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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Columbia, IL movers

Hiring a moving company in Columbia is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Columbia:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $890 $726 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $1,658 $726 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $3,272 $1,017 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $8,694 $1,483 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $10,117 $1,468 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $16,778 $2,014 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Columbia to move a studio apartment is $726 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $726 per hour for local Columbia movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $1,017 to move a two-bedroom Columbia home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $1,483 an hour to have local Columbia movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you're moving a four-bedroom Columbia home, you'll pay $1,468 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $2,014 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Columbia home with five or more bedrooms.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Columbia move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.

Best local movers in Columbia, IL

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Columbia:

  1. Flex Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/FlexStorageInc/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
  • Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers praise Flex Moving & Storage for having efficient, friendly, and professional movers who help make the moving process fast and affordable. The majority of input highlights timely service and staff who communicate well and handle belongings carefully. Clients report a streamlined booking process and note that rates offer strong value compared to competitors. On the downside, several feedback entries report recurring issues with surprise charges, such as higher-than-quoted invoices and unauthorized credit card deductions. Multiple complaints cite property damage and poor handling of delicate items. Communication lapses, unresponsive support, and challenging claims processes are mentioned in a notable number of complaints. With nearly 80% of customer input positive, Flex rates higher than many moving companies for professionalism and efficiency, but persistent billing and support problems may be a dealbreaker for some seeking reliability throughout the move.
Get a Quote (786) 738-9516

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3610638

Alternate Names: Flex Storage Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving draws applause for professional, courteous staff and speedy, efficient moves. Customers’ input highlights careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a straightforward booking process. Many describe movers as friendly, organized, and respectful of both property and timelines. Yet, some feedback details significant issues, such as property damage, late or no-shows, and communication breakdowns. A sizable portion of feedback reveals frustration with damages and unresolved complaints, especially when compared to other services where reliability and handling of items were stronger. While most customers report smooth, affordable moves with attentive teams, those experiencing scheduling problems or delayed arrivals faced extra stress. Across 56 reviews, 63% praised Bellhop’s professionalism and efficiency, while roughly 36% encountered unpredictable timing or carelessness. Bellhop Moving receives broad endorsements for professionalism but falls short for some on reliability and item safety.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

DOT #: 2878240


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/twomenstlouis/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenstlouis
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving day made simple: feedback from 361 reviewers shows two out of three customers raved about Two Men and a Truck’s speed, careful handling, and positive, professional attitude. Three out of four reviews praised efficient service, noting teams that work quickly while respecting belongings and property. Customers repeatedly mention helpful staff making moves less stressful. On the downside, about 22% flagged issues, with damaged items as the top concern. Some reported belongings arrived scratched or broken, while others found their final bills exceeded estimates by hundreds of dollars. Delays or late arrivals also frustrated a portion of customers. Compared to many movers, Two Men and a Truck earns higher marks for courtesy and efficiency, but shoppers sensitive to cost or worried about valuables should stay vigilant and clarify terms before moving day.
Get a Quote (314) 270-5758

Company Info

State license #: 714664

Years in Business: 29

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksStLouis/, https://twitter.com/CollegeHunks
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Feedback for College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving highlights fast pacing, reliable professionalism, and attentive care as standout qualities. Out of 423 reviews, 85.3% were positive, reflecting consistent praise for courteous, hardworking staff, efficient execution, careful attention to belongings, and strong communication. Many customers found the booking process simple and felt the crews arrived promptly, making stressful moves easier. Compared to competitors, reviewers noted the personnel act with greater courtesy and flexibility. Some clients also valued the clear, up-front information and felt property was managed with respect. On the other side, 13.5% expressed frustration over items damaged during moves, inaccurate or shifting estimates leading to higher costs, and poor handling of complaints or damages. Clients described difficulty getting claims resolved and, in rare cases, a lack of transparency about charges. Only a small share of reviews—about 1%—were neutral, often pointing to variable costs or minor lapses in professionalism. Customers repeatedly emphasize professionalism and diligent service, but those seeking a flawless, worry-free experience should be prepared to clarify cost details and confirm how damages are resolved.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: HMB Hunks, LLC, College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Customers say All My Sons Moving & Storage often delivers fast, polite, and efficient service. Over half of feedback highlights teams that work quickly, handle belongings carefully, and keep a positive attitude during moves. Movers are commonly described as professional, respectful, and diligent. Many customers recommend the company for their reliability and approachability. At the same time, nearly half of input reveals major issues with unexpected charges, higher-than-quoted bills, damaged items, and late arrivals. Several customers report being surprised by additional fees, or receiving items with new damage. On-time moves and accurate pricing stand out as frequent pain points. Compared to many competitors, these movers achieve high marks for care and speed but recurring cost and communication problems hold them back.
Get a Quote (636) 328-0545

Company Info

State license #: 1803212

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby Illinois citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Columbia movers

The cost of moving out of Illinois depends heavily on where you’re headed. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve included a few sample price points below. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific moving route from Illinois or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Columbia

The price of moving a one-bedroom home from Columbia to another state largely depends on how far you're going, the size of your move, and the moving method you choose.

