The best local movers for Columbia to Norfolk moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbia that also handles long-distance moves to Norfolk. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated seven local movers in Columbia who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbia to Norfolk.
- 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 Norfolk?
The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $992 – $2,703 | $606 – $1,422 | $365 – $670 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,696 – $4,741 | $1,108 – $2,055 | $374 – $795 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,691 – $6,696 | $1,543 – $2,787 | $452 – $953 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Norfolk
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Norfolk will cost between $992 and $2,703. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbia to Columbia will range from $1,696 to $4,741, and a large move from Columbia to Norfolk will cost from $2,691 to $6,696.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Norfolk
If you’re moving from Columbia to Norfolk, expect to pay between $606 and $1,422 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,108 up to $2,055. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,543 and $2,787. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Norfolk
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Norfolk is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $365 and $670. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $374 and $795. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $452 up to $953 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Norfolk
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,296, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,632.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($365–$794) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Norfolk runs about 42% higher for singles and 30% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,552 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.75% |
- Budgeting for a move from Columbia to Norfolk won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 29% greater in Norfolk than in Columbia.
- Fortunately, the average income in Norfolk and Columbia is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 42% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Norfolk, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 30% greater than in Columbia.
- In Norfolk, the unemployment rate is approximately 40% higher than in Columbia, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 25% in Norfolk compared to Columbia, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 18% less in Virginia than in South Carolina. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbia and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Norfolk
| Columbia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 47 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk’s population is about 74% greater than Columbia.
- Norfolk’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Norfolk is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Norfolk is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Norfolk’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 58.1 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 41.9 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Norfolk move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Norfolk, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
Once you’re settled into your new home in Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and MacArthur Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)Old Dominion University (Football)Old Dominion University (Basketball)Norfolk State University (Football)Norfolk State University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Columbia to Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbia to Norfolk, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbia to Norfolk take?
Moving from Columbia, SC to Norfolk, covers 385 miles and usually takes one to four 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 Norfolk.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbia advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Columbia provide antique moving services. State totals show 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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