($675+) Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

Moving from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC, runs anywhere from $661 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,743 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 962 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,410, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,743 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,233 - $4,214, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $661 - $1,864.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,807 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

There are 3 main ways to move from Manchester to Columbia: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,807 - $7,062. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 962-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 962-mile route from Manchester to Columbia, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,410 - $5,376 $1,233 - $2,243 $661 - $1,315 $1,099 - $1,919
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,807 - $7,062 $1,601 - $3,056 $750 - $1,518 $1,170 - $2,542
4+ bedrooms $4,690 - $9,743 $1,970 - $4,214 $868 - $1,864 $1,726 - $3,146

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 Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 962-mile move from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Columbia, South Carolina, with costs ranging from $2,410 - $9,743. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $304 - $2,028. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Manchester and Columbia. Local movers in Manchester typically start around $682 as a base rate plus $210/hour per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,410 - $5,376
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,807 - $7,062
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,690 - $9,743

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 Manchester to Columbia.

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

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

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

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$507 - $5,070
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage$203 - $1,217/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$304 - $2,434
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers$1,014 - $3,042
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,535 - $10,140
Car shippingSecond vehicle$759 - $1,443
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage$1,014 - $2,535
PianoAny piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Trend Moving & Storage$811 - $3,549
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers$304 - $1,521
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Bound Movers$659 - $2,028
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$304 - $15,210+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$304 - $3,549+

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

Movers licensed to operate in South Carolina are typically members of the South Carolina Trucking Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Manchester, NH. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

Moving containers from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Columbia, South Carolina, cost between $1,233 and $4,214. 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 Manchester costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $2,243
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,601 - $3,056
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,970 - $4,214

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $152 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Columbia, SC, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $710 in Manchester, NH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Hampshire to South Carolina 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 $1,233. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,601 - $3,056, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Manchester to Columbia?

  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 Manchester 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 Manchester:

  • Trend Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
  • College Bound Movers (4.7/5), 34 years in business
  • Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc (4.5/5), 17 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

A rental truck for this 962-mile move from Manchester, New Hampshire, to Columbia, South Carolina, costs between $661 and $1,864. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $310 - $355
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Manchester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
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 Manchester to Columbia based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $661 - $1,315
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $750 - $1,518
  • 4+ bedrooms: $868 - $1,864

Pro tip: A rental truck from Manchester to Columbia looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $661 - $1,864. But once you factor in fuel ($310 - $355) , overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $310 - $355 for the 962-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Manchester, New Hampshire, for about 5 hours typically costs around $710.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 962-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $304 - $456 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $304.

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

  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 Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC

For larger DIY moves from Manchester, New Hampshire, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Columbia, South Carolina.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,170 and $2,542.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,099 - $1,919
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,170 - $2,542
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,146

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Manchester, New Hampshire, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $710.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Manchester to Columbia?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Brian Forst Transport (4.7/5 stars): Brian Forst Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Columbia quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Manchester, NH vs Columbia, SC

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbia, side by side with Manchester on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Manchester, NH Columbia, SC
Cost of living index11187
Average rent$2,004/mo$1,447/mo
Median home value$335,093$241,128
Average income$77,415/yr$55,653/yr
Unemployment rate3.8%5.2%
State income taxUp to 4.0%Up to 7.0%
Walkability score51/10035/100
Safety index43.91/10048.39/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

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

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Hampshire to South Carolina, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 22 movers in New Hampshire, so you have real options to compare for this 962-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,410 - $9,743 on the 962-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,233 - $4,214, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $661 - $1,864. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,807 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pure Fishing and LexiCode.

FAQs: Moving from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC

Is Columbia a safe place to live?

Columbia has a safety index of 48.39 out of 100 and a crime index of 3.0, compared to 43.91 and 56.09 in Manchester. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Manchester, NH to Columbia, SC?

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. South Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?

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.

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

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($310 - $355), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What percentage of Manchester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 87% of movers in Manchester handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.