Highly rated local moving companies for Memphis to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Memphis to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Memphis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Memphis to Columbia.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Guardian Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Memphis, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: BSTB Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
Alternate Names: Alexander Mayflower , Alexander Moving Express , Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 181102
Alternate Names: Cord Moving – Memphis , North American Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Tennessee charge about $123 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,134 – $3,590 | $724 – $1,682 | $472 – $856 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,222 – $5,585 | $1,257 – $2,347 | $500 – $1,067 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,949 – $7,707 | $1,661 – $3,065 | $618 – $1,288 |
Cost to hire movers from Memphis to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Memphis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,134 and $3,590. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,222 and $5,585 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,949 to $7,707.
Cost of moving containers from Memphis to Columbia
When you’re heading from Memphis to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $724 and $1,682. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,257 and $2,347. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,661 to $3,065. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Tennessee easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Memphis to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Memphis to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $472 to $856. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $500 to $1,067, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Memphis to Columbia costs around $618 to $1,288.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Memphis to Columbia
The cost of Memphis movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Memphis to Columbia may only cost $1,751, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,597.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Memphis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($472–$1,138), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 6% higher for singles and -3% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Memphis versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $4,274 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 11% more expensive in Columbia than in Memphis. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 54% steeper in Columbia compared to Memphis.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 35% greater in Columbia than in Memphis, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Columbia, with the cost of living for a single person being 6% more than in Memphis. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Columbia and Memphis remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Memphis by about 35%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 18% cheaper in Columbia compared to Memphis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Memphis versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Memphis than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Memphis than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Memphis than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Memphis than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Memphis than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in Columbia.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Columbia
| Memphis | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 35 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 78% less than Memphis.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Memphis’s score of 4.
- Columbia and Memphis are similarly walkable.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Memphis, which has a score of 41.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 3.0 compared to Memphis’s 77.49. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 48.39 vs Memphis’s 22.51.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Memphis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Memphis and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Memphis to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Memphis to Columbia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Memphis to Columbia take?
The 604-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Columbia, , takes one to six days. Some Memphis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Memphis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Memphis provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Memphis moving services
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