Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Winston-Salem moves
When planning a move from Columbia to Winston-Salem, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in Columbia 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 Columbia to Winston-Salem.
- 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 Winston-Salem?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 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 | $606 – $2,260 | $492 – $1,148 | $174 – $292 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,213 – $3,384 | $945 – $1,640 | $183 – $340 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,534 – $4,249 | $1,280 – $2,155 | $222 – $431 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Winston-Salem
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Winston-Salem, you can expect to spend between $606 and $2,260. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,213 to $3,384 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Winston-Salem typically runs between $1,534 and $4,249.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Winston-Salem
When moving from Columbia to Winston-Salem, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $492 and $1,148. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $945 to $1,640. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,280 up to $2,155. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Winston-Salem
Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Winston-Salem. 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 $174 and $292. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $183 and $340. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $222 and $431.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Winston-Salem
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $888, but larger homes can run up to $3,920.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbia.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($174–$379) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Winston-Salem
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Winston-Salem runs about 24% higher for singles and 23% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,420 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,265 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,260 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $248,806 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $62,431 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 10% lower in Winston-Salem than in Columbia, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 13% higher in Winston-Salem than in Columbia.
- The average income in Winston-Salem and Columbia is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Winston-Salem, since the cost of living for a single person is 24% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Winston-Salem, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 23% more than it is in Columbia.
- Both Winston-Salem and Columbia present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Winston-Salem than in Columbia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Winston-Salem can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 36% lower in North Carolina compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbia with Winston-Salem:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $188.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $52.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $17.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Winston-Salem, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Winston-Salem
| Columbia | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 249,545 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 29 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 32.67 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 67.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Winston-Salem’s population is about 83% greater than Columbia.
- Winston-Salem’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Winston-Salem is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Columbia, which has a score of 35.
- Winston-Salem’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 32.67 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 67.33 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Winston-Salem 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North 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 Winston-Salem smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Winston-Salem
Now that you’ve chosen Camel City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Old Salem
- Washington Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- West Highlands
- West Salem
Things to do in Winston-Salem
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem offers cultural landmarks like the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO 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 Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Winston-Salem?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Winston-Salem are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Winston-Salem?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Winston-Salem 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 Columbia to Winston-Salem take?
A move of 169 miles from Columbia, SC to Winston-Salem, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Winston-Salem is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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
Columbia moving services
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