Highly rated local moving companies for Plano to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Plano 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 68 local movers in Plano 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 Plano to Columbia.
- AB Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Around the Block Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Fantastic Moves: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Wrightway Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc. , AB Movers , AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2166531
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2166531
Alternate Names: Around The Block Moving Company , A.T.B. Office Relocators, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000521440B
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 1032910
Alternate Names: Lone Star Loaders, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006034328C
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939415
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Plano to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 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 | $1,176 – $4,883 | $809 – $2,071 | $680 – $1,217 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,418 – $6,284 | $1,465 – $3,092 | $735 – $1,475 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,045 – $7,764 | $2,036 – $3,719 | $870 – $1,831 |
Cost to hire movers from Plano to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Plano, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,176 and $4,883. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,418 and $6,284 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,045 to $7,764.
Cost of moving containers from Plano to Columbia
When you’re heading from Plano to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $809 and $2,071. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,465 and $3,092. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,036 to $3,719. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Plano to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Plano 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 $680 to $1,217. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $735 to $1,475, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Plano to Columbia costs around $870 to $1,831.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Plano to Columbia
The cost of Plano movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Plano to Columbia may only cost $2,318, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,686.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Plano.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($680–$1,676), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Plano to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Plano – roughly 22% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,506 in Plano. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $6,078.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Plano | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,637 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,938 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $511,000 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,874 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,506 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,078 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 31% less expensive in Columbia than in Plano, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 57% cheaper in Columbia than in Plano.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Plano are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of Plano.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 30% lower compared to Plano.
- Columbia and Plano have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Columbia and Plano (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas 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 Plano versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Plano | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.04 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.48 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.38 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.54 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $81.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Plano than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Plano than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Plano than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Plano than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Plano than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Plano than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Plano than in Columbia.
How life is different in Plano vs. Columbia
| Plano | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 35 |
| Crime index | 23.02 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 76.98 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 52% less than Plano.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Plano’s score of 2.
- Columbia is less walkable than Plano with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Plano’s 41 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Plano, which has a score of 52.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Plano with a score of 3.0 compared to Plano’s 23.02. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Plano neighborhoods are safer than 23.02%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Plano with a score of 48.39 vs Plano’s 76.98.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Plano it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Plano to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Plano 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 Plano to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Plano to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Plano.
When is the cheapest time to move from Plano to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Plano 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 Plano to Columbia take?
The 1,008-mile move from Plano, TX, to Columbia, , takes two to eight days. Some Plano movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Plano movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 12 movers offer special pricing for military members. 9 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Plano?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 46 movers in Plano provide piano moving services. 37 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 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
Plano moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!