Moving from Myrtle Beach to California
If you're moving from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to California, you're looking at a 2,668-mile haul that'll run you anywhere from $1,110 to $11,338 depending on how much stuff you've got. The good news: plenty of solid operators handle this route. The catch: California's cost of living is roughly 50% higher than Myrtle Beach, so the move itself might be the cheapest part of your transition.
Let me walk you through the top movers serving this corridor, what you'll actually pay, and what changes when you land on the West Coast.
Best Movers from Myrtle Beach to California
Out of movers in the Myrtle Beach area equipped for interstate work, here are the five worth considering:
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All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.4 / 5 stars
90% positive reviews. Known for efficiency and professional handling. Some complaints about surprise costs and damage claims, but most jobs go smoothly. -
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5 stars
92% positive reviews. Fast, respectful service with strong communication. A few reports of damaged fragile items, but generally reliable. -
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.36 / 5 stars
93% positive reviews. Quick, well-organized crews. Best for straightforward moves; occasional pricing surprises. -
Fairway Moving Services — 4.36 / 5 stars
85% positive reviews. Professional, timely, and careful with belongings. Better-than-average on follow-up and handling special items. -
A & M Friendly Movers LLC — 4.3 / 5 stars
59% positive reviews. Polite crews and flexible service, but 41% of feedback flags damage and poor complaint resolution. Use only if you're confident in their crew match.
All My Sons Moving & Storage
1361 Stockholder Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 (843) 438-7001
Grade: A | License: 9898 | DOT: 902281 | Years in business: 26
What customers say: 90% positive feedback across 232 reviews. Standout strengths include efficiency, professional movers, careful handling, and reliable communication. Some hit higher-than-expected final invoices or damage without satisfactory resolution.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526
📞 (843) 485-0343
Grade: A+ | License: 9684-B | DOT: 2527384 | Years in business: 27
What customers say: 92% of 240 reviews praise swift moves, respectful item handling, and helpful staff. Crews arrive on time and hustle. Some damage reports on fragile items; occasional insurance claim friction.
Services: Local and interstate moves. Packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Credit card accepted.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
1254 3rd Ave, South Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 (336) 810-1801
License: 9839 | DOT: 2378173 | Years in business: New
What customers say: 93% of 242 reviews highlight quick, organized service and professional teams. Movers earn compliments for positive attitudes and care. Rare negatives involve late arrivals and charges exceeding quotes.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Credit card accepted.
Fairway Moving Services
920 Shipmaster Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
📞 (843) 467-5985
License: 9770 | DOT: 1725600 | Years in business: 30
What customers say: 85% of 153 reviews praise professionalism, speed, and careful handling. Customers note good communication and affordable rates. A handful mention rudeness or damage; management tone could improve.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage. Multiple payment methods.
A & M Friendly Movers LLC
1014 Post Oak Ct, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
📞 (717) 434-6711
DOT: 3425656 | Years in business: 5
What customers say: 59% of 17 reviews are positive; 41% report furniture damage and poor complaint follow-up. Strong when service goes right; weak on accountability when things go wrong.
Services: Local and interstate moves. Packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, safes. Multiple payment methods.
Moving Services Available in Myrtle Beach
Here's what specialty services are most common among Myrtle Beach movers:
| Service | % Available |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 80% |
| Small moves | 60% |
| Pianos | 70% |
| Antiques | 30% |
| Art | 30% |
| Fragile-only packing | 0% |
Cost to Move from Myrtle Beach to California
Here's what you'll pay for different home sizes and moving methods:
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,110 – $4,641 | $1,343 – $3,280 | $1,423 – $2,621 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,573 – $6,762 | $2,292 – $5,068 | $1,510 – $3,218 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,267 – $11,338 | $3,159 – $6,245 | $1,928 – $3,828 |
These are estimates based on a 2,668-mile move as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by load size, add-on services, parking/access issues, fuel, and move date. Get multiple quotes to verify pricing for your specific situation.
Full-Service Movers
A full-service moving company handles packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking. Expect $1,110–$4,641 for a studio, $3,573–$6,762 for a 2–3 bedroom, or $6,267–$11,338 for a 4+ bedroom move. You pay more, but your time and stress go down considerably.
