RELOCATING TO COLUMBIA WITH LOCAL AND
LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

 

Why do thousands of people choose to relocate to Columbia, South Carolina every year?

Let’s see. First, the weather is simply great, never too hot or too cold with lots of sunshiny days a year.  Then, there’s the city’s relatively low cost of living and beautiful, natural environment.

If you are also planning to move to Columbia, you’ll be glad to know what the best ways to relocate to this city are without breaking the bank or being stressed out.

We have prepared for your consideration the most essential things you need to know about relocating to Columbia before your move.  This will help to make your transition as smooth as possible.

We also included a listing of popular moving companies in Columbia with customer reviews for your careful consideration.  We hope that reading these reviews will help you to identify what you want in a mover and the type of moving service you need to enable you to save on your moving costs.

When you are ready to compare actual moving estimates for moving to Columbia, take a minute to fill out our short online form to receive lowest moving bids.

 

MOVING FACTS AND TIPS FOR COLUMBIA RELOCATION

 

Are you considering relocating to Columbia, South Carolina? Maybe you have already made up your mind and are now busy planning your move.

Many people move to Columbia because it is truly economical to live here. With a cost of living composite index of 95.2% of the US national average, housing, goods, and services are more affordable here than in other places in the country.

With that in mind, you surely want to make sure that your relocation is successful in terms of efficiency and affordability. You may have heard about the horrors of moving that some people have experienced. You can avoid moving stress and headaches if you plan your relocation well.

The first step to planning your move is to become well-acquainted with your new city and to understand how things are done, what the weather is like, where the jobs are, and what neighborhoods are ideal.

We have prepared these very important facts for you to know so you can feel more confident about arriving in your new city.  At the same time, we have added a review of Columbia moving companies and their moving services so you can identify what you want and what you can pay for.

Hiring a professional mover is essential when you move across the state or even when you are making a local move. It reduces your stress by allowing you to delegate difficult tasks such as packing fragile items, lifting heavy furniture, or even driving a rented truck long distance.

You can save money with your moving services by comparing multiple moving quotes until you are satisfied with a moving company’s rates and quality of service.

You can obtain fair and reasonably-priced moving quotes from 5 free movers’ quotes when you fill out our quick online form with your moving details.

Let us introduce you to your new city so you can understand better what awaits you in Columbia.

 

LIVING AND WORKING IN COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

 

The weather is sunny and hot.  July is the warmest month with temperatures averaging at 92 degrees. January is the coldest month at average temperature of 55 degrees. Residents bask in warm sunshine 226 days each year and only get a little bit of snow although not every year.  As you can see, the weather is simply awesome.  You’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities all year round.

Columbia is a great example of Southern hospitality. People living here are known to be friendly, polite, and welcoming. Its current population is estimated at over 740,000 and still growing at an average rate of 4.3% in the last few years.

The I-20, I-26, and I-77 all cross into Columbia which means people can move around quickly within Columbia or to head to Atlanta, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Charlotte.  These major destinations are all a mere 2-3 hours away.

Although the city has public transportation, buses generally serve only the downtown area. You should consider getting a car before you move to the city.

 

Columbia’s Exciting Arts and Culture- Sports, the Outdoors, and More

 

Green spaces, parks, and other wonderful places abound in the city.  The Greater Columbia area shows deep appreciation of the great outdoors.  Congaree National Park has the biggest floodplain forest in this part of the world.  Trees with record-breaking sizes flourish in an amazing biodiversity.  You can paddle, take a walk, or simply relax amidst this natural wonder and serenity.  But that’s not all.  There are 3 State Parks in the Greater Columbia area. The Sesquicentennial State Park has a wonderful lake amidst trails and picnic areas.  The Dreher Island State Recreation Area has everything to take your mind off stressful things. You can enjoy hiking or go fishing from shore, take picnics or stay in lakeside villas. Then there’s Lake Wateree State Recreation Area featuring camp sites, a playground, peaceful picnic areas, boating, and a nature trail a mile long across peaceful woods.

