The bottom line: If you’re planning a move from South Carolina to Delaware, expect to spend anywhere from $706 to as much as $5,959.
How much you have to pay for your move to the First State will vary depending on several factors, including how much stuff you have and when you plan to move. The way you decide to move from South Carolina — whether full-service, DIY, or somewhere in between — also affects pricing.
In this guide, we break down the key factors that impact the cost of South Carolina to Delaware moves so you can budget realistically. We also share tips to keep your costs low and help you avoid surprise fee.
The best mover for you will depend on your unique needs and budget. Check out these options to narrow down your search:
Going the other way? Check out our moving from Delaware to South Carolina guide.
Best South Carolina to Delaware Full-Service Moving Companies
Making an interstate move from South Carolina to Delaware can be stressful, to say the least.
Hiring a reliable, affordable moving company is key to a stress-free move.
After extensive research, we found these top-rated movers to be the very best for relocating from South Carolina to Delaware based on reputation, customer reviews, and service quality:
- Safeway Moving
- International Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- JK Moving Services
- North American Van Lines
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving locks in pricing upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges on long-distance moves. The company handles relocations across all 50 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which can be helpful if your new home isn’t ready right away.
Safeway is known for its military-grade packing standards and commitment to price transparency. If you want a predictable, hands-off move with no hidden fees, it’s a solid option.
2. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines (IVL) provides full-service long-distance moving across all 50 states, offering everything from packing and storage to furniture disassembly and reassembly. If you’re moving overseas, IVL also has air and ocean freight options.
The company requires a deposit to book, but its flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust plans if needed. With virtual estimates available, you can get a quote without scheduling an in-home walkthrough.
3. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation focuses on long-distance moves with a personal touch, offering binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront. The company provides packing, storage, and furniture disassembly, with the option to add white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items.
Unlike some movers, Mayzlin doesn’t hand off jobs to outside crews, ensuring consistency from start to finish. It handles moves across the lower 48 states and builds customized moving plans to fit your needs.
4. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services lets you customize your long-distance move, whether you want full-service packing or just transportation. The company offers financing — something most movers don’t — so you can pay in installments instead of all at once. GPS tracking, trained crews, and 24/7 customer support help keep everything on schedule
With experience handling moves since 1982 and service across the US, JK Moving is a strong choice for a flexible and stress-free relocation.
5. North American Van Lines (NAVL)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been handling long-distance moves since 1933, with services available in all 50 states. The company provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your cost upfront, and offers full-value protection for extra peace of mind.
One of its standout features is real-time shipment tracking, which lets you follow your move every step of the way. Whether you need full packing services or just transportation, NAVL gives you the flexibility to plan your move your way.
Learn more about the best movers in South Carolina.
DIY South Carolina to Delaware Moving Options
South Carolina to Delaware Moving Containers
Renting a moving container is a budget-friendly way to move across South Carolina state lines without having to drive a rental truck.
You load your belongings at your own pace and the company handles transportation. It’s a great option if you want some flexibility but still need a little help with the logistics. Plus, most container companies offer storage, so if your new place isn’t ready, you have a built-in backup plan.
We think these are the best moving container companies for your interstate move from South Carolina to Delaware:
1. PODS
PODS gives you flexibility with long-distance moves by letting you pack at your own pace. You can keep the container in your driveway, store it at a PODS facility, or have it delivered straight to your new home. Pricing is transparent, with month-to-month rental options, and there’s no rush to unload since you keep the container as long as needed.
2. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use on a moving trailer or in a ReloCube, making it a budget-friendly choice for interstate moves. Unlike PODS, you have just three days to load and unload, but transportation is included in the price. There’s no deposit required, and U-Pack regularly offers discounts, including savings for military members and students.
South Carolina to Delaware Moving Truck Rentals
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, renting a moving truck is one of the cheapest ways to move from South Carolina to Delaware. You’ll be responsible for packing, loading, and driving, but you get full control over your schedule. Most truck rental companies offer a range of vehicle sizes, so whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a four-bedroom house, there’s a truck that fits your needs.
Here are the best truck rental companies in South Carolina:
1. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental keeps costs low with frequent discounts, including deals for students, military members, and AARP members. One-way rentals for interstate moves include unlimited miles, so you won’t get hit with extra fees for going over a mileage cap. Budget’s fleet isn’t as big as U-Haul’s, but if you find a location near you, it’s often one of the cheapest ways to move.
