Top-rated movers to make your Providence to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Providence that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 73 top local movers in Providence 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 Providence to Columbia.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Scott Relocation Services, Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Chris Corrigan Moving Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 31627
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2178203
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of RI , All My Sons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 1058463
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1143269
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1143269
Alternate Names: Scott-Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 125
DOT #: 49955
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
How much does it cost to move from Providence to Columbia?
In Rhode Island, moving services typically cost around 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 | $1,076 – $4,234 | $777 – $1,851 | $599 – $1,064 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,279 – $5,396 | $1,382 – $2,761 | $672 – $1,398 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,636 – $7,291 | $1,878 – $3,651 | $811 – $1,601 |
Cost to hire movers from Providence to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Providence, you can expect prices to land between $1,076 and $4,234. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,279 to $5,396 for the trip from Providence to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,636 and $7,291.
Cost of moving containers from Providence to Columbia
Moving containers from Providence to Columbia will cost you $777 to $1,851 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,382 to $2,761. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,878 to $3,651. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Rhode Island.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Providence to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Providence to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $599 and $1,064 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $672 to $1,398. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $811 to $1,601.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Providence to Columbia move
The cost of Providence movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,964 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,894 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Providence.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $599 to $1,423, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Providence to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Providence – roughly 22% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,493 in Providence. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,406.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Providence | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,103 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,714 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $398,785 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,956 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,406 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.99% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from Providence to Columbia, expect to find rent about 34% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 45% more affordable in Columbia compared to Providence.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in Columbia compared to Providence.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, as the cost of living for a single person is 22% lower compared to Providence.
- 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 21% less than what it costs in Providence.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is about 40% lower than in Providence. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 14% more than in Providence, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in South Carolina are 17% above those in Rhode Island. 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 Providence and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Providence | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.60 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.19 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.36 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Providence than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Providence than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Providence than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Providence than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Providence than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Providence than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Providence than in Columbia.
How life is different in Providence vs. Columbia
| Providence | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,934 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 76 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 61 | 35 |
| Crime index | 49.84 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 50.16 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 28% less than Providence.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Providence’s score of 7.
- Columbia is less walkable than Providence with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Providence’s 76 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 Providence, which has a score of 61.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Providence with a score of 3.0 compared to Providence’s 49.84. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84%.
- Columbia and Providence have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 50.16.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Providence it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Providence 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 Providence to Columbia?
Planning your move from Providence to Columbia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Providence.
When is the cheapest time to move from Providence to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Providence 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 Providence to Columbia take?
The 893-mile journey from Providence, RI to Columbia, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Providence 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 Providence?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 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 Providence?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Providence, 64 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Rhode Island has 9 piano movers and 2 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
Providence moving services
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