Local moving companies in Manchester
- Ray the Mover: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Trend Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- First-Rate Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- College Bound Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Ray the Mover

DOT #: 2724757
Years in Business: 85
1 Allard Drive, Manchester, NH 3102 USRay the Mover shines with prompt, professional crews and outstanding communication, supported by input from 257 customers, nearly 80% of whom praised their experience. The teamโs attention to detail, careful handling, and consistent follow-through stand out, winning customer confidence in both local and cross-country moves. Many cited efficient service, friendly staff, and damage-free delivery that set the company apart from competitors. Yet not every move goes perfectlyโclose to 20% of input reveals a pattern of damaged belongings, unexpected fees, or delivery delays. Some customers reported a lack of accountability after issues arose, especially when damage occurred or timelines slipped. Despite these negatives, Ray the Moverโs positive feedback volume is higher than the service industry average. While most find their efficiency, communication, and respectful crews justify the cost, those prioritizing absolute safety and full transparency in pricing may want to clarify expectations upfront.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2724757
Alternative Business Names
- Ray the Mover of Manchester, Inc.
- MII Moving and Storage LLC
Trend Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3092893
Years in Business: 6
14 Liberty Dr, Londonderry, NH 03053 USStellar customer feedback puts Trend Moving & Storage ahead of the competition. Out of 297 inputs analyzed, 97% praised the company's professionalism, careful handling, and efficient moving process. Customers appreciated clear communication and quick, reliable service. Movers frequently received compliments for respectfulness, positive attitudes, and protecting customers' belongings. Compared to other movers, Trend shows exceptional consistency in quality and responsiveness. Negative feedback focused primarily on higher-than-expected final charges, occasional damage to items, and rare lapses in communication. A few customers mentioned frustrations with cost transparency and billing. Only single-digit complaints addressed more severe issues, contrasting sharply with the overwhelmingly positive experiences. Most neutral feedback cited minor pricing concerns. Trend Moving & Storage consistently delivers expert service, making moving easier and more stress-free than rival companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3092893
- State license #: 3092893
First-Rate Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3141590
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 9
10 Harris Rd, Unit A, Windham, NH 03087 USFirst-Rate Moving & Storage draws praise for quick, careful, and professional service, with 252 customer feedback entries analyzedโ94% positive. Efficient movers, attentive handling, courteous staff, and affordable prices lead recurring commendations. Communication with both management and moving teams receives frequent compliments, and the company completes jobs with impressive speed and attention to detail. While rates are often considered better than competitors, a few customers reported unexpected costs or delays, and isolated cases mention damaged items or poor subcontractor experiences. Compared to many moving companies, First-Rate stands out for dependability and courteous service, though some negative experiences remind customers to confirm details and expectations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3141590
College Bound Movers

DOT #: 650086
Years in Business: 33
14 Continental Blvd, Merrimack, NH 03054 USWhen moving, speed and care can make all the differenceโCollege Bound Movers stands out in customer feedback, with 284 reviews analyzed and nearly 80% reflecting positive experiences. Customers most frequently highlight how quickly and efficiently crews work, their polite professionalism, and the careful handling of possessions. Many note transparent, affordable pricing compared to other moving companies. However, damage to items is a top concern among negative reviews, with repeated mentions of broken or mishandled furniture. Complaints about inaccurate estimates and unresolved claims also surface. While most customers praise the staffโs courtesy and hustle, persistent responses reveal worries about inconsistent cost estimates and poor follow-up on complaints. College Bound Movers is rated highly for efficiency, professionalism, and competitive rates, but those considering their services should clarify the details of coverage and pricing upfront, and diligently communicate expectations to help mitigate common issues found with many moving providers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 650086
- State license #: 650086
Gentle Giant Moving Company

DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
3 Sagamore Park Rd, Hudson, NH 03051 USCustomers rave about Gentle Giant Moving Company for prompt, professional crews who handle belongings with great care and respect. Over 98% of feedback praised efficient service, polite staff, and helpful movers. Many noted that fragile and large items arrived without damage, and the team completed jobs either on time or quicker than quoted. Clients consistently mention crews going the extra mile to reduce stress and accommodate last-minute requests. The booking process and customer communication also receive high marks. Only one negative review criticized the estimate process as vague and unprofessional, pointing to an inflated price quote compared to in-person assessments from other movers. One neutral review mentioned minor item damage due to improper tool usage, but the customer found the overall move fast and friendly. With nearly unanimous positive input, Gentle Giant stands apart from competitors by consistently delivering careful, friendly, and efficient moves with exceptional customer care.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
Alternative Business Names
- Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Columbia
What to know before moving from Manchester to Columbia
Moving from Manchester to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Manchester than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Manchester compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Manchester | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,004 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $410,329 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,449 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,256 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 28% lower than in Manchester, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 46.2% lower than in Manchester. - Income in Columbia is 3.6% lower than in Manchester, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 20.1% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 18.7% lower than in Manchester.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 36.84% higher than in Manchester.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbia are 8.00% higher than in Manchester.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 75.00% higher than in Manchester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,396.08 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Columbia
Columbia | Manchester | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 115,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 35 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 42 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 56.09 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 43.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 18% greater than Manchester.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Manchester's lower score of 3.
- Columbia is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 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 Manchester, which has a score of 42 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Manchester with a score of 3.0 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 48.39 vs Manchester's 43.91.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Manchester it's good.
Other things to consider for your Manchester 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\โs 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 toColumbia 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 youโve 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
- Lexington
- West Columbia
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 cityโs Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Columbia?
The best time to move from Manchester to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Manchester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Manchester 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 Manchester to Columbia take?
The 958-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Manchester movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.