Quick answer: A move from Durham to Columbus costs $510–$5,697 and takes one to four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 489-mile move yourself.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to Durham guide.

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

  • Founded in 2015
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Best movers by type

For a move from Durham to Columbus, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 26 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.

We reviewed every Durham company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Durham made our final list.

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Best professional movers from Durham to Columbus

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Durham to Columbus, 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 Durham to Columbus without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Durham?toggle

Availability varies a lot by market. Use this table to see how common each service is among movers in Durham, compared to all of NC and nationwide, so you can spot what’s easy to book and what may take extra planning.

Service Durham (Count) Durham (%) North Carolina (Count) North Carolina (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 27 100% 111 97% 2836 98%
Unpacking 27 100% 110 96% 2801 97%
Fragile-only packing 7 26% 29 25% 718 25%
Packing materials 20 74% 80 70% 1684 58%
Storage
Storage 23 85% 88 77% 2502 87%
Climate-controlled storage 9 33% 34 30% 977 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 12 44% 62 54% 1887 65%
Art 8 30% 41 36% 1401 48%
Antiques 8 30% 38 33% 1401 48%
Piano 19 70% 78 68% 2176 75%
Hot tub 6 22% 20 17% 670 23%
Pool table 9 33% 36 31% 944 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to GA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top 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.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Durham to Columbus moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Durham that also handles long-distance moves to Columbus. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Durham who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Durham to Columbus.

  1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  5. Truckin' Movers Corporation: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleMoversRaleigh/, https://twitter.com/MMRaleigh
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
53% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving stands out for movers who work quickly, handle items with care, and maintain a friendly, professional attitude. Over half the feedback highlights a smooth, efficient moving process. Customers appreciate reliable scheduling, approachable staff, and fast service—traits that compare well to industry standards.
Some clients, though, face problems like damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or late arrivals. Main complaints point to carelessness with items, delays, and surprise fees. A number of customers also had trouble with customer service responsiveness during issues. While many would recommend Bellhop for efficient, courteous movers, those with damaged goods or billing issues experienced significant frustration. Out of 32 customer inputs, 53% were positive, suggesting the company often delivers strong results but still has areas needing improvement.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 246-4318

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://twitter.com/allmysonsmoving
43% of all reviews were positive
55% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day stories with All My Sons Moving & Storage sway more negative than positive, based on 539 pieces of customer feedback—only 43% were favorable. Customers praised efficient service, professional interactions, and movers who worked quickly, handled belongings with care, and remained courteous under pressure. Many also valued the upbeat attitude of staff, and the careful attention to fragile items.
Yet, complaints stand out: over half the input points to repeated issues like damaged items, surprise costs, and poor company communication. People described feeling frustrated with broken furniture, unplanned extra fees, and lack of reliable updates or follow-up when things went wrong. Compared to other well-reviewed movers in the region, All My Sons struggles with service consistency. Positive experiences can be top-notch, but negative incidents with accountability and transparency are far too common for a professional moving company. Those considering this company should be vigilant about extra charges and check all belongings for damage before signing off at the end of a move.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 626-8854

Company Info

State license #: 2261

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
https://www.facebook.com/athensmovingexperts, https://twitter.com/athensmovingexp
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TruckinMoversCorporation?rf=173158259368098, https://twitter.com/TruckinMovers
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Thousands of Triangle-area customers agree—Truckin' Movers Corporation delivers a moving experience that's a cut above most competitors. Out of 263 customer feedback entries examined, a remarkable 93% described positive results. Repeated praise centers on professional and polite staff, careful handling of possessions, efficient service, clear communication, and fast moving processes.
Customers consistently note moves happening on time, accurate price estimates, and items delivered undamaged—even during complex interstate or international relocations. Negative input represents less than 7% of all feedback, and most issues involve items damaged in transit, inaccurate estimates leading to higher final bills, or delayed arrivals and deliveries. Some negative experiences also raise concerns about problem resolution and claims processes. Despite a few challenging moves, Truckin' Movers sets a high standard for reliability and care, with service quality that stands out among area moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 682-2300

Company Info

State license #: 2262

Years in Business: 48

DOT #: 0233952


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from Durham to Columbus?

Durham movers charge $122 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 $1,174 - $3,207 $775 - $1,735 $446 - $824
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,208 - $5,697 $1,398 - $2,619 $510 - $1,027
4+ bedrooms $3,749 - $8,172 $1,824 - $3,362 $598 - $1,250
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 489 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to Georgia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Georgia typically costs between $1,174 and $3,207. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,208 and $5,697 when moving from NC to GA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Carolina to Georgia, you're looking at costs ranging from $3,749 up to $8,172.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Georgia

If you're relocating from North Carolina to Georgia, you'll typically spend between $775 and $1,735 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,398 up to $2,619. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,824 and $3,362. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Georgia

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 $446 and $824. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $510 to $1,027. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $598 and $1,250.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors that influence moving costs from Durham to Columbustoggle

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Durham to Columbus (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,174, while larger moves may reach $6,778 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Durham,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $446 to $1,126), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Columbus

Budget-wise, Columbus tends to come out ahead — about 27% lower for singles and 36% lower for families than Durham.

One person’s costs run $2,041 in Columbus vs. $2,803 in Durham; for a family of four, think $3,834 vs. $5,945.

Scan the comparison below to see where you’ll save most:

Durham Columbus
Average 1 BR rent $1,875 $1,250
Average 3 BR rent $2,573 $1,400
Average home value $391,719 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $50,542
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 9.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 35% lower than in Durham, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 59.7% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Columbus is 87.2% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus — including Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 27.2% lower than in Durham.
  • A move to Columbus 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 35.5% less than what it costs in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 29.27% higher than in Durham.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbus, since its sales taxes are 20.00% higher than what you are paying in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 22.00% higher than in Durham.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Durham and Columbus, from monthly bills to routine purchases.

Durham Columbus
Basic utilities $148.21 $211.4
Cell phone plan $51.67 $40.33
Dozen eggs $4.53 $2.24
Loaf of bread $3.66 $3.52
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15 $18
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $70 $50
Gym membership $40 $10
  • Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Columbus.
  • Eggs cost more in Durham than in Columbus.
  • Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Columbus.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Columbus.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Durham than in Columbus.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Durham than in Columbus.

How life is different in Durham vs. Columbus

Columbus Durham
Population 206,922 283,506
Transportation Score 2 4
Walkability score 25 30
Bike friendliness score 31 38
Crime Index 72.18 54.72
Safety Index 27.82 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 27% less than Durham.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Durham's higher score of 4.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Durham with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Durham with a score of 72.18 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 27.82 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Georgia 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 Columbus. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you've chosen Lowell of the South[ as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • MidTown
  • Uptown
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Overlook
  • Lakebottom

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Columbus
  • Brookstone
  • Green Island Hills
  • MidTown
  • Ivy Park

Things to do in Columbus

Once you're settled into your new home in Georgia, it's time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Flat Rock Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL), Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Durham to Columbus?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Durham to Columbus. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Durham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Columbus?

Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Columbus are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Durham to Columbus take?

The 489-mile journey from Durham, NC to Columbus, GA, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Durham offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.

How many movers in Durham can handle specialty items for my move to Columbus?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Durham, 19 movers can handle pianos. 8 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2176 and 1401 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources