Quick answer: For a 841-mile move from Grand Rapids to Columbia, expect to spend around $717–$6,596 and two to seven 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 Grand Rapids guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Grand Rapids, MI, to Columbia, SC, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Grand Rapids, there are 8 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 Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids you can trust with your Grand Rapids to Columbia relocation.
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Best professional movers from Grand Rapids to Columbia
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Grand Rapids to Columbia, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Grand Rapids to Columbia without the headaches.
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 Grand Rapids?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Grand Rapids to Columbia journey
Organizing a move from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Columbia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Premier Relocations, LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Pro Low Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC, Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1150201
Alternate Names: Mayflower
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3508434
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Columbia?
Grand Rapids movers charge $120 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 | $1,329 - $5,251 | $888 - $2,115 | $677 - $1,215 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,631 - $6,596 | $1,566 - $3,183 | $717 - $1,502 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,597 - $9,584 | $2,210 - $3,996 | $836 - $1,823 |
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to South Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to South Carolina will cost between $1,329 and $5,251. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to SC will range from $2,631 to $6,596, and a large move from Michigan to South Carolina will cost from $4,597 to $9,584.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to South Carolina
If you're relocating from Michigan to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $888 and $2,115 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,566 up to $3,183. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,210 and $3,996. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $677 and $1,215. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $717 to $1,502. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $836 and $1,823.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Columbia
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids — roughly 63% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 13% lower than in Grand Rapids, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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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 32.8% lower than in Grand Rapids. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 2.2% higher than in Grand Rapids. 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 63.3% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 40.3% less than what it costs in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 20.93% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 33.33% higher than what you are paying in Grand Rapids.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 64.71% higher than in Grand Rapids.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Grand Rapids and Columbia:
Grand Rapids | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $118.12 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.5 | $60 |
Gym membership | $33.99 | $40 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Columbia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Columbia.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Columbia
Columbia | Grand Rapids | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 198,893 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 35 | 56 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 52 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 44.23 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 55.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 31% less than Grand Rapids.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
- Columbia is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 3.0 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 48.39 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you've chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
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: Cultural attractions in Columbia include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Grand Rapids to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Grand Rapids to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Grand Rapids. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Columbia take?
Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Columbia, SC covers 841 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some Grand Rapids movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Grand Rapids?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Grand Rapids?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Grand Rapids, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 42 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 1901 and 1176 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.