To help set expectations, here are a few example price ranges for long-distance moves leaving Illinois:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Columbia

Costs for moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Columbia are mostly influenced by the total load. A modest three-bedroom move can sometimes come in cheaper than a larger, well-furnished two-bedroom home with heavier belongings.

Here’s a general overview of what you might pay for two- to three-bedroom moves covering comparable distances:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Columbia

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Columbia. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you're moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Columbia of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Columbia

Understanding the potential cost of your move from Illinois is a great starting point. From here, you’ll want to connect with the top-rated long-distance movers in Columbia to get things rolling.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Columbia, IL

In Columbia, using moving containers typically starts at around $480 for a local move. For longer in-state or regional relocations, that number can rise to about $2,980. If you're planning a coast-to-coast move, expect rates in excess of $6,930. Your final price will largely depend on how far you're moving and your container size.

We recommend PODS in Columbia as a strong option. PODS offers three container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), allowing you some flexibility in picking the one that best fits your needs. Their rates are competitive, and customers overwhelmingly give them high marks for their service. To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, though, get quotes from PODS and at least two other companies before locking in a decision.

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

Best moving container companies in Columbia

A moving container company is a good fit if you don’t mind doing some heavy lifting. You’ll have to pack up everything and load it up yourself but you’ll get the benefit of a professional driver to safely transport your belongings to your new home. There are several solid choices in Columbia — these are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Columbia, IL

Renting a moving truck in Columbia usually costs about $60 per day, but prices can range from $19 to $39 daily. You'll also pay a per-mile fee of $1–$1, depending on your move’s distance and the truck size. While this is the most affordable moving method, just know it also means doing all the heavy lifting — and driving — yourself.

Best moving truck rentals in Columbia

A full DIY move with a rental truck is almost always the lowest-cost option. In Columbia, you’ll find lots of moving truck rental companies ready to help you get on the road. If you're ready to do the heavy lifting — literally — these are some of the top companies to check out:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Columbia, IL

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Columbia. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Columbia

If you're looking for labor assistance in Columbia, you'll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your Columbia move

The exact amount you’ll pay for your move depends on the specific details of your move. That said, here are some of the most common factors that can influence the price of your Columbia move:

  • Where you’re moving: The farther the distance between your current home and your new one, the more you can expect to pay. A local move within the same city or nearby area will usually cost less than a long-distance or cross-country relocation due to fuel, mileage, and labor time.
  • How much stuff you have: More belongings mean more work. Larger moves often need a bigger truck and additional crew members, which increases the overall cost.
  • Your moving method: Full-service movers handle everything for you, but that convenience comes at a price. Choosing a DIY option, like a moving container company, can be more affordable if you’re willing to do the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you select: Extra services like packing, unpacking, or premium insurance will add to your total. Even if you're going DIY, hiring help for loading and unloading will bump up your budget.
  • Your moving date: Moving prices fluctuate based on demand. You'll pay more during the summer, on weekends, or at the start or end of the month. Mid-week and mid-month moves usually come with lower rates.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Get all your documents together ahead of time Apartment complexes may require documents like proof of insurance and elevator bookings on moving day. Review your moving contract in advance so you’re not rushing to find what you need last minute.
  • Make sure you’re following the rules. HOAs and managed properties often enforce specific moving times or days. Double-check these restrictions and give your building manager a heads-up to stay compliant and avoid delays.
  • Invest in comprehensive coverage of your belongings. Movers are federally required to offer released value protection for free. While that sounds great, the coverage is minimal — just $0.60 per pound, regardless of the item's actual value. This means you’d only receive $3 for a five-pound antique vase, even though the vase is valued at $300. Consider purchasing full-value coverage from your mover or home insurance provider to ensure better protection based on the item's value.
  • Secure adequate parking. For more information, visit the Columbia website.

Helpful Columbia Resources

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