Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbia
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Reign Moving Solutions: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2557751
Years in Business: 16
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707 USMoving with Ballantyne & Beyond lands at the top for professionalism and attentive staff. In 185 feedback sources, 83.8% of customer input is positive. Polite team members, efficient timelines, and careful handling stand out, with many customers mentioning prompt response, accurate estimates, and extra help from movers. Many highlight stress-free moving days and furniture treated with care, which sets them above most competitors. On the other hand, some customers faced damaged items, issues with how belongings were packed, or communication lapses, especially during complex moves. Compared to other movers, Ballantyne & Beyond delivers higher-than-average professionalism and careful service, but some moves have resulted in costly item mishaps and unmet service expectations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2557751
- State license #: 9784-A
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 31
126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC 29209 USDependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors. Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crewsโ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 9494-C
Gentlemen Movers Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 1442337
Years in Business: 21
1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC 29223 USGentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team's effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving. Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1442337
- State license #: 9756
Smooth Move
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2823802
Years in Business: 12
1461 Dave Lyle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 USRave reviews set Smooth Move apart. Of 255 pieces of customer feedback, 97% rated their experience positively, a rare feat in the moving industry. Customers consistently highlight Smooth Moveโs efficient service, polite and professional staff, careful handling of items, speedy relocations, and helpful movers. Many praise the crews for going out of their way to protect belongings and make the process stress-free, even in complex or emotional situations. Negative feedback centers on isolated complaints about damage to items, communication delays, or inaccurate estimates. When compared to other companies, Smooth Move stands out for reliability, responsiveness, and respect for property. Their reputation for thorough care and pleasant experiences makes them a top pick for those seeking movers who value client trust and seamless service.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2823802
- State license #: 9823
Alternative Business Names
- Go Smooth Move, LLC
- Carolina Movers, LLC
Reign Moving Solutions
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 3524609
Moving perfectionโcustomers consistently praise Reign Moving Solutions for fast, careful, and professional service. All 11 feedback entries gave the highest ratings and highlighted staff professionalism, careful handling, efficiency, and helpfulness. Not a single review mentioned damaged items or delays. Clients appreciated great communication, with movers accommodating scheduling needs, respecting property, and even managing complex moves such as pianos and cross-country relocations without issue. This reputation, earned through consistently outstanding experiences, sets Reign apart from typical moving companies that often struggle with reliability or care. Reign Moving Solutions stands out as a trusted choice for any move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3524609
Alternative Business Names
- Reign Moving Solutions LLC
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Birmingham
What to know before moving from Columbia to Birmingham
Moving from Columbia to Birmingham comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Birmingham is generally more expensive than Columbia, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Birmingham are 14% lower than in Columbia, 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 Birmingham.
Home prices in Birmingham are 42.9% lower than in Columbia. - Income in Birmingham is 39.1% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Birmingham include Encompass Health, Regions Bank, and University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Birmingham, since the cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is 37.9% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Birmingham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Birmingham is 57.4% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 7.69% higher than in Columbia.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Birmingham, since the cityโs sales taxes in Birmingham are 25.00% higher than in Columbia.
- One perk of moving to Birmingham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.57% lower than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,136.50 in Birmingham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Birmingham
| Birmingham | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 196,644 | 136,632 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 0 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 61.64 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 38.36 | 48.39 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham's population is about 44% greater than Columbia.
- Birmingham's public transportation has a score of 0 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
- Birmingham and Columbia are similarily walkable.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100.
- Birmingham's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 61.64 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 38.36 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Birmingham is good, and in Columbia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Birmingham move
- Weather: Birmingham has hot summers, mild winters, and abundant rainfall. Birmingham is also located in tornado alley.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Birmingham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Birmingham
With your sights set on "B'ham", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Birmingham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
After settling into your new Alabama home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Birmingham has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, McWane Science Center, and Birmingham Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham's Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Birmingham?
The best time to move from Columbia to Birmingham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Birmingham?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Birmingham 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 Columbia to Birmingham take?
The 360-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Birmingham, AL, takes one to four days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.
