Top local movers for Columbia to Wilmington moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Columbia that also provides long-distance services to Wilmington can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in Columbia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Columbia to Wilmington.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Wilmington?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,089 – $3,331 | $703 – $1,711 | $446 – $823 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,990 – $5,221 | $1,280 – $2,340 | $481 – $997 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,591 – $7,044 | $1,724 – $3,209 | $582 – $1,167 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Wilmington
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Wilmington typically costs between $1,089 and $3,331. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,990 and $5,221 when moving from Columbia to Wilmington. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Columbia to Wilmington, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,591 up to $7,044.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Wilmington
If you’re relocating from Columbia to Wilmington, you’ll typically spend between $703 and $1,711 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,280 up to $2,340. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,724 and $3,209. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Wilmington
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Columbia to Wilmington move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $446 and $823. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $481 to $997. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $582 and $1,167.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Columbia to Wilmington
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Columbia to Wilmington might be as low as $1,534, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,462.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Columbia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $446 to $1,029 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Wilmington runs about 81% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $4,350 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 6.6% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 25% higher in Wilmington than in Columbia, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 40% higher in Wilmington than in Columbia.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 24% lower in Wilmington than in Columbia.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Wilmington, as the cost of living for a single person in Wilmington is 81% greater than in Columbia. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Wilmington and Columbia, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Wilmington exceeds that of Columbia by about 98%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Columbia. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 6% lower in Delaware than in South Carolina. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Columbia and Wilmington, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbia than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Wilmington.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Wilmington.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Wilmington
| Columbia | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 52 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Wilmington’s population is about 48% less than Columbia.
- Wilmington’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Wilmington is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Wilmington’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 67.32 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 32.68 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Wilmington move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Delaware moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Delaware, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Wilmington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Wilmington
Ready to relocate to Chemical Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
Now that you’ve made the move to Delaware, it’s the perfect time to explore Wilmington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Wilmington include museums and art centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Wilmington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Wilmington. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Wilmington?
With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Wilmington in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Columbia to Wilmington take?
Covering 587 miles, the move from Columbia, SC to Wilmington, typically takes one to six days. Some Columbia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Wilmington can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Columbia can handle specialty items for my move to Wilmington?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbia, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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