Highly rated local moving companies for Durham to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Durham to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 27 local movers in Durham known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Durham to Columbia.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
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
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
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
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in North Carolina charge about $145 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $732 – $2,719 | $546 – $1,284 | $255 – $474 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,379 – $3,804 | $1,053 – $1,925 | $284 – $578 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,755 – $5,139 | $1,318 – $2,568 | $347 – $639 |
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Durham, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $732 and $2,719. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,379 and $3,804 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,755 to $5,139.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Columbia
When you’re heading from Durham to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $546 and $1,284. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,053 and $1,925. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,318 to $2,568. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Durham to Columbia 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 $255 to $474. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $284 to $578, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Durham to Columbia costs around $347 to $639.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Durham to Columbia
The cost of Durham movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Durham to Columbia may only cost $1,053, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,536.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Durham.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($255–$622), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Durham to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Durham – roughly 30% less for singles and 28% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 15% less expensive in Columbia than in Durham, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 44% cheaper in Columbia than in Durham.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 6% less in Columbia than in Durham.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 30% below that of Durham.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 28% lower compared to Durham.
- Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Durham by about 27%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Durham by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 56% more in South Carolina than in North Carolina. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Durham versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Durham | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Durham than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Durham than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Columbia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Durham than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Durham vs. Columbia
| Durham | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 35 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 52% less than Durham.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Durham’s score of 4.
- Columbia is more walkable than Durham with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Durham’s 30 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 Durham, which has a score of 38.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 3.0 compared to Durham’s 54.72. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 48.39 vs Durham’s 45.28.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Durham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Durham and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Durham to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Durham to Columbia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Durham to Columbia take?
The 235-mile move from Durham, NC, to Columbia, , takes one to two days. Some Durham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Durham?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 19 movers in Durham provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Durham moving services
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