Top-rated movers to make your Gainesville to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Gainesville that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed six top local movers in Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Columbia.
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2787568
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1531
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Golden Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 077949
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 110502
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Gainesville to Columbia?
In Florida, moving services typically cost around $172 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 | $835 – $2,650 | $592 – $1,445 | $340 – $614 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,483 – $4,033 | $1,162 – $2,196 | $347 – $729 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,378 – $5,741 | $1,404 – $2,578 | $430 – $880 |
Cost to hire movers from Gainesville to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Gainesville, you can expect prices to land between $835 and $2,650. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,483 to $4,033 for the trip from Gainesville to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,378 and $5,741.
Cost of moving containers from Gainesville to Columbia
Moving containers from Gainesville to Columbia will cost you $592 to $1,445 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,162 to $2,196. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,404 to $2,578. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Gainesville to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Gainesville to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $340 and $614 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $347 to $729. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $430 to $880.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Gainesville to Columbia move
The cost of Gainesville movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,217 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,683 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Gainesville.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $340 to $795, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 13% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Gainesville.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Gainesville versus $1,727 in Gainesville; families pay $4,274 compared with $3,491.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Gainesville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,444 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $288,002 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,727 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,491 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from Gainesville to Columbia, expect to find rent about 10% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 23% more affordable in Columbia compared to Gainesville.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 10% higher in Columbia compared to Gainesville, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Columbia, as living costs for a single person are 13% higher than in Gainesville. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 22% higher than in Gainesville.
- Columbia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Gainesville by around 18%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 14% more than in Gainesville, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Florida 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Gainesville and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Gainesville | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.42 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.22 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.70 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.25 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Gainesville than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Gainesville than in Columbia.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Columbia
| Gainesville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 35 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 52.61 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is within about 5% of Gainesville, so they’re very similar in size.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Gainesville’s score of 6.
- Columbia and Gainesville 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 Gainesville, which has a score of 69.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Gainesville with a score of 3.0 compared to Gainesville’s 8.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Gainesville with a score of 48.39 vs Gainesville’s 52.61.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Gainesville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville to Columbia 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South 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 Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
Planning your move to Soda City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Columbia?
Planning your move from Gainesville to Columbia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Gainesville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Gainesville to Columbia 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 Gainesville to Columbia take?
The 359-mile journey from Gainesville, FL to Columbia, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Gainesville offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Gainesville?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Gainesville?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Gainesville, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 174 piano movers and 105 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.
Helpful moving resources
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