If you love to go fishing, get ready to fish your heart out.  Lake Murray, a 50,000 acre recreation area outside of Columbia has the biggest fish around from white catfish, crappie, white perch, catfish, to the biggest white bass.

 

 

Closer to the city, downtown Finlay Park has a gigantic waterfall flowing into a man-made lake.  It is a popular venue for festivals and concerts.

For those looking for a little bit more of culture, you won’t be disappointed with the city’s offerings. The South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, Columbia City Ballet, and many other performing arts groups provide a myriad of entertainment choices.

For sports lovers, you should know that Sporting News named the city of Columbia as one of America’s “Best Sports Cities”.  Every home football game is sold out at Williams Brice Stadium even with its more than 80,000 seating capacity.

The Colonial Life Arena, the biggest in South Carolina, is home to the men and women’s basketball teams of the University of South Carolina.  It also hosts many exciting entertainment events featuring A-list performers like Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, and more.  Family shows such as Sesame Street Live and the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus also perform here.

You’ll see when you arrive that there are just too many things to do around here to have fun. You’ll be busy having fun all year round.

 

Jobs and the Economy – Columbia’s Economic Diversity

 

The Greater Columbia area is strategically located in the East Coast with almost a million people. It has aggressive incentives for businesses and the lowest corporate income tax rate in the Southeast.  This attracts many businesses to establish operations in the city.

Its biggest industries are education, defense, and healthcare.  Some of its biggest employers include the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Allen University, and Benedict College.  Palmetto Health, Providence Hospitals, and Lexington Medical Center also contribute to jobs creation in the area along with major manufacturers like Westinghouse Electric, Michelin, Bose Corporation, and International Paper. Smart Money Magazine ranked the city of Columbia #7 among cities in the US with the potential for rapid recovery from the 2008 economic recession.

New arrivals looking for employment in the tourism industry should check out locally owned shops and restaurants thriving in the Five Points neighborhood.

As the capital city of South Carolina, it is home to federal and state government offices.  There are also 2 military installations in the area – Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army’s biggest and most active training facility, and the McEntire Joint National Guard Station.

If you are interested in working for the city, check out job listings for employment opportunities in Columbia.

 

Quality Higher Education in Columbia, SC

If you are moving to Columbia to pursue higher education, you are going to love it here.  The city has 9 higher education institutions including Midlands Technical College, Allen University, Columbia College, and more.  The University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine is affiliated with 7 out of 10 major hospitals in the area.

The city is also proud of its outstanding educational system. Columbia’s schools are considered cutting-edge.

Move to Columbia, SC to Live, Work, Play, or Retire

Columbia has so much to offer its residents in terms of economic advantages, leisure opportunities, education, and low cost of living.  In fact, the city was voted one of the Top 25 Retirement Destinations in the USA by Forbes Magazine in 2012. CNN Money also named it one of the 25 Best Places To Retire in 2009.

The city offers a wide variety of single family homes, townhomes, and condos.  You can expect good property values in the Columbia-Lexington Area. Near the Appalachian Range, the area is low lying and surrounded by waterfront spots and lakes. Blythewood is a family friendly district that has a small-town charm in the middle of a big city. It offers a serene lifestyle but is close enough to be able to commute to downtown Columbia by Interstate 77.  The area has single family homes and ranch style homes.  Lake Murray offers many attractive waterfront homes and is popular choice among retirees. The average rental price for a standard apartment is $893 while median price for an average home is $183,640.

We know you are now even more excited to relocate to Columbia, South Carolina. We can help you plan your move with the best movers near you.

Browse our quick Guide to Columbia moving companies with customer reviews so you can begin to plan your type of move.

 

GUIDE TO COLUMBIA MOVERS AND TYPES OF MOVING SERVICES

 

Now that you are ready to plan your own relocation to Columbia, you surely want to know what moving services you can obtain that would accommodate your budget.  If you are pressed for time because of a new job waiting, you will also want to see what moving companies offer to make your relocation easier.

We have prepared a list of some of the best moving companies in Columbia, South Carolina. Read what their customers have to say about their moving experiences to guide you in your selection of a moving company.

