Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Manchester move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Manchester 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 Manchester.
- 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 Manchester?
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 | $1,126 – $4,392 | $817 – $2,068 | $630 – $1,228 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,371 – $5,560 | $1,408 – $2,854 | $681 – $1,489 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,921 – $7,450 | $1,898 – $3,596 | $836 – $1,638 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Manchester
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Manchester from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,126 and $4,392. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,371 to $5,560 for the trip from Columbia to Manchester. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,921 and $7,450.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Manchester
Moving containers from Columbia to Manchester will cost you $817 to $2,068 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,408 to $2,854. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,898 to $3,596. 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 Manchester
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Manchester typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $630 and $1,228 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $681 to $1,489. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $836 to $1,638.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Manchester move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,027 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,535 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 $630 to $1,547, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Manchester
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Manchester runs about 25% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,449 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,256 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,767 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,461 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $410,329 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $67,132 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,449 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,256 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.0% |
- Planning a move to Manchester? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 38% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Manchester are about 86% higher than those in Columbia.
- In terms of average income, Manchester and Columbia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Manchester, as living costs for a single person are 25% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Manchester, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Manchester is 23% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Manchester is about 27% 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.
- Manchester has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Columbia. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes in New Hampshire are 43% 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 Manchester:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $218.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $51.38 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.01 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $27.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $81.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Manchester, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Manchester.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Manchester.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Manchester.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Manchester.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Manchester.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Manchester.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Manchester
| Columbia | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 115,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 42 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 56.09 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 43.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Manchester’s population is about 15% less than Columbia.
- Manchester’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Manchester is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Manchester 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.
- Manchester’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 56.09 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Manchester is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 43.91 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Manchester is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Manchester 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 New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If you’ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but you’ll need to file a formal complaint first. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New Hampshire’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New Hampshire 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 Manchester. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Manchester
Planning your move to Queen City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Manchester.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Wilton
- Bedford
- Amherst
- Merrimack
- Milford
- Hooksett
- Brookline
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bedford
- Hollis
- Amherst
- Mont Vernon
Things to do in Manchester
After settling into your new New Hampshire home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Manchester has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Manchester features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Currier Museum of Art, Millyard Museum, Scouting Museum and Library, and Art 3 Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lake Massabesic, Livingston Park, and Pine Island 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 New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Eastern League)Saint Anselm Hawks (NE-10)Southern New Hampshire Penmen (NE-10) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Manchester?
Planning your move from Columbia to Manchester? 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 Manchester?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Manchester 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 Manchester take?
The 954-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Manchester, , 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 Manchester.
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
Columbia moving services
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