Best 10 Movers in Columbia, SC

If you're moving to, from, or within the city of Columbia, South Carolina, consider using a professional moving company to assist you. Moving on your own in Columbia's hot temperatures can be difficult, but a professional moving company can make your move less stressful. We've compiled a list of the best local and long-distance movers in Columbia below.

Consider the movers below for your local or long-distance move.

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Columbia

You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in Columbia.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs between $41 and $68 per hour. Based on this, a standard two-bedroom move costs $4,094 in total. Your actual cost will vary depending on the season, your home size, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and move distance.

We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. It's essential to get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after your move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies rely on solid customer reviews. You can identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, social media, and Google Reviews.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Columbia must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one South Carolina city to another, your mover must be registered with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS).

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover offers the specific services you need during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings before getting quotes and note down any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Additionally, inform your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to evaluate the company's capability to offer satisfactory service.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure that your moving company is informed of any special services you require during the quote process. Services that result in higher pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Columbia, SC

Here are some additional tips to consider for your Columbia move.

Schedule an Early Move

Columbia gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Columbia, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by reaching out to movers at least eight weeks before your move. However, remember that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most movers won't move items that aren't packed by the time your move is supposed to start. Start packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable.

How Much do Movers Cost in Columbia, SC

Movers in Columbia cost $2,590 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,577 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics