($469+) Columbia, SC to Akron, OH Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH

Moving from Columbia, SC, to Akron, OH, runs anywhere from $451 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,933 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 569 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 $1,323, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,933 or more.
  • Moving containers run $975 - $3,321, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $451 - $1,274.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Akron, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,168 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH

Moving options from Columbia to Akron fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,168 - $5,496 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 569-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 569-mile route from Columbia to Akron, broken down by home size:

  • A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,323 - $3,778 with full-service movers, $975 - $1,919 with a container, $451 - $813 with a rental truck, or $896 - $1,661 by freight.
  • A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,168 - $5,496 full-service, $1,328 - $2,652 by container, $481 - $1,026 by rental truck, or $1,064 - $2,101 by freight.
  • A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,823 - $7,933 full-service, $1,823 - $3,321 by container, $606 - $1,274 by rental truck, or $1,376 - $2,501 by freight.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH

For the 569-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Akron, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,323 and $7,933. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $254 - $1,692 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Columbia generally start around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Akron:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,323 - $3,778
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,168 - $5,496
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,823 - $7,933

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 Akron.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH

Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Akron, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$423 - $4,230
Storage in transitNew place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$169 - $1,015/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$254 - $2,030
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers$846 - $2,538
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,115 - $8,460
Car shippingSecond vehicle$634 - $1,204
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$846 - $2,115
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$677 - $2,961
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers$254 - $1,269
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc.$550 - $1,692
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$254 - $12,690+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$254 - $2,961+

What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Akron?

Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Columbia, SC. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH

Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Akron, Ohio, cost between $975 and $3,321. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Columbia costs roughly $50/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Akron:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,919
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,328 - $2,652
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,823 - $3,321

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Columbia, SC, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $592, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $63 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $127 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbia, SC, and Akron, OH, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Ohio 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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,328 - $2,652, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Columbia to Akron?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Akron, OH

Truck rentals from Columbia, South Carolina, to Akron, Ohio, range from $451 - $1,274 for the 569-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $153 - $175
  • Daily insurance: $25/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
  • Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Akron based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $451 - $813
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $481 - $1,026
  • 4+ bedrooms: $606 - $1,274

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbia to Akron starts at $451 - $1,274, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($153 - $175) , overnight lodging ($127/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $127 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $55 and $275 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $153 - $175 in fuel for the 569-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $592 in Columbia, South Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Akron?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Akron, OH

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Akron, Ohio, 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 $1,064 and $2,101.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Akron:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,661
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,064 - $2,101
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,501

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $63 - $127 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, typically costs $592.

What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Akron?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

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 Akron, OH

Good news for your budget: Akron isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Columbia. Cost of living index runs 81 there against 87 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 35/100 and 48.39/100 here versus 48/100 and 50.39/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Akron, OH to Columbia, SC guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Ohio 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 569-mile route.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Columbia, SC, to Akron, OH, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,323 - $7,933 on the 569-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $975 - $3,321 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $451 - $1,274 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,168 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Goodyear and Signet Jewelers.

FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Akron, OH

What is the best time of year to move from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH?

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 long does a move from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($153 - $175), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $127/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH?

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 $481 - $1,026. 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 Akron, OH?

Costs on this route range from around $1,323 to $7,933, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,323 and $7,933, 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 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.