Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Virginia
When you’re moving from Virginia to Columbia, SC, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Old Dominion State to the vibrant Soda City. We’ve chosen companies that are known for smooth, stress-free transitions, so you can settle in easily.
Out of 52 Virginia movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Columbia, SC.
- BoxStar Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Great Job Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Moving, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- My Guys Moving & Storage Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Global Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services, BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2041911
Great Job Moving and Storage has been a trusted local residential mover in Woodbridge, VA since 2010. With a solid reputation bolstered by a BBB rating of A and an impressive 4.4-star average across 468 Google reviews, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including office moves, packing, and unpacking, and can handle specialty items like pianos and pool tables—all without requiring a deposit. While their Yelp profile reflects a decent 3.5-star rating from 106 reviews, their strong Google reviews and long-standing presence make them a reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3511853
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3511853
Mr. Moving, LLC offers reliable local residential moving services in North Chesterfield, VA, and has been in business since 2021. This company stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.1 on Yelp and 4.5 on Google, along with an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby movers, Mr. Moving, LLC also provides packing and unpacking services and can move specialty items like pianos and antiques. They accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2455961
My Guys Moving & Storage Inc, based in Sterling, VA, has been a trusted local residential moving company since 1995. With an impressive 4.1 average rating on Yelp from 318 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and crating, with specialized expertise in moving pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Known for their exceptional customer service and reliability, My Guys Moving & Storage Inc is a reputable choice for anyone in need of local moving services in the Sterling area.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2440712
Global Moving Systems, based in Springfield, VA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2006, distinguishing itself from many newer local competitors. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 407 Yelp reviews and a 4.6 rating from 200 Google My Business reviews, they consistently receive high marks for their comprehensive moving services. The company offers a full range of options, including packing, unpacking, crating, and even labor-only services, catering to various moving needs. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating further attests to their reliability and customer satisfaction, making them a standout choice for anyone seeking a reputable local mover.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Comparing local moving companies from Virginia to Columbia, South Carolina:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BoxStar Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Great Job Moving and Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mr. Moving, LLC | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| My Guys Moving & Storage Inc | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Global Moving Systems | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,091 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Virginia movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Virginia | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 97% | 96% |
| Antiques | 54% | 54% |
| Military Discount | 4% | 5% |
| Senior Discount | 3% | 6% |
Things to know before moving from Virginia to Columbia, SC
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Columbia, SC stacks up against Virginia. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: Virginia vs Columbia, SC
| Virginia | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,440 | $1,447 |
| Average home value | $392,682 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,249 | $64,683 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 5% |
| State income tax | 6% | 7% |
Columbia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent prices in Columbia and Virginia are pretty similar, so you probably won’t have to tweak your budget much.
- Buying a home in Columbia could be more affordable, with prices averaging 44% less than in Virginia.
- On average, incomes in Columbia are about 26% lower than in Virginia. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you move.
- Even though unemployment in Columbia is about 79% higher than in Virginia, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early and approach your job search with a smart strategy.
- Income taxes are 22% higher in Columbia compared to Virginia. Be sure to budget for this change, since it could mean a smaller paycheck.
How life is different in Columbia from Virginia
| Columbia | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-48 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 14" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 19.3 |
Columbia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Columbia voted , while Virginia was Democratic.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 94°F in Columbia, warmer than the average 87°F in Virginia. With more sunshine, you'll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Columbia typically reach lows of about 35°F, while Virginia can dip as low as 25°F. By moving to Columbia, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- You can expect about 46 inches of rain each year in Columbia, almost the same as the 44 inches you’d encounter in Virginia. Even though the annual rainfall is similar, different weather patterns and rainfall timing might still change up your daily routine.
- In Columbia, you’ll see just 1 inch of snow each year, much less than the 14 inches you’re used to in Virginia. Milder winters mean less shoveling, safer streets, and fewer cold-weather headaches. If a gentler winter is what you’re after, Columbia is definitely the place to be.
- Moving to Columbia means you’ll be heading somewhere safer, with a crime index of 3.0. That’s lower than Virginia’s 19.3. A lower crime rate often translates to safer neighborhoods, a tighter community, and less stress in your everyday life. While it’s not the only factor to consider, better safety is definitely a bonus for your peace of mind.
Things to do in Columbia
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Columbia can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Columbia
Parks in Columbia
Sports Teams in Columbia
Universities in Columbia
Other considerations when moving to Columbia, SC
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Virginia to Columbia take?
How long it takes to move from Virginia to Columbia, SC depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re heading to Columbia from northern Virginia, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Getting your stuff from Virginia to Columbia can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Virginia to Columbia?
If you’re gearing up for a 320-mile move from Virginia to Columbia, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia, SC?
Summer temperatures in Columbia can soar to 94°F, while winters can get as chilly as 35°F. That’s why most people making the move from Virginia to Columbia prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
