Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbia
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Reign Moving Solutions: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
rating
4.8 / 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 crews’ 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
4.76 / 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
4.72 / 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 Move’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.
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
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 3524609
Moving perfection—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.
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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Portland move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Columbia to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,618, while larger moves may reach $13,227 for a four-bedroom home.
- Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it’s the busiest time of year for movers in Columbia.
- DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $2,001 to $5,071, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Portland
Moving from Columbia to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Portland is generally more expensive than Columbia, it’s 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 | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,530 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 9.9% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 6% higher than in Columbia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Portland are 136.9% higher than in Columbia. - Income in Portland is 32.8% higher than in Columbia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include KinderCare Learning Centers, Daimler Trucks North America, and Precision Castparts.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 31.5% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Portland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Portland is 42.2% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 32.69% higher than in Columbia.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city’s sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.
- State income taxes in Portland are 41.43% higher than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,944.79 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Portland
| Portland | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 136,632 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 57.37 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 42.63 | 48.39 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Portland is about 378% greater than Columbia, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Columbia, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Columbia. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Portland means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbia. Portland is considered more walkable than Columbia, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Columbia. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Columbia in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, while Columbia is rated as 35 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Portland is higher than in Columbia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 57.37 in Portland, it is 3.0 in Columbia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Portland. With a crime index of 42.63, Portland ranks lower in overall safety than Columbia, whose index is Columbia's 48.39. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Portland and Columbia is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Portland move
- Weather: Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Oregon, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Oregon doesn’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 Portland 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. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Portland
With your sights set on "Bridgetown", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
After settling into your new Oregon home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Maritime Museum, and World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Portland 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 Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Portland 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 Portland take?
Moving from Columbia, SC to Portland, OR covers 2,812 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Columbia movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
