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Local moving companies in North Carolina
When relocating from North Carolina to Columbia, SC, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Tar Heel State to the lively Soda City. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 70 North Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbia, SC.
- You Move Me: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Easy Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
You Move Me is a well-established local moving company that has been serving Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas since 2015. Unlike many nearby movers, You Move Me offers comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving, making them a versatile choice for local residential moves. With an impressive 4.9 rating from 590 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are highly regarded for their reliability and professionalism. Customers particularly appreciate that the company accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, adding convenience to their already stellar service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 126
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Kline, LLC, Greensboro Movers, LLC
Two Men and a Truck, serving Winston-Salem, NC since 1996, specializes in local residential moving services. With an impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and high customer satisfaction on Google My Business (average rating of 4.6 from 154 reviews), they stand out among local moving companies. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. Consumer feedback emphasizes their reliability and professionalism, making them a reputable option for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Athens Moving Experts has been a reliable staple in the Raleigh, NC moving industry since 2018, offering top-tier local residential moving services. This company stands out with its impressive consumer reviews, boasting a 4.5 average rating on Yelp and a near-perfect 4.9 on Google, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Beyond typical moving services, Athens Moving Experts excels in packing, unpacking, and the specialized handling of items like pianos, antiques, and safes, setting them apart from other local movers. For those in need of trustworthy, comprehensive local moving services, Athens Moving Experts consistently delivers satisfaction and peace of mind.
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
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Miracle Movers has been providing local residential moving services in and around Raleigh, NC since 2007, establishing themselves as a reliable and experienced choice for those staying within the area. While the company boasts an impressive 4.9 average rating from 146 reviews on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their Yelp profile tells a different story with an average rating of 2.9 from 24 reviews. Unlike some competitors, Miracle Movers offers packing and unpacking services, and they do not require a deposit, adding an extra layer of convenience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2225
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 648055
Alternate Names: EasyMovers
Easy Movers has been a trusted local moving company in Pineville, NC since 1994, specializing in residential moves in and around the area. With a strong reputation for reliability, they boast 720 reviews on Google My Business with an impressive average rating of 4.7, though their Yelp profile shows a more mixed reception with a 3.6 average from 73 reviews. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, Easy Movers stands out for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and piano moving. Their competitive rate of $145 per hour and acceptance of both cash and credit cards make them a versatile choice for those seeking efficient and professional moving services.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Comparing local moving companies from North Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You Move Me | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Athens Moving Experts | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Miracle Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Easy Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,890 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how North Carolina movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| North Carolina | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 97% |
| Antiques | 33% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 3% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from North Carolina to Columbia, SC
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Columbia, SC to what you’re used to in North Carolina. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: North Carolina vs Columbia, SC
| North Carolina | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,093 | $1,447 |
| Average home value | $328,715 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 | $64,683 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 5% |
| State income tax | 5% | 7% |
Columbia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Columbia is about 32% higher than in North Carolina. Be sure to factor this into your budget, since both your move-in costs and monthly rent will be higher.
- Moving to Columbia means you'll spend about 33% less on housing compared to North Carolina, so your budget will go further.
- Expect salaries in Columbia to be approximately 2% lower than in North Carolina. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Columbia is about 41% higher than in North Carolina. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
- Income taxes in Columbia are 56% higher than in North Carolina, so keep this in mind when you’re mapping out your budget. Your take-home pay might be a bit less than what you’re used to.
How life is different in Columbia from North Carolina
| Columbia | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 10,835,491 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 4" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 24.69 |
Columbia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Columbia voted , while North Carolina was Republican.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 94°F in Columbia, warmer than the average 88°F in North Carolina. With more sunshine, you'll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Columbia typically reach lows of about 35°F, while North Carolina can dip as low as 29°F. By moving to Columbia, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You can expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Columbia, almost the same as the 48 inches you’d encounter in North Carolina. Even though the annual rainfall is similar, different weather patterns and rainfall timing might still change up your daily routine.
- In Columbia, you’ll see about 1 inch of snow each year, pretty similar to the 4 inches you’re already familiar with in North Carolina. Since both places get about the same snowfall, you likely won’t face any surprising snow-related issues during your move.
- Moving to Columbia means you’ll be heading somewhere safer, with a crime index of 3.0. That’s lower than North Carolina’s 24.69. A lower crime rate often translates to safer neighborhoods, a tighter community, and less stress in your everyday life. While it’s not the only factor to consider, better safety is definitely a bonus for your peace of mind.
Things to do in Columbia
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbia.
Museums in Columbia
Parks in Columbia
Sports Teams in Columbia
Universities in Columbia
Other considerations when moving to Columbia, SC
- 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: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you'll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area's rules before moving day.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your South Carolina moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to South Carolina, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to South Carolina on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. 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: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from North Carolina to Columbia take?
The time frame for a move from North Carolina to Columbia, SC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in North Carolina, the longer the drive time to Columbia will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Columbia from North Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Carolina to Columbia?
Because of the 190-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Carolina to Columbia as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia, SC?
With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Columbia from North Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Columbia during summer or winter.
