Top-rated local movers that handle Winston-Salem to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Winston-Salem to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 21 local movers in Winston-Salem who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Winston-Salem to Columbia.
- American Moving & Hauling, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Todd’s Easy Moves: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Steele & Vaughn Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2411
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2007351
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 126
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Kline, LLC , Greensboro Movers, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2525
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Triad Expeditors Inc , Moving Hunks , College Hunks Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2276
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 2390090
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2331
Years in Business: 58
DOT #: 3002076
Alternate Names: J Five Investments, Inc. , Steele & Vaughn Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 | $639 – $2,278 | $494 – $1,278 | $180 – $332 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,147 – $3,636 | $950 – $1,740 | $196 – $376 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,714 – $4,272 | $1,252 – $2,135 | $248 – $459 |
Cost to hire movers from Winston-Salem to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Winston-Salem to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $639 and $2,278. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,147 to $3,636 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Winston-Salem to Columbia typically runs between $1,714 and $4,272.
Cost of moving containers from Winston-Salem to Columbia
When moving from Winston-Salem to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $494 and $1,278. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $950 to $1,740. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,252 up to $2,135. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Winston-Salem to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in Winston-Salem is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $180 and $332. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $196 and $376. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $248 and $459.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Winston-Salem to Columbia
The cost of Winston-Salem movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $914, but larger homes can run up to $3,936.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Winston-Salem.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($180–$391) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Winston-Salem – roughly 19% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,420 in Winston-Salem. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,265.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Winston-Salem | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,490 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,260 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $248,806 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,431 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,420 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,265 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbia, note that rent can be roughly 11% more expensive than it is in Winston-Salem; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 11% lower in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- The average income in Columbia and Winston-Salem is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 19% less than in Winston-Salem.
- Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 19% less than in Winston-Salem.
- Both Columbia and Winston-Salem present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 14% higher in Columbia than in Winston-Salem. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 56% higher in South Carolina compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Winston-Salem with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Winston-Salem | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $188.00 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $52.67 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.95 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $17.50 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Columbia
| Winston-Salem | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 22 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 29 | 35 |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 67.33 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 45% less than Winston-Salem.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Winston-Salem’s score of 3.
- Columbia is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem’s 22 out of 100.
- With a score of 35 out of 100, Columbia is more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem, which has a score of 29 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Winston-Salem with a score of 3.0 compared to Winston-Salem’s 32.67. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 48.39 vs Winston-Salem’s 67.33.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Winston-Salem it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem to Columbia move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbia smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- 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
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbia offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Winston-Salem are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Winston-Salem to Columbia 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 Winston-Salem to Columbia take?
A move of 170 miles from Winston-Salem, NC to Columbia, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Winston-Salem sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Winston-Salem?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Winston-Salem offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Winston-Salem have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Winston-Salem moving services
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