The best local movers for Charlotte to Columbia moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charlotte that also handles long-distance moves to Columbia. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 42 local movers in Charlotte who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charlotte to Columbia.
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Easy Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best Movers US: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2406
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co. (NC), LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2225
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 648055
Alternate Names: EasyMovers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2539
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2317956
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 601
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Bournias, LLC
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 Charlotte to Columbia?
The average hourly rate for movers in North Carolina is $145. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $475 – $1,961 | $406 – $1,020 | $96 – $140 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $997 – $2,817 | $818 – $1,475 | $98 – $164 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,347 – $3,678 | $1,005 – $1,803 | $113 – $170 |
Cost to hire movers from Charlotte to Columbia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charlotte to Columbia will cost between $475 and $1,961. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charlotte to Charlotte will range from $997 to $2,817, and a large move from Charlotte to Columbia will cost from $1,347 to $3,678.
Cost of moving containers from Charlotte to Columbia
If you’re moving from Charlotte to Columbia, expect to pay between $406 and $1,020 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $818 up to $1,475. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,005 and $1,803. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charlotte to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Charlotte to Columbia is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $96 and $140. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $98 and $164. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $113 up to $170 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charlotte to Columbia
The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $653, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $3,321.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charlotte, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($96–$164) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Charlotte – roughly 38% less for singles and 49% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $3,158 in Charlotte. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $8,325.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charlotte | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,913 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,790 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $391,658 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,158 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,325 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- If you’re heading to Columbia from Charlotte, you’ll find that rent is roughly 19% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 44% less in Columbia than in Charlotte.
- Fortunately, the average income in Columbia and Charlotte is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 38% lower than in Charlotte.
- Choosing to move to Columbia can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 49% less than in Charlotte.
- In Columbia, the unemployment rate is approximately 58% higher than in Charlotte, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 10% in Columbia over Charlotte, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 56% higher in South Carolina than in North Carolina, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charlotte and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Charlotte | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $51.90 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Columbia
| Charlotte | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 35 |
| Crime index | 46.52 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 53.48 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 84% less than Charlotte.
- Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Charlotte, making them very similar.
- Columbia is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Charlotte’s 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 35 out of 100, Columbia is more bike-friendly than Charlotte, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Charlotte with a score of 3.0 compared to Charlotte’s 46.52. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 48.39 vs Charlotte’s 53.48.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Charlotte it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Soda City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in South Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Columbia?
The best time to move from Charlotte to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Columbia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charlotte to Columbia, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charlotte to Columbia take?
Moving from Charlotte, NC to Columbia, covers 93 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Charlotte movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Which movers in Charlotte give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charlotte?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 28 movers in Charlotte advertise piano moving expertise. 11 movers in Charlotte provide antique moving services. State totals show 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Charlotte moving services
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