2. Penske Truck Rental
Penske trucks are well-maintained and newer than most competitors, reducing the chances of breakdowns on a long drive. Unlimited mileage is included on all one-way moves, making it ideal for cross-country trips where you don’t want to worry about tracking every mile. Penske also partners with AAA to offer discounts, and there are additional savings for college students and military members.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul has the largest truck rental network in the U.S., which means there’s a good chance you’ll find a location nearby. One-way rentals don’t include unlimited mileage like some competitors, but U-Haul often beats other companies on base rental prices. If you need flexibility, U-Haul also offers trailer rentals and the option to hire loading help through its Moving Help marketplace.
South Carolina to Delaware Small Load Movers
Many full-service movers have minimum requirements in terms of move size and time, so if you need help relocating a studio apartment from South Carolina to Delaware, you may want to find one that specializes in smaller moves.
We like these South Carolina to Delaware small load moving companies:
1. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a cost-effective option for small moves, since you pay only for the truck space you need. Instead of renting an entire moving truck, you load your belongings into a designated section of a commercial trailer, keeping costs low. The company handles transportation, so you don’t have to drive a rental truck across state lines.
2. MiniMoves
MiniMoves specializes in small interstate moves, making it a solid option if you’re relocating a studio apartment or just shipping a few pieces of furniture. Unlike most full-service movers, MiniMoves doesn’t have high weight minimums, so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need. Packing and loading services are available, and the company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items.
Cost To Move From South Carolina to Delaware
It’s time to haul your furniture, photos, and memories from South Carolina to a new home in Delaware.
Hiring movers to handle the heavy lifting from South Carolina to Delaware ranges from $706 to as much as $5,959.
South Carolina movers charge $138.21 per hour on average to pack, securely load, and safely haul your belongings to your new home.
The chart below will give you an estimate for your move to the First State.
Move Size | Moving Company | Rental Truck |
---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,218 – $4,720 | $618 – $1,170 |
2 – 3 Bedrooms | $2,520 – $6,106 | $667 – $1,391 |
4+ Bedrooms | $4,187 – $8,148 | $838 – $1,690 |
Cost Factors When Moving From South Carolina to Delaware
Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay to move from South Carolina to Delaware:
- How much you’re moving: The more stuff you have, the more it’ll cost. A lightly furnished studio apartment will be far cheaper to move than a four-bedroom house packed with furniture, appliances, and a garage full of tools. Expect costs to climb with the size and weight of your shipment.
- When you move: Timing matters. Moving in the summer — when families relocate for school and the weather is ideal — can cost 10%–15% more than moving in the off-season. If you’re looking for lower rates, consider scheduling your move in the spring or fall when demand isn’t as high.
- Distance between locations: The farther your belongings need to travel, the more you’ll pay. A move from Charleston, SC, to Wilmington, DE, might run 25% higher than a shorter move within Delaware simply due to mileage rates.
- DIY vs. full-service movers: Renting a truck and handling the move yourself could save you 20%–30% compared to hiring professional movers. But with that savings comes the hard work of packing, loading, and unloading everything—including bulky furniture and heavy appliances.
- Extra services: Need help disassembling furniture or packing fragile items? Services like professional packing, crating, or specialty item transport—think pianos, hot tubs, or artwork—can add anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to your moving costs.
Get Accurate Estimates for Your Move From SC to DE
Getting accurate estimates from moving companies is crucial to budgeting and planning your interstate move from South Carolina to Delaware.
A quick scan of moving company reviews highlights how inaccurate quotes and move size estimates can lead to unexpected charges and disappointment. Avoid vague ballpark estimates that could end up costing you more than expected.
To get a realistic quote for your South Carolina to Delaware move:
- Request an in-home estimate. Estimates over the phone or online are convenient, but they’re less accurate for a move from South Carolina. After all, it’s hard to tell just how much stuff you have, how much it weighs, or how much room it’ll take up in a container. Ask for an in-home or video estimate. Reputable movers will assess your South Carolina belongings in person or virtually for free.
- Ask for a binding/guaranteed estimate. Even if you love surprises, you won’t like the shock of your estimate doubling on moving day. Non-binding estimates can increase after weighing the items at your place in South Carolina. A binding estimate locks in the price for your move to Delaware so it won’t change at the last minute unless you add more items on moving day. That way you know exactly how much you’ll pay and won’t be blindsided or feel scammed.
