Highly rated local moving companies for Chesapeake to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Chesapeake to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 19 local movers in Chesapeake known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Chesapeake to Columbia.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
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 #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 163678
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 1934458
Alternate Names: Harrison’s Moving & Storage Co., Inc. , Harrison’s Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3064442
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 5223
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Virginia charge about $161 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $973 – $2,703 | $637 – $1,526 | $341 – $651 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,729 – $4,425 | $1,108 – $2,271 | $359 – $734 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,610 – $6,632 | $1,498 – $2,814 | $475 – $953 |
Cost to hire movers from Chesapeake to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Chesapeake, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $973 and $2,703. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,729 and $4,425 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,610 to $6,632.
Cost of moving containers from Chesapeake to Columbia
When you’re heading from Chesapeake to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $637 and $1,526. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,108 and $2,271. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,498 to $2,814. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Virginia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Chesapeake to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $341 to $651. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $359 to $734, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chesapeake to Columbia costs around $475 to $953.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Chesapeake to Columbia
The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Columbia may only cost $1,271, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,361.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chesapeake.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($341–$868), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 4% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than Chesapeake.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Chesapeake versus $1,882 in Chesapeake; families pay $4,274 compared with $3,656.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chesapeake | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,775 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,250 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $375,209 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,882 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,656 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 20% less expensive in Columbia than in Chesapeake, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 41% cheaper in Columbia than in Chesapeake.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Chesapeake are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Columbia and Chesapeake, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- When considering a family move to Columbia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 17% higher than in Chesapeake.
- Columbia and Chesapeake have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Chesapeake by 33%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 22% more in South Carolina than in Virginia. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chesapeake versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Chesapeake | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $302.50 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.36 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.17 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $13.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chesapeake than in Columbia.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Columbia
| Chesapeake | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 21 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 35 |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 70.88 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 45% less than Chesapeake.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Chesapeake’s score of 2.
- Columbia is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chesapeake’s 21 out of 100.
- Both Columbia and Chesapeake have similar bike-friendliness scores (35 vs 35), meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake with a score of 3.0 compared to Chesapeake’s 25.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 48.39 vs Chesapeake’s 70.88.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Chesapeake it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chesapeake to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Chesapeake and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chesapeake to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chesapeake.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Chesapeake to Columbia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chesapeake to Columbia take?
The 387-mile move from Chesapeake, VA, to Columbia, , takes one to four days. Some Chesapeake movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Chesapeake movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chesapeake?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Chesapeake provide piano moving services. 9 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Chesapeake moving services
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