Quick answer:
We evaluated 44 Maryland movers,
and 495 Movers, Inc rose to the top for local moves in Columbia,
MD, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback.
Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from Maryland, is Safeway Moving.
We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.
Hi, I'm Ryan. Let's get moving.
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.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
Founded in 2015
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Columbia, MD
If you're planning a move within Columbia or to a nearby Maryland city no more than 50 miles away like
North Laurel or Scaggsville,
take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:
Moving with a well-organized team can transform a stressful day into a smooth experience. Across 410 reviews for 495 Movers, 83.7% of feedback is positive, reflecting results that outpace many competitors. Most customers found efficient service, careful handling, and friendly, professional movers who kept fragile belongings safe and finished jobs on (or ahead of) schedule. Many appreciated clear estimates, honest pricing, and responsive communication before and during the move. Free packing supplies and flexibility made preparation easier, and follow-up calls reassured customers their move details were covered.
A much smaller portion of feedback reports dissatisfaction. Some customers cite damage to their items, unexpected charges not matching estimates, or lost belongings—especially for long-distance or storage moves. A few also mentioned that claims for lost or broken possessions were hard to resolve, and communication could suffer after the move. Negative experiences frequently came with higher costs or struggles reaching resolution, leaving affected customers frustrated.
Most feedback highlights efficiency, a courteous team, attention to detail, and billing transparency. Problems with damage or unexpected fees, though rare, are more common than with industry leaders renowned for flawless claims handling and rigid cost guarantees. On balance, 495 Movers is rated better than most moving companies for local or regional moves, especially for customers seeking cost clarity and respectful crews.
Moving made simple—Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. stands out for efficient, professional service and careful attention to belongings. In an analysis of 372 customer reviews, 91% of the input praised the company's fast moving teams, careful handling of items, professionalism, prompt communication, and swift processes. Most feedback highlights that movers arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat possessions with respect, which is often hard to find among competitors. Many also note transparent pricing and flexibility when scheduling or dealing with last-minute changes. While positive feedback dominates, some customers report problems with damages to items, unexpected cost increases, or delays in delivery, especially for long-distance moves. Compared to other movers, Zip consistently delivers a reliable, courteous experience but could improve by minimizing damages and clarifying pricing for every customer.
Bellhop Moving earns strong marks for efficiency, professional and approachable crews, and quick, careful service. Customer feedback highlights that moves often proceed swiftly, with friendly staff showing respect for property and maintaining positive attitudes. Many users note their belongings remained intact thanks to careful handling, and movers frequently finished ahead of schedule. In contrast, several customers faced delays, unexpected scheduling issues, and items damaged during moves. Coordination problems between Bellhop’s office and actual movers led to missed appointments or late teams more often than with traditional moving companies. Compared to others in the industry, Bellhop stands out for affordable, rapid moves when everything goes as planned, but lacks consistent reliability during peak times or for complex moves.
Customers consistently praise Flex Moving & Storage for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, quick moving process, and attentive movers who handle belongings with care. Out of 236 reviews, an impressive 96% highlight positive experiences—far surpassing the reputation of many moving companies. Plenty of feedback mentions how the movers went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and stress-free move, commenting on good communication and a caring approach. The most frequent negatives, seen in just 3% of input, involve issues with unexpected or unclear charges, difficulty reaching customer service, and a few reports of rude interactions from office staff. Neutral feedback points toward communication efforts to resolve prior issues, showing a willingness by management to improve. Compared to competitors, Flex earns outstanding marks for moving day performance, but should address billing clarity and accessibility to reach industry-leading trust. Most customers leave their moves feeling satisfied, heard, and willing to recommend the team to others.
Rave reviews dominate Olympia Moving & Storage’s customer feedback, with over 83% of 383 reviews rating the company positively. Customers consistently praise their efficient service, attentive staff, careful handling of possessions, strong communication, and the speed of their moving process. Olympia stands out for delivering a low-stress experience, seamless coordination, and trustworthy teams, which is especially noteworthy compared to many competitors in the moving industry. On the downside, a portion of clients report significant issues: the most common complaints involve damaged or lost items, cost overruns from inaccurate estimates, and missing possessions. Several negative comments highlight struggles with costly and frustrating claims processes, as well as challenges in resolving high-value property damage or loss after storage. Neutral feedback typically mentions minor mishaps, miscommunications, or additional fees, yet still acknowledges courteous service and competence from the moving crews. Olympia typically delivers an efficient, professional moving experience but, like most national movers, may fall short when it comes to high-value item care or providing exact cost certainty for larger, complex moves.
Helix Transfer and Storage earns top marks from customers for efficiency, professional conduct, careful handling of belongings, quick moves, and strong communication. Out of 261 reviews, 93.9% are highly positive, highlighting prompt service, attention to detail, courteous crews, and transparent pricing—qualities that regularly outperform typical moving companies. Many users note stress-free, organized moves and responsive support. On the flip side, a small set of customers—just 5%—reported issues like damage to items, unprofessional staff behavior, or delayed arrivals. Neutral feedback, making up just over 1%, brings up misplaced items or subpar communication. Feedback shows that Helix stands out in the industry for its consistency, reliability, and fair dealing, with only occasional instances where service fell short of expectations.
If you're relocating from Maryland to a new state, choosing a trusted
interstate moving company
is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:
While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your
Columbia, Maryland relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in Columbia instead.
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 44 Maryland movers and listed the top five best movers
based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Columbia.
If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on
moving costs in Maryland.
Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates.
Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our
moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$427
$151
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$589
$146
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$925
$210
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$2,036
$299
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,305
$290
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,634
$415
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Columbia, MD movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Columbia, MD stack up in terms of their reputation.
Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
All of the movers on our list are properly licensed.
Take a look at our best movers in Maryland list for more recommendations.
How do I find a reputable Columbia mover?
Looking for a reliable Columbia moving company can be difficult,
but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:
Reputation:
A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a
seasoned van lines company.
Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints.
Every Columbia moving company will face customer issues.
The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
Relevant experience: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves,
they may not have the experience needed to handle a
cross-country move.
Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.
Do Columbia moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service Columbia can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services.
If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Columbia.
What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Columbia, MD?
The cheapest day to hire a mover in Columbia, Maryland, will typically be a weekday,
since weekends are typically busier times for moving.
In general, the cheapest time to move
is between October and April.
The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.
The earlier you book your move from Columbia, the better.
Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money.
Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote,
as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.
What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Columbia, MD?
Renting a moving truck is
the cheapest way to move out of state
or locally within Columbia, Maryland.
Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking,
loading and unloading, and driving.
Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Columbia?
Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself.
Once you’re loaded up and ready to move,
the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.
What if I need help loading my moving container in Columbia?
Labor-only moving companies
can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container.
Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker
and more efficient.
Do Columbia movers offer storage?
Most Columbia moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions.
However, keep in mind that some Columbia movers use third-party warehouses to store your items.
It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.