- Get quotes from at least three moving companies. If you want to find the best deal for your South Carolina to Delaware move, you need to have something to compare it to. Get several estimates (at least three!) and compare the quoted prices to see who offers the best deal. Beware of very lowball estimates. They may sound great, but there’s probably a reason they’re so much cheaper than competitors — and it’s likely not a good one.
- Read the fine print. Understand what is and isn’t included for your South Carolina to Delaware move to avoid excess fees and surprise charges. Watch for hidden fees like charges for moving belongings up or down stairs or long carry distances (beware if you have a long driveway or tricky access in a city). Ask questions and be sure you know ahead of time whether you need to secure parking permits, elevator access, or handle other logistics to avoid fees.
- Confirm pickup/drop-off dates and locations. Ensure they work with your schedule and interstate move from South Carolina to Delaware.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in South Carolina.
Living in South Carolina vs. Delaware
Every state is unique, from the economy to the weather to the people who live there. Here are a few key differences between living in South Carolina and Delaware to consider before your move.
Cost of living
Metric | South Carolina | Delaware |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,286 |
Average home cost | $295,769 | $388,654 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $79,325 |
Cost of living index | 96 | 100 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.0% |
Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
State income tax | 7.0% | 6.6% |
Weather
Metric | South Carolina | Delaware |
---|---|---|
Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
Winter low | 33ºF | 25ºF |
Annual rain | 48″ | 45″ |
Annual snow | 1″ | 13″ |
Demographics
Metric | South Carolina | Delaware |
---|---|---|
Population | 5,373,555 | 1,031,890 |
Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democratic 57-43 |
Crime index | 28.0 | 23.48 |
Things To Do in Delaware
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a brand-new place, with new things to do.
Luckily, there’s plenty to discover in Delaware.
Popular Attractions in Delaware
- Dover International Speedway
- Hagley Museum and Library
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Rehoboth Beach
- Brandywine Zoo
- Nemours Mansion and Gardens
- Cape May-Lewes Ferry
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
- Jungle Jim’s – River Safari Water Park
Museums in Delaware
- Nemours Estate
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Hagley Museum And Library
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park
- Biggs Museum of American Art
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
- Rehoboth Art League
- Marvel Carriage Museum
Parks in Delaware
- 1. Glasgow Park
- 2. Battery Park
- 3. First State Heritage Park
- 4. Iron Hill Park
- 5. Browns Branch County Park
- 6. Grove Park
- 7. Beck’s Pond Park
- 8. SIlver Lake Park
- 9. Levels Road Dog Park
- 10. Stockley Street Park
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Delaware?
Some of the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Delaware include:
- Bountiful recreational opportunities
- High-quality healthcare
- Ample economic opportunity
- Beautiful beaches
- Rich culture
Who regulates interstate moves out of South Carolina?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that oversees all safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of South Carolina.
The FMCSA also makes sure all moving companies are registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Delaware?
The worst time to move to Delaware is during the summer months, when the weather is at its hottest and moving costs are at their highest due to the peak season.
How far in advance should I book movers from South Carolina to Delaware?
You should book your move from South Carolina to Delaware as far in advance as possible, but the rule of thumb is between three and six months ahead of moving day.
This will help ensure you get the moving date you want, and some companies may even offer an early-bird discount for booking early.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from South Carolina to Delaware?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from South Carolina to Delaware, but this could cost you in the long run.
Taking a little extra time for an in-home or virtual walkthrough of your home will help ensure your mover accurately quotes you a price based on the amount of items you have and the size and layout of your home.
What’s the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Delaware?
The cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Delaware is likely to rent a moving truck and handle the move yourself.
While this can save you some money, keep in mind that a DIY move means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting and driving on your own.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving, a full-service company, while more expensive, might be the better option.
What should you do when you arrive in Delaware?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from South Carolina to Delaware. You also need to handle logistics to settle into your new home.
Here’s what to add to your to-do list for a seamless move:
- Forward your mail and change your address for things like banks, credit cards, tax agencies, and insurance companies.
- Contact local utility companies in Delaware to get your internet, cable, electricity, water, and gas set up.
- Plan for a safe transition by installing a security system, testing smoke detectors, and changing the locks on your new home.
- Register your car and visit the Delaware DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Delaware!
How We Chose the Top South Carolina to Delaware Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.