Local moving companies in South Carolina
When relocating from South Carolina to Columbus, OH, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Palmetto State to the lively Arch City. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 27 South Carolina movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbus, OH.
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 79
DOT #: 271654
HD Auston Moving Systems, with its home base in Greenville, SC, is a seasoned moving firm that has been in business since 1945. They offer a comprehensive selection of services which sets them apart from other local competitors. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving, they also extend services into office relocations. Their professional team is even equipped to handle special items, such as pianos. They pride themselves on their customer service, offering both packing and unpacking services, as well as crating services for those hard-to-pack or valuable items. Unlike many of its competitors, HD Auston Moving Systems accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, which adds to the convenience when planning a move. HD Auston Moving Systems has a varied online reputation with a modest 2.5 rating from 13 Yelp reviews, but a much stronger 4.7 average from an impressive 183 Google My Business reviews. This suggests that while there may be a few mixed opinions, the majority of customers are highly satisfied. Their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ further emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and business ethics. Overall, HD Auston Moving Systems shows a long history of quality service and a robust client-friendly approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9684-B
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Reliable Service Group Inc
Two Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9715-G
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Greenville, LLC
All My Sons Moving & Storage, serving Greenville, SC since 2000, specializes in local residential moving services and boasts a solid reputation for reliability and professionalism. Unlike some competitors, they provide comprehensive options including packing, unpacking, and crating services, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. Their consumer reviews reflect a mixed reputation: a strong 4.4 average rating on Google with 1456 reviews contrasts with a lower 1.2 average rating on Yelp from 163 reviews, but their A rating from the BBB suggests a commitment to quality customer service. While they do require a deposit, they accept credit cards, adding convenience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Smooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from South Carolina to Columbus, Ohio:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
---|---|---|---|---|
HD Auston Moving Systems | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
All My Sons Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Smooth Move Charleston | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,887 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how South Carolina movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
South Carolina | Nationwide | |
---|---|---|
Full Service | 98% | 97% |
Antiques | 34% | 48% |
Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from South Carolina to Columbus, OH
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Columbus, OH is really like compared to South Carolina. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we'll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs Columbus, OH
South Carolina | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,441 |
Average home value | $295,769 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $65,075 |
Unemployment rate | 5% | 6% |
State income tax | 7% | 4% |
Columbus sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Columbus is roughly 35% higher than in South Carolina. Keep this in mind as you budget; you’ll need to plan for higher move-in expenses and monthly rent.
- On average, homes in Columbus are 19% cheaper than in South Carolina, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Salaries in Columbus are usually 2% higher than in South Carolina, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Unemployment in Columbus is about 21% higher than in South Carolina, but you can still find a great job if you’re proactive. Start networking early and approach your job search with a clear, targeted plan.
- Income taxes in Columbus are 50% lower than in South Carolina, giving you the chance to save more, pay off debt sooner, or simply have more wiggle room in your budget.
How life is different in Columbus from South Carolina
Columbus | South Carolina | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 5,373,555 |
Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Republican 58-42 |
Summer high | 85ºF | 91ºF |
Winter low | 21ºF | 33ºF |
Annual rain | 40" | 48" |
Annual snow | 22" | 1" |
Crime index | 49.65 | 28.0 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both South Carolina and Columbus voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Columbus peaks at about 85ºF while South Carolina, gets up to 91ºF. Swapping scorching summers for a cooler climate means you can escape the heat, cut down on energy bills, and enjoy more time outside.
- During the coldest part of the year, Columbus gets down to 21ºF while South Carolina only dips to 33ºF. Relocating to Columbus means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you'll get to enjoy the area's one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- You can expect only about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Columbus vs the48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina that you’re used to. With less rain each year, you’ll enjoy more sunshine and freedom to get outside without worrying about the weather. This kind of climate can be a real boost for your energy and outlook when you’re moving.
- In Columbus, it snows about 22 inches annually vs the1 inch of snow in South Carolina. With more snow, you get stunning winter scenery and plenty of seasonal fun, but you might also be on the hook for extra maintenance and need to stock up on cold-weather gear.
- Columbus has a higher crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 49.65 vs 28.0. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Columbus
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbus.
Museums in Columbus
Parks in Columbus
Sports Teams in Columbus
Universities in Columbus
Other considerations when moving to Columbus, OH
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ohio. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of South Carolina vs. Columbus, OH
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Columbus, OH:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Columbus vs. South Carolina side-by-side.
Pros of living in South Carolina | Pros of living in Columbus, OH |
---|---|
Warm southern hospitality | Low cost of living |
Plentiful outdoor activities | Delicious food |
Beautiful landscapes | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
Consistently gorgeous weather | Friendly people |
Rich historical significance | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Columbus, OH:
It’s not all smooth sailing when you move. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when moving from South Carolina to Columbus.
Cons of living in South Carolina | Cons of living in Columbus, OH |
---|---|
High cost of living | Bad drivers |
Hurricane frequency | Terrible traffic |
Low quality of healthcare | Bad weather |
High taxes | High taxes |
Abundance of construction | Limited public transportation |
FAQ
How long does a move from South Carolina to Columbus take?
How long it takes to move from South Carolina to Columbus, OH depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
The farther north you are in South Carolina, the longer it’ll take to reach Columbus. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from South Carolina to Columbus can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from South Carolina to Columbus?
With a 534-mile move from South Carolina to Columbus, it's smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus, OH?
With summer temperatures reaching 85°F and winter nights dipping to 21°F, most people make the move from South Carolina to Columbus in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.