Collins Moving: What to Know Before You Hire Them

Collins Moving is a full-service moving company based in South Carolina

Collins Moving operates as a residential and commercial moving company serving South Carolina and surrounding states. They handle local moves, long-distance relocations, and specialty moves like piano moving. The company has been in operation for decades and maintains a physical location where you can meet with staff in person before booking.

Like any moving company, Collins Moving charges based on factors including distance, volume of items, and the complexity of the move. You'll need to contact them directly for a quote, as pricing varies significantly from one move to another. They offer both full-service moves (where movers pack, load, transport, and unload) and partial services depending on your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Collins Moving is a South Carolina-based company offering local, long-distance, and specialty moving services to residential and commercial customers.
• You can request an in-person or phone estimate before committing to a move, which helps you compare costs and services with other companies.
• The company handles packing, loading, transport, and unload services, though you can choose partial services if you want to pack yourself.
• Moving costs depend on distance, the amount of items you're moving, and any special handling your belongings may require.

How to get a quote from Collins Moving

Contact Collins Moving directly by phone or visit their office in person to discuss your move. When you call or meet with them, have details ready: your current address, your destination address, the date you want to move, and a general sense of how much you're moving (for example, a one-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom house). This information helps them give you a realistic estimate.

Many moving companies, including Collins Moving, offer both phone estimates and in-home estimates. A phone estimate is faster but less precise. An in-home estimate means a representative visits your current place, sees what you're moving, and gives you a more accurate quote. Ask which option they offer and whether there's a charge for an in-home visit.

What services Collins Moving offers

Collins Moving provides full-service moving, meaning they pack your items, load them onto a truck, transport them, and unload them at your new location. They also offer partial services—for instance, they can load and transport items you've already packed yourself, which typically costs less than a full-service move.

The company handles specialty moves as well. If you have a piano, antique furniture, or other items requiring careful handling, mention this when you get your quote. Specialty items often require additional equipment, training, or time, which affects the final cost.

Local versus long-distance moves with Collins Moving

Collins Moving handles both local moves within South Carolina and long-distance relocations to other states. Local moves are typically charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are usually charged by weight and distance. Ask which pricing structure applies to your specific move when you request a quote.

For long-distance moves, the company will need to know your exact pickup and delivery dates, or at least the window of time when you need to move. Long-distance moves may take several days, so clarify whether the quoted price includes storage if there's a gap between pickup and delivery.

Questions to ask before booking

Before you commit to Collins Moving, ask about their insurance coverage. What happens if something breaks during the move? Do they carry liability insurance, and what does it cover? Some moving companies offer additional insurance you can purchase for high-value items.

Ask whether the quote is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate means the final price won't exceed what they quoted (barring major changes to your move). A non-binding estimate is an educated guess, and the final bill could be higher. Also ask about their cancellation policy—what happens if you need to reschedule or cancel, and is there a fee?

Find out how they handle payment. Do they require a deposit to reserve your moving date? When is the balance due—before the move, after, or on moving day? Understanding payment terms prevents surprises.

Comparing Collins Moving with other companies

Get quotes from at least two or three moving companies before deciding. Each company prices differently based on their overhead, truck availability, and crew size. A quote from Collins Moving might be higher or lower than competitors depending on your specific move and their current schedule.

When comparing quotes, look at what's included. One company's price might include packing materials and boxes, while another charges extra. One might offer free storage for a certain number of days; another might charge from day one. Read each quote carefully so you're comparing actual services, not just numbers.

Check online reviews and ask Collins Moving for references from recent customers. Reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, or moving-specific sites can tell you about other people's experiences with their service, punctuality, and how they handled problems.

Preparing for your move with Collins Moving

Once you've booked with Collins Moving, start preparing weeks in advance. Sort through your belongings and decide what you're actually taking. Moving costs are based partly on volume, so getting rid of items you don't need can lower your bill.

If Collins Moving is doing the packing, let them know about fragile items, valuable items, or anything with special handling needs. If you're packing yourself, use sturdy boxes, label everything clearly, and let the movers know which boxes contain breakables.

Confirm the details a few days before your move: the pickup date and time, the delivery address, any special instructions, and the final cost. Make sure someone will be home on moving day to let the crew in and answer questions about where items should go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Collins Moving cost?

Pricing depends on the distance of your move, how much you're moving, and which services you choose. Local moves are often charged hourly, while long-distance moves are typically charged by weight and distance. Contact them directly for a quote based on your specific situation.

Do I have to pack my own items, or will Collins Moving pack for me?

Collins Moving offers full-service packing as part of their service, but you can also choose to pack yourself and have them load and transport your boxes. Discuss your preference when you get your quote, as this affects the final cost.

What if something gets damaged during the move?

Ask about their insurance coverage and liability when you contact them. Most moving companies carry some insurance, but coverage limits vary. You may be able to purchase additional coverage for high-value items.

Can Collins Moving move me on short notice?

It depends on their current schedule. Call them as soon as you know your moving date. They may have availability for a rush move, though this sometimes comes with an additional fee.

Do they offer storage if I need it?

Some moving companies offer short-term or long-term storage. Ask Collins Moving whether they provide storage and what the rates are if you need to store your items before or after your move.