and climate-controlled storage all through one company, so you can coordinate everything in one conversation.
- You can request an in-home or virtual estimate before committing, which helps you understand the actual cost rather than guessing at weight or volume.
- The company's USDOT and MC numbers are public information you should verify through the FMCSA website before signing any contract.
- Storage is available on a month-to-month basis, so you are not locked into a long-term commitment if you need temporary space during a transition.
How to get a moving estimate from Carey
Contact Carey directly by phone or through their office to request an estimate. You can choose between an in-home visit, where a representative comes to your house to see what you are moving, or a virtual estimate conducted over video or phone. The in-home estimate is more accurate because the estimator can see the actual volume and weight of your belongings, but a virtual estimate works if you prefer not to have someone visit.
During the estimate, be ready to describe your current location, your destination, and your moving date. If you have items that are fragile, oversized, or require special handling—such as a piano, artwork, or antiques—mention them specifically. The estimate should include the cost of packing materials if you want Carey to pack for you, the labor cost, and the transport cost. Ask whether the quote is binding or non-binding; a binding estimate means the price will not change unless you add services, while a non-binding estimate is an educated guess that may shift based on the actual weight.
Packing and labor services
Carey offers full packing, meaning their crew will wrap, box, and prepare all your belongings for transport. They can also provide partial packing—you pack some items yourself and they pack the rest—or labor-only service where you provide boxes and materials and they handle the physical packing and loading. Full packing costs more but saves you time and reduces the risk of damage during the move.
The company supplies boxes, tape, padding, and other materials as part of their packing service. If you choose to pack yourself, you can purchase boxes and supplies from Carey or source them elsewhere. Loading and unloading labor is separate from packing; you can hire Carey to load at your current home and unload at your destination, or handle one or both yourself to reduce cost.
Storage options and how they work
Carey maintains climate-controlled storage units that protect your belongings from temperature swings and humidity, which is especially important in South Carolina's hot, humid climate. Storage is available on a month-to-month basis, so you can rent for as long as you need without signing a long-term lease. Your items are stored in a secure facility, and you can typically arrange access if you need to retrieve something during your storage period.
Storage costs are separate from moving costs and are billed monthly. Ask about the specific dimensions of the unit you would rent and whether the quote includes insurance or if that is an add-on. Some people use storage temporarily during a move—for example, if your new home is not ready when you need to vacate your old one—while others use it long-term for items they do not have room for immediately.
What to verify before booking
Before signing a contract with Carey or any mover, look up their USDOT number and MC number on the FMCSA website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. This search shows you whether the company is properly licensed, whether they have any safety violations or complaints on file, and whether their insurance is current. A legitimate mover will have this information readily available and will not hesitate to provide it.
Read the contract carefully, including the terms for payment, cancellation, and liability. Ask what happens if the move takes longer than expected or if damage occurs during transport. Understand whether you are paying by weight (for long-distance moves) or by time and materials (for local moves). If you are moving interstate, federal law requires the mover to provide you with a copy of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet before you sign.
Storage insurance and liability
Standard moving liability covers damage to your belongings during transport, but the amount of coverage is limited by federal law unless you purchase additional insurance. Ask Carey what their standard liability covers and what it costs to upgrade to full-value protection. For storage, ask whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers items in a storage unit, or whether you need to purchase additional coverage from the mover.
Document your belongings before the move by taking photos or video. This record helps if you need to file a claim for damage or loss. Keep receipts for valuable items, as these may be required to prove the value of what you are storing or moving.
Local and long-distance moves with Carey
Carey handles both local moves within South Carolina and long-distance moves to other states. Local moves are typically priced by the hour plus materials, while long-distance moves are usually priced by weight and distance. The pricing structure affects how you should prepare—for hourly moves, packing efficiently saves money, while for weight-based moves, the weight of your belongings matters more than how quickly the crew works.
If you are moving out of state, ask whether Carey has experience with your destination and whether they work with partner companies there. Some movers handle the entire move themselves, while others use relay services or partner carriers for the long-distance portion. Understand who is responsible for your belongings at each stage of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move with Carey?
Cost depends on the distance, the weight or volume of your belongings, and the services you choose. A local move might cost several hundred dollars, while a long-distance move or one that includes full packing and storage can cost several thousand. Request an estimate to learn the actual price for your specific move.
Can I store my belongings for just a few weeks?
Yes. Carey offers month-to-month storage, so you can rent for as short a period as you need. You will typically pay for at least one full month, but you are not locked into a longer commitment.
What if I need to cancel my move?
Cancellation policies vary by company and by contract. Review the cancellation terms in your estimate and contract before you sign. Ask Carey specifically what happens if you cancel before the scheduled move date and whether you forfeit any deposit.
Do I need to be home during the move?
You should be present or have a trusted representative present to answer questions about your belongings and to verify that everything has been loaded or unloaded correctly. Some moves can proceed without you, but it is not recommended.
How do I know if Carey is properly licensed?
Search for their USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. This confirms they are licensed, insured, and operating legally. Carey should provide these numbers without hesitation.