Top-rated movers to make your Arlington to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Arlington that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 78 top local movers in Arlington who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Arlington to Columbia.
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- My Pro Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3116640
Alternate Names: MyProMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Columbia?
In Virginia, moving services typically cost around $161 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,005 – $2,889 | $671 – $1,531 | $406 – $713 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,911 – $4,881 | $1,127 – $2,220 | $424 – $837 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,474 – $6,782 | $1,562 – $3,055 | $528 – $1,081 |
Cost to hire movers from Arlington to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Arlington, you can expect prices to land between $1,005 and $2,889. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,911 to $4,881 for the trip from Arlington to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,474 and $6,782.
Cost of moving containers from Arlington to Columbia
Moving containers from Arlington to Columbia will cost you $671 to $1,531 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,127 to $2,220. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,562 to $3,055. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arlington to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Arlington to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $406 and $713 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $424 to $837. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $528 to $1,081.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Columbia move
The cost of Arlington movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,467 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,801 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $406 to $994, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Arlington – roughly 72% less for singles and 64% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from Arlington to Columbia, expect to find rent about 47% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 73% more affordable in Columbia compared to Arlington.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 50% lower in Columbia compared to Arlington.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, as the cost of living for a single person is 72% lower compared to Arlington.
- A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 64% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- Columbia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 30%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 33% more than in Arlington, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in South Carolina are 22% above those in Virginia. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Arlington than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Columbia.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Columbia
| Arlington | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 35 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 43% less than Arlington.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Arlington’s score of 9.
- Columbia is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Arlington’s 71 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Arlington with a score of 3.0 compared to Arlington’s 15.67. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 48.39 vs Arlington’s 79.15.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Arlington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
Planning your move to Soda City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Columbia?
Planning your move from Arlington to Columbia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Arlington to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Arlington to Columbia take?
The 475-mile journey from Arlington, VA to Columbia, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Arlington offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Arlington?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 13 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Arlington?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 56 movers can manage piano relocations. 43 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Arlington moving services
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