The best local movers for Chattanooga to Columbia moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Chattanooga that also handles long-distance moves to Columbia. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated six local movers in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Columbia.
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Out Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 1906318
Alternate Names: Good Guys of Chattanooga, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3241000
Alternate Names: All Out Moving & Storage – Chattanooga Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Chattanooga 081 LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2438253
Alternate Names: Elizabeth’s Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Columbia?
The average hourly rate for movers in Tennessee is $123. 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 | $957 – $2,950 | $639 – $1,397 | $330 – $608 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,662 – $4,764 | $1,158 – $2,038 | $351 – $734 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,709 – $6,623 | $1,400 – $2,804 | $414 – $812 |
Cost to hire movers from Chattanooga to Columbia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chattanooga to Columbia will cost between $957 and $2,950. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chattanooga to Chattanooga will range from $1,662 to $4,764, and a large move from Chattanooga to Columbia will cost from $2,709 to $6,623.
Cost of moving containers from Chattanooga to Columbia
If you’re moving from Chattanooga to Columbia, expect to pay between $639 and $1,397 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,158 up to $2,038. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,400 and $2,804. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Chattanooga to Columbia 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 $330 and $608. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $351 and $734. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $414 up to $812 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chattanooga to Columbia
The cost of Chattanooga movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,273, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,635.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($330–$755) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Chattanooga – roughly 41% less for singles and 2% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $3,300 in Chattanooga. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $4,350.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chattanooga | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,517 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,138 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $302,565 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,300 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Budgeting for a move from Chattanooga to Columbia won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 27% less in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 8% higher in Columbia than in Chattanooga, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 41% lower than in Chattanooga.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Columbia and Chattanooga, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Columbia enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 7% lower compared to Chattanooga, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 14% in Columbia compared to Chattanooga, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chattanooga and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Chattanooga | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.78 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.00 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.92 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.58 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Columbia
| Chattanooga | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 35 |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 46.11 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 25% less than Chattanooga.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Chattanooga’s score of 3.
- Columbia is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chattanooga’s 29 out of 100.
- Both Columbia and Chattanooga have similar bike-friendliness scores (35 vs 35), meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Chattanooga. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Chattanooga with a score of 3.0 compared to Chattanooga’s 53.89. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Columbia and Chattanooga have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 46.11.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Chattanooga it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga to Columbia 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina 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 Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Soda City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once you’re settled into your new home in South Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Columbia?
The best time to move from Chattanooga to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Columbia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga to Columbia, 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 Chattanooga to Columbia take?
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Columbia, covers 331 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Chattanooga movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chattanooga?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Chattanooga advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Chattanooga provide antique moving services. State totals show 46 piano movers and 21 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
Chattanooga moving services
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