Quick answer: For a 674-mile move from Fort Wayne to Columbia, expect to spend around $609–$5,752 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Fort Wayne guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Fort Wayne, IN, to Columbia, SC, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Fort Wayne, there are 6 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Fort Wayne, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Fort Wayne you can trust with your Fort Wayne to Columbia relocation.
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Best professional movers from Fort Wayne to Columbia
For an interstate move from Fort Wayne to Columbia, choosing a full-service mover means you won’t have to manage the packing, loading, or transport yourself. These companies handle the details so you can concentrate on your schedule and plans for settling in.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for full-service movers equipped to get you from Fort Wayne to Columbia efficiently and with minimal stress.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Fort Wayne?
How we chose the best moving companies for your IN to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Fort Wayne to Columbia journey
Organizing a move from Fort Wayne to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Fort Wayne known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Fort Wayne to Columbia.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Hoover the Mover: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Callan & Woodworth Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- My Movers Inc.: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 502126
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Pride Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 3757839
Alternate Names: Zitrans, Inc., Zitrans, Inc. dba Hoover the Mover
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 475992
Alternate Names: Haviland Callan, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 50
Alternate Names: Happy Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
How much does it cost to move from Fort Wayne to Columbia?
Fort Wayne movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,227 - $3,862 | $792 - $1,972 | $536 - $1,086 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,402 - $5,752 | $1,514 - $2,784 | $609 - $1,228 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,138 - $8,755 | $1,985 - $3,795 | $722 - $1,501 |
Cost to hire movers from Indiana to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Indiana to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,227 and $3,862. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,402 to $5,752 for the trip from IN to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,138 and $8,755.
Cost of moving containers from Indiana to South Carolina
Moving from Indiana to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $792 and $1,972. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,514 to $2,784. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,985 up to $3,795. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indiana to South Carolina
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $536 to $1,086. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $609 to $1,228, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Indiana to South Carolina costs around $722 to $1,501.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Fort Wayne to Columbia
What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Columbia
Expect higher day-to-day spending in Columbia than in Fort Wayne — roughly 25% more for singles and 36% more for families.
Monthly basics come to $1,956 for singles and $4,274 for families in Columbia, versus $2,600 and $3,150 in Fort Wayne.
See the detailed comparison below to budget accordingly:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 24% higher than in Fort Wayne.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 3.2% lower than in Fort Wayne. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 19.8% higher than in Fort Wayne. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- 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 24.8% lower than in Fort Wayne.
- 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 35.7% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 1.96% higher than in Fort Wayne.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 14.29% higher than what you are paying in Fort Wayne.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 122.22% higher than in Fort Wayne.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Fort Wayne versus Columbia.
Fort Wayne | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $245.73 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $56.88 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $2.87 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60 | $60 |
Gym membership | $50 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fort Wayne than in Columbia.
How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Columbia
Columbia | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 265,974 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 35 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 41 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 40.9 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 59.1 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 49% less than Fort Wayne.
- Columbia offers better access to buses and trains than Fort Wayne, based on public transportation ratings. Columbia has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Fort Wayne. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- You'll find Columbia to be about as walkable as Fort Wayne. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 35 and 32 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Fort Wayne. While Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, Columbia earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Fort Wayne based on scores of 3.0 and Fort Wayne's 40.9, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Columbia. With a crime index of 48.39, Columbia ranks lower in overall safety than Fort Wayne, whose index is 59.1. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Columbia and Fort Wayne is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Fort Wayne vs. Columbia move
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license 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: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Seven Oaks
- Irmo
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- 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: 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, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Columbia?
The best time to move from Fort Wayne to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fort Wayne.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Wayne to Columbia?
With many people choosing to move from Fort Wayne to Columbia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Fort Wayne to Columbia take?
The 674-mile move from Fort Wayne, IN, to Columbia, SC, takes one to six days. Some Fort Wayne movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Do movers in Fort Wayne offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
Which movers in Fort Wayne offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Fort Wayne have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IN, there are 38 piano movers and 20 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2175 and 1400.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.