Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Grand Rapids move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Grand Rapids can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in Columbia 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 Columbia to Grand Rapids.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Grand Rapids?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 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 | $1,118 – $4,155 | $738 – $1,941 | $591 – $1,019 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,257 – $5,650 | $1,340 – $2,617 | $608 – $1,210 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,637 – $7,068 | $1,857 – $3,562 | $738 – $1,515 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Grand Rapids
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Grand Rapids from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,118 and $4,155. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,257 to $5,650 for the trip from Columbia to Grand Rapids. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,637 and $7,068.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Grand Rapids
Moving containers from Columbia to Grand Rapids will cost you $738 to $1,941 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,340 to $2,617. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,857 to $3,562. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Grand Rapids
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Grand Rapids typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $591 and $1,019 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $608 to $1,210. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $738 to $1,515.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Grand Rapids move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,819 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,260 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $591 to $1,361, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 173% higher for singles and 68% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $7,160 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.25% |
- Planning a move to Grand Rapids? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 15% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Grand Rapids are about 49% higher than those in Columbia.
- In terms of average income, Grand Rapids and Columbia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Grand Rapids, as living costs for a single person are 173% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Grand Rapids, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 68% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is about 17% lower than in Columbia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 25% less in Grand Rapids relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 39% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Grand Rapids
| Columbia | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 52 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 46% greater than Columbia.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 44.23 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 55.77 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Grand Rapids 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan 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 Grand Rapids. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Planning your move to GR? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside 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 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Grand Rapids?
Planning your move from Columbia to Grand Rapids? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Grand Rapids 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 Columbia to Grand Rapids take?
The 839-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Grand Rapids, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Grand Rapids.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 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
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