The best local movers for New Orleans to Columbia moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in New Orleans that also handles long-distance moves to Columbia. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated eight local movers in New Orleans who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from New Orleans to Columbia.
- Atmosphere Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- AD Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 6892
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1043891
Alternate Names: Atmosphere Enterprises, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 5382-D
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 3372702
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 7718
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: WJMB Transport, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8348
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 New Orleans to Columbia?
The average hourly rate for movers in Louisiana is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,113 – $3,542 | $739 – $1,684 | $508 – $914 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,242 – $5,408 | $1,305 – $2,527 | $506 – $1,021 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,580 – $7,314 | $1,729 – $3,054 | $664 – $1,263 |
Cost to hire movers from New Orleans to Columbia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New Orleans to Columbia will cost between $1,113 and $3,542. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from New Orleans to New Orleans will range from $2,242 to $5,408, and a large move from New Orleans to Columbia will cost from $3,580 to $7,314.
Cost of moving containers from New Orleans to Columbia
If you’re moving from New Orleans to Columbia, expect to pay between $739 and $1,684 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,305 up to $2,527. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,729 and $3,054. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Louisiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Orleans to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from New Orleans to Columbia is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $508 and $914. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $506 and $1,021. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $664 up to $1,263 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from New Orleans to Columbia
The cost of New Orleans movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,786, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,332.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New Orleans, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($508–$1,229) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from New Orleans to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than New Orleans – roughly 38% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $3,134 in New Orleans. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $7,905.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New Orleans | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,813 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,150 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $231,649 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,905 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.0% |
- If you’re heading to Columbia from New Orleans, you’ll find that rent is roughly 18% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Columbia and New Orleans, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 27% higher in Columbia than in New Orleans, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- 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 38% lower than in New Orleans.
- Choosing to move to Columbia can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 46% less than in New Orleans.
- Columbia enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 53% lower compared to New Orleans, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 20% in Columbia compared to New Orleans, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 65% higher in South Carolina than in Louisiana, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between New Orleans and Columbia:
| Living Expense | New Orleans | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.50 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $124.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.75 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New Orleans than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in New Orleans than in Columbia.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. Columbia
| New Orleans | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 383,997 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 58 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 35 |
| Crime index | 67.31 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 32.69 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 64% less than New Orleans.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than New Orleans’s score of 7.
- Columbia is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 35 out of 100 vs New Orleans’s 58 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as New Orleans, which has a score of 66.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 3.0 compared to New Orleans’s 67.31. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 48.39 vs New Orleans’s 32.69.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in New Orleans it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your New Orleans to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
- 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in South Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- 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, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Columbia?
The best time to move from New Orleans to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in New Orleans.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Columbia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from New Orleans to Columbia, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from New Orleans to Columbia take?
Moving from New Orleans, LA to Columbia, covers 676 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some New Orleans movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Which movers in New Orleans give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in New Orleans?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 7 movers in New Orleans advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in New Orleans provide antique moving services. State totals show 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,300 and 1,465.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
New Orleans moving services
Popular Louisiana routes
- Louisiana to South Carolina car shippers
- Louisiana to California movers
- Louisiana to Florida movers
- Louisiana to Georgia movers
- Louisiana to Illinois movers
- Louisiana to Michigan movers
- Louisiana to New York movers
- Louisiana to North Carolina movers
- Louisiana to Ohio movers
- Louisiana to Pennsylvania movers
- Louisiana to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!