Moving Containers
Moving containers let you load at your own pace, then the company transports your stuff. Costs range from $1,343–$3,280 (studio), $2,292–$5,068 (2–3 bed), or $3,159–$6,245 (4+ bed). Good middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Rental Trucks
Truck rental is cheapest—$1,423–$2,621 for a studio, $1,510–$3,218 for 2–3 bed, or $1,928–$3,828 for 4+ bed—but you do all the work. Fuel is included in these estimates.
Factors That Move the Needle on Price
- Load size: More stuff = higher cost. Home size and layout matter too.
- Season: Summer peaks drive rates up. Winter or mid-week moves are cheaper.
- Service level: DIY saves money but costs time and effort. Pros cost more but save both.
- Accessibility: Narrow hallways, stairs, or lack of parking add time and therefore cost.
What You Need to Know Before Moving to California
California's a big step up in cost. Rent is similar, but housing prices are nearly triple, and taxes will bite harder. That said, job prospects and income potential are stronger. Here's the breakdown:
Cost of Living: Myrtle Beach vs. California
| Metric | Myrtle Beach, SC | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $299,556 | $771,057 |
| Per capita income | $53,985 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is roughly the same. No budget shock there.
- Housing costs 157% more. If you're buying, save more or expect a larger mortgage.
- Average income is 70% higher. Better earning potential in California.
- Cost of living is 49% higher overall. Plan for steeper monthly expenses across the board.
- Jobs are easier to find. Unemployment in California runs 29% lower than Myrtle Beach.
- Taxes sting. California's income tax is 90% higher. Your paycheck will feel it.
Lifestyle Changes: Myrtle Beach vs. California
| Aspect | Myrtle Beach | California |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,682 | 39,029,342 |
| Political lean | Republican 66–33 | Democratic 59–41 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 59°F |
| Annual rain | 52" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 7" |
| Crime index | 58.06 | 28.43 |
What to expect:
- Politics shift. California leans Democratic; Myrtle Beach leans Republican.
- Summers are nearly identical. Both hit high 80s. Humidity and broader patterns matter more than raw temperature.
- Winters are much warmer in California. 59°F average lows vs. 35°F. Less cold, less heating cost.
- California is drier. 22 inches of rain annually vs. 52 in Myrtle Beach. More sunshine, fewer gray days.
- California gets more snow, not less. 7 inches annually vs. 1. Winter landscapes are prettier but demand more maintenance.
- California is safer. Crime index is nearly half Myrtle Beach's. Neighborhoods tend to feel more secure.
Key Logistics Before Your Move to California
Don't just pack and go. Handle these details first:
- HOA rules: Check your new community's moving policies to avoid surprise restrictions.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has one, book it early. Moving day bottlenecks are real.
- Truck parking permits: Some California cities require permits for oversized vehicles. Check local rules.
- State licensing (critical): California movers must have a "T Number" from the Public Utilities Commission. This number means they've cleared insurance, safety, financial, and criminal background checks. Verify before hiring.
- Moving permits: California doesn't require statewide moving permits, but check local parking rules.
- USPS change of address: File at least a week before move day. Go to usps.com to set your official date.
- Moving insurance: Standard Released Value Protection is free but minimal (60 cents per pound per item). A 25-pound TV pays out only $15 if damaged. Consider third-party insurance for full-value coverage.
- Moving checklist: Use ours to stay organized and catch details before move day.
Things to Explore in California
Museums
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities
- Stanford University
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- USC
- UC San Diego
FAQ
How long does the move take?
Seven to 21 days on average, depending on the method and season. Summer moves take longer. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Do Myrtle Beach movers offer custom crating?
Yes. Five movers in the area list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Confirm specs and customization options before you book.
How do I ship a car from Myrtle Beach to California?
Look for a team with strong experience, proven professionalism, and transparent car-care practices. Check our car shipping guide for top-rated carriers on this route.
Why are people moving to California from Myrtle Beach?
Economic opportunity and weather. California's job market is stronger, and winters are warmer. The trade-off is higher cost of living.
What payment methods do Myrtle Beach movers accept?
Most accept credit cards. Three movers in the area accept cash, though it remains rare—most carriers prefer traceable digital payments. Confirm deposit and final-payment methods when you get a quote.
Related Resources
South Carolina Moving Services
Popular South Carolina Routes
- South Carolina to Florida
- South Carolina to Georgia
- South Carolina to Texas
- South Carolina to New York
Other Moving Resources
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