($458+) Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $458 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,414 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,360, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,414 or more.
- Moving containers run $990 - $3,128, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $458 - $1,276.
- 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 $2,012 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,012 - $4,904 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 605 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
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 | $1,360 - $3,583 | $990 - $1,767 | $458 - $856 | $856 - $1,623 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,012 - $4,904 | $1,194 - $2,420 | $514 - $996 | $1,035 - $2,015 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,610 - $7,414 | $1,728 - $3,128 | $605 - $1,276 | $1,409 - $2,629 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 605-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,360 - $7,414. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $260 - $1,732. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbia and Memphis. Local movers in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $256/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,360 - $3,583
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,012 - $4,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,610 - $7,414
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $433 - $4,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% 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 coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $866 - $2,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $693 - $3,031 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $260 - $1,299 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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 route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 $990 and $3,128. 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: $990 - $1,767
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,420
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,128
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 $990. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,194 - $2,420.
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
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 605 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, running $458 - $1,276. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $458 - $856
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $514 - $996
- 4+ bedrooms: $605 - $1,276
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $458 - $1,276 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $167 - $191 for the 605-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $606.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 605-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $130 per night, adding $260 - $390 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $43 and $260.
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 a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Columbia, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,035 and $2,015.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $856 - $1,623
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,035 - $2,015
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,409 - $2,629
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbia, South Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $606.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $65 - $130 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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
Day-to-day costs in Memphis are close to what you're used to in Columbia: cost of living index of 86 versus 87, with average rent of $1,299/mo compared to $1,447/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 48.39/100 in Columbia versus 35/100 and 22.51/100 in Memphis.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Columbia, SC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 155 movers in our South Carolina network to compare for this 605-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,360 for a studio to $7,414 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 605-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $990 - $3,128. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $458 - $1,276, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,012 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbia, SC to Memphis, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
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.
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 35 and 35 in Columbia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.