Local moving companies in Columbia

  1. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Smooth Move: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Reign Moving Solutions: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Ballantyne & Beyond Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 2557751

Years in Business: 16

1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707 US

Moving 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.

Get a Quote (803) 547-1800

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
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 31

126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC 29209 US

Dependable 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.

Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Gentlemen Movers Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 1442337

Years in Business: 21

1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC 29223 US

Gentlemen 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.

Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

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

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Smooth Move

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2823802

Years in Business: 12

1461 Dave Lyle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 US

Rave 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 Moveโ€™s 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.

Get a Quote (803) 366-6683

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

Alternative Business Names

  • Go Smooth Move, LLC
  • Carolina Movers, LLC
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Reign Moving Solutions

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3524609

9501 Constitution Hall Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

Moving perfectionโ€”customers 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.

Get a Quote (704) 459-1199

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Reign Moving Solutions LLC
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Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbia to Des Moines can be as low as $1,327 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,370.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $824 to $2,139. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Des Moines

Moving from Columbia to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbia than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Columbia compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbia Des Moines
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,150
Average home value $220,612 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $4,380
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.0%
State income tax 7.0% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 21% lower than in Columbia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 12.8% lower than in Columbia.
  • Income in Des Moines is 9.6% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 3.3% lower than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 2.5% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 13.46% higher than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Des Moines are 12.50% lower than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 37.14% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,900.31 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Columbia
Population 699,292 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 45 35
Bike friendliness score 39 35
Crime Index 5.0 3.0
Safety Index 57.8 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Des Moines's population is about 412% greater than Columbia.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a similar score to Columbia.
  • Des Moines is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 39 out of 100, Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Des Moines and Columbia have a similar crime rate.
  • Des Moines is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 57.8 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Des Moines move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s 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: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Iowa doesnโ€™t 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 Des Moines 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. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Des Moines

With your sights set on "Hartford of the West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Arbor Peaks
  • Beaverdale

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waveland Park
  • Westwood
  • Salisbury Oaks
  • Meredith

Things to do in Des Moines

After settling into your new Iowa home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens 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 Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Columbia to Des Moines 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 Des Moines?

Because most people are moving from Columbia to Des Moines 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 Des Moines take?

The 1,094-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight 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 Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources