Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Chapel Hill move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.
- 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 Chapel Hill?
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 | $724 – $2,745 | $540 – $1,393 | $253 – $489 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,351 – $4,121 | $991 – $1,984 | $279 – $556 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,755 – $5,191 | $1,427 – $2,519 | $347 – $692 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Chapel Hill
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chapel Hill from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $724 and $2,745. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,351 to $4,121 for the trip from Columbia to Chapel Hill. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $1,755 and $5,191.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Chapel Hill
Moving containers from Columbia to Chapel Hill will cost you $540 to $1,393 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $991 to $1,984. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,427 to $2,519. 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 Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Chapel Hill typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $253 and $489 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $279 to $556. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $347 to $692.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Chapel Hill move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,011 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,625 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 $253 to $622, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Chapel Hill
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chapel Hill runs about 15% higher for singles and 12% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,248 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $4,790 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
- Planning a move to Chapel Hill? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 35% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Chapel Hill are about 169% higher than those in Columbia.
- In terms of average income, Chapel Hill and Columbia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chapel Hill, as living costs for a single person are 15% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Chapel Hill, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 12% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is about 38% 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.
- Sales taxes are 6% less in Chapel Hill relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in North Carolina are 36% 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 Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Chapel Hill, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Chapel Hill
| Columbia | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 50 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 53% less than Columbia.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Chapel Hill and Columbia are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Chapel Hill 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.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 26.42 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 73.58 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Chapel Hill 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: North Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill. 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 no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen 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 Chapel Hill
Planning your move to Southern Part of Heaven? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chapel Hill.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chapel Hill has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chapel Hill features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle 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 UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Chapel Hill?
Planning your move from Columbia to Chapel Hill? 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 Chapel Hill?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill take?
The 230-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Chapel Hill, , typically takes one to two 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 Chapel Hill.
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.
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