($481+) Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $461 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,704 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 605 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,441, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,704 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,039 - $3,518, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $461 - $1,340.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,091 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Moving options from Columbia to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,091 - $5,307 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 605-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 605-mile route from Columbia to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,441 - $4,115 | $1,039 - $1,967 | $461 - $871 | $945 - $1,653 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,091 - $5,307 | $1,332 - $2,643 | $551 - $1,120 | $1,055 - $2,095 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,640 - $7,704 | $1,743 - $3,518 | $622 - $1,340 | $1,466 - $2,600 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 605-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, with prices running from $1,441 - $7,704. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $260 - $1,732 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Columbia and Memphis are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Columbia movers tend to run around $262 as a base rate plus $256/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $4,115
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,091 - $5,307
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,640 - $7,704
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbia to Memphis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Memphis, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $433 - $4,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $173 - $1,039/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $260 - $2,078 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $866 - $2,598 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,165 - $8,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $649 - $1,232 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $866 - $2,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $693 - $3,031 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $260 - $1,299 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $563 - $1,732 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $260 - $12,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $260 - $3,031+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbia, SC, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,039 and $3,518. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbia typically costs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,039 - $1,967
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,332 - $2,643
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,518
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $65 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $130 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $606 in Columbia, SC, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Memphis, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,039. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,332 - $2,643, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to Memphis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 605-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $461 and $1,340, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $167 - $191
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $461 - $871
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $551 - $1,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $622 - $1,340
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $461 - $1,340 when pricing out a rental truck from Columbia to Memphis. Fuel alone runs ($167 - $191) , and overnight lodging ($130/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $606.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $167 - $191 for the 605-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $52 and $281, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $130 per night for hotel stops on the 605-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $260 - $390.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,055 and $2,095.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $945 - $1,653
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $2,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,466 - $2,600
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $65 and $130.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly five hours typically average $606.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Memphis, TN
Columbia and Memphis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Columbia and 86 in Memphis, and rent tracks closely too ($1,447/mo vs. $1,299/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (35 vs 35) and safety scores (48.39 vs 22.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Columbia, SC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Tennessee in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 53 movers based in South Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 605-mile route.
Our take
A move from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,441 - $7,704 on the 605-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,039 - $3,518, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $461 - $1,340. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,091 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($167 - $191), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $130/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $551 - $1,120. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,441 to $7,704, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,441 and $7,704, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Columbia?
Local movers based in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate, plus $256/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Memphis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
