($616+) Columbia, SC to Garland, TX Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Garland, TX, runs anywhere from $616 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,526 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 993 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,919, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,526 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,174 - $3,984, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $616 - $1,742.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Garland, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,231 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbia to Garland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,231 - $5,709. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 70% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 993-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 993-mile route from Columbia to Garland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,919 - $4,592 | $1,174 - $1,991 | $616 - $1,278 | $1,066 - $1,849 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,231 - $5,709 | $1,393 - $2,797 | $673 - $1,447 | $1,138 - $2,424 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,673 - $7,526 | $2,016 - $3,984 | $913 - $1,742 | $1,550 - $3,033 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 993-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Garland, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,919 - $7,526. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $277 - $1,844. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbia and Garland. Local movers in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $256/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,919 - $4,592
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,231 - $5,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,673 - $7,526
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbia to Garland.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Garland, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $922 - $2,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,305 - $9,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $691 - $1,312 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $599 - $1,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,227+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Garland?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbia, SC, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Garland, Texas, cost between $1,174 and $3,984. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Columbia typically runs around $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $1,991
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,016 - $3,984
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbia, SC and Garland, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $645 in Columbia, SC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $138 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,174. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,393 - $2,797.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to Garland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 993 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, to Garland, Texas, running $616 - $1,742. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $291 - $333
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Garland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $616 - $1,278
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $673 - $1,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $913 - $1,742
Pro tip: A rental truck from Columbia to Garland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $616 - $1,742. But once you factor in fuel ($291 - $333), overnight lodging ($138/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $138 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $300 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $291 - $333 in fuel for the 993-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $645 in Columbia, South Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Garland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX
For larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Garland, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,138 and $2,424.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,066 - $1,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,424
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,033
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $69 - $138 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $645.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Garland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Garland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Garland, TX
Day-to-day costs in Garland are close to what you're used to in Columbia: cost of living index of 100 versus 87, with average rent of $1,624/mo compared to $1,447/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 48.39/100 in Columbia versus 40/100 and 62.87/100 in Garland.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Garland, TX to Columbia, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Carolina to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 155 movers in South Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 993-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Columbia, SC, to Garland, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,919 - $7,526 on the 993-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,174 - $3,984 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $616 - $1,742 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,231 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Garland tend to point to quality education and diversity, though severe storms and extreme heat come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Garland Independent School District and City of Garland.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Garland, TX
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $673 - $1,447. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($291 - $333), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $138/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbia, SC to Garland, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.