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Johnson's Moving: What to Know Before You Hire Them

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Johnson's Moving is a South Carolina-based moving company with locations in Charleston and Columbia

Johnson's Moving operates as a full-service moving company across South Carolina, handling residential and commercial relocations. The company maintains offices in Charleston and Columbia, which means they can serve customers throughout the Lowcountry and the Midlands. Like any moving company, they charge by the hour for labor, the distance traveled, or a flat rate depending on the job size and complexity.

Before booking any mover, you should understand what services they offer, what their pricing structure looks like, and what protections exist if something goes wrong during your move. This guide walks through what to research about Johnson's Moving and what questions to ask before signing a contract.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnson's Moving operates from Charleston and Columbia locations and handles both residential and commercial moves across South Carolina.
  • Moving companies typically charge by the hour, by distance, or with a flat rate—ask which method Johnson's uses and request a written estimate before committing.
  • South Carolina does not regulate intrastate movers the way the federal government regulates interstate moves, so verify insurance coverage and get everything in writing.
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a database where you can check any mover's safety record and complaint history.
  • Request references from recent customers and confirm the company's licensing and insurance before signing a contract.

How to get a moving estimate from Johnson's Moving

Contact Johnson's Moving directly through their Charleston or Columbia office to request an estimate. Most moving companies offer in-home estimates, where a representative visits your home to assess the volume of items, the distance, and any special handling needs. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs nothing. Some companies also offer phone or video estimates if an in-home visit is not practical.

When you receive the estimate, make sure it is in writing and includes the total cost, what services are covered, the pickup and delivery dates (or date range), and any additional fees for stairs, long carries, or specialty items. Ask whether the price is binding—meaning it will not change unless you add items—or non-binding, which means the final bill could be higher. A binding estimate protects you from surprise costs.

What to verify before you book

Check that Johnson's Moving holds a current business license with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Confirm they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance; ask to see proof of both. If the company operates across state lines, they should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number, which you can verify at the FMCSA website.

Request at least two references from customers who moved within the past year. Contact those references and ask about the condition of their belongings when they arrived, whether the move stayed on schedule, and whether the final bill matched the estimate. Ask Johnson's Moving directly about their damage claim process and what happens if something breaks during the move.

Understanding pricing and payment terms

Moving costs depend on the volume of your belongings, the distance traveled, the time of year, and the complexity of the job. Johnson's Moving may quote you by the hour (typically $100 to $200 per hour for a crew), by the mile, or with a flat rate for a known route. Clarify which method applies to your move and whether the estimate includes travel time to your home.

Ask about payment methods and timing. Most movers require a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due on moving day. Confirm whether they accept credit cards, checks, or cash, and whether they charge extra for payment methods like credit cards. Get the payment terms in writing as part of your contract.

What happens if something gets damaged

South Carolina law does not require movers to carry specific levels of liability coverage, so the amount of protection you have depends on what Johnson's Moving carries and what your contract states. Standard liability coverage typically reimburses you for the depreciated value of damaged items, not the replacement cost. Full-value protection is usually available for an additional fee and covers replacement value instead.

If something arrives damaged, document it immediately with photos and notify Johnson's Moving in writing within a set timeframe—usually 30 days. Keep all packing materials and damaged items until the claim is resolved. Ask Johnson's Moving for their written damage claim policy before you move so you know exactly what to do and what deadline you face.

Checking safety records and complaints

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a public database called SaferProducts where you can look up any moving company's safety inspection history and customer complaints. Search for Johnson's Moving by name or USDOT number to see whether they have violations, accidents, or unresolved complaints on file. This information is free and available to anyone.

You can also file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division if you believe Johnson's Moving violated consumer protection laws or failed to deliver services as promised. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintains complaint records as well, though the BBB is a private organization and does not have enforcement power.

Questions to ask before signing the contract

Before you commit, ask Johnson's Moving these specific questions: What is included in the estimate and what costs extra? Do you provide packing materials or do I supply them? What time window should I expect on moving day? What happens if you run late or need to reschedule? What is your damage claim process and how long does it take? Do you carry full-value protection and what does it cost? Can you provide written references from recent moves?

Also ask whether they handle specialty items like pianos, artwork, or antiques, and whether those require additional insurance. Confirm the names and contact information for the crew lead so you know who to reach out to on moving day. Get everything in writing—the estimate, the contract, the payment terms, and the damage claim policy—before the movers arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Johnson's Moving is licensed and insured?

Ask Johnson's Moving directly for proof of their business license, liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. You can verify their business license through the South Carolina Secretary of State website. If they operate interstate, search for their USDOT number on the FMCSA SaferProducts database to confirm their registration and check their safety record.

What should I do if my belongings arrive damaged?

Document the damage with photos immediately and notify Johnson's Moving in writing within the timeframe stated in your contract—usually 30 days. Keep all packing materials and damaged items. Follow their written damage claim process and provide receipts or proof of value for the items. If the claim is denied or you disagree with the settlement, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Can I negotiate the moving estimate?

You can ask Johnson's Moving whether they offer discounts for off-peak moves (weekdays or months outside summer), whether they have package deals, or whether they can adjust the scope of services to fit your budget. Get any negotiated terms in writing before you sign the contract. Compare estimates from multiple movers to understand the market rate for your specific move.

What if Johnson's Moving cancels my move or doesn't show up?

Your contract should specify what happens if either party cancels and what notice is required. If Johnson's Moving cancels without cause, they should return your deposit and may owe you compensation depending on your contract terms. If they fail to show up, contact them immediately and ask for a written explanation. Document all communication and file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General if you believe they violated consumer protection laws.

Do I need to purchase additional insurance for my move?

Standard liability coverage through Johnson's Moving typically covers depreciated value, not replacement cost. If you have high-value items, ask whether full-value protection is available and what it costs. You can also check whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers items in transit, though most policies do not. Review your options with Johnson's Moving before moving day.