 

AMERICA’S MOVING SERVICES

This family owned moving company has more than 40 years of combined management experience in the relocation industry.

The company offers residential moving, commercial moving, military transfer, packing services, vehicle transport, and moving supplies.

They specialize in long distance and interstate moving and guarantees to make your move smooth and with minimal stress.

As a standard practice, the company extends discounts to military personnel and their families.

 

 

 

GENTLEMEN MOVERS, INC.

This Columbia moving company specializes in state to state and in-state moving for residential and commercial customers.  It also handles over-sized and delicate items like pianos, hot tubs, and safes.  They offer customers the option to choose the level of assistance required from packing to full home moving services or just large items.

The company also accepts short notice moves if their movers are available.  They are experts at long distance moves less than 450 miles in the Southeast of Columbia.  Movers exceeding 450 miles are accepted on a case to case basis.

Their competitive rates start at $80 per hour for 2 men and truck or $100 per hour for 3 men and truck.  For commercial moving, their rates start at $95 per hour for 2 movers and truck.

For out of state moves, the company offers flat rates for moving beyond 400 miles and based on weight of the inventory to be moved.

This moving company is fully licensed and insured

 

 

 

 

BELLHOPS

This local movers in Columbia offer easy to book moving services at affordable rates.  They provide moving labor at hourly rates which is ideal for those who just need extra muscle for their move.

You can ask Bellhops to assist with packing, loading and unloading, assembly or disassembly of your furniture. In short, you ask and they do your bidding.

This moving company has over 80 locations across the country and offers a more affordable way to move anywhere in the USA.

 

 

 

JOHNSON’S MOVING AND STORAGE

This moving company stands apart from other movers because they pay attention to detail and are honest and upfront with their rates.

For local and long distance moving, they make an assessment of your home.  As an extra service, they have carpenters, locksmiths, electricians, and cleaners for your convenience.

They can also handle packing of your items and valuables but you also have the option to do your own packing.

The company charges the same hourly rates even on weekends and holidays.  Fuel, mileage, and insurance are already included in the rates.  They have a 3-hour minimum charge for residential or commercial moves.

The company has a state and federal license.

 

 

 

LANGE MOVING SYSTEMS

This moving company is an agent of Arpin Van Lines and offers full moving services in Columbia. They handle local, cross country, and international moves.

They relocate families to or from Columbia, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Spartanburg.

The company is a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the American Moving and Storage Association, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Lange Moving Systems provides residential moving, office moving, document storage, museum and art crating, shipping, and moving into assisted living facilities.

 

 

NILSON VAN AND STORAGE

This moving company has over 70 years of experience in the business and has served individuals, businesses, and organizations.  It is the oldest family-owned moving and storage company in South Carolina.

It started in 1938 with 2 trucks and over the years has grown as one of the leading movers in Columbia.  It now covers any national destination as well as around the world.

As a Mayflower agent, it provides residential and commercial moving, military moving, packing, and storage.

In the entire moving process, the team will be with you every step of the way and will assist with packing, moving, and storing your belongings.

 

 

PALMETTO SPECIALTY TRANSFER

This moving company is locally owned and provides local and long distance moving services including moving, packing, storage, and delivery.

Their employees demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.  They move pianos, art pieces, and household and office items safely and efficiently.

They handle local and long distance moves, commercial moving, packing services, and warehousing and delivery.

 

 

SMITH DRAY LINE

This moving and storage company is a full service moving company and an agent of Atlas Van Lines. They have successfully performed residential and commercial moving in Charleston, Greenville, Charlotte, Columbia, and Asheville since 1911.

They specialize in local and long distance moving, military moving, and interstate and intrastate moves.

 

 

SODA CITY MOVERS

This Columbia, SC moving company offers very competitive prices.  Although it isn’t a national chain or a big corporation, they are committed to changing the face of moving in Columbia.  As a locally owned and operated business, it is dedicated to providing stress-free moving services whether it is a room to room move or a large move on Lake Murray.  Their movers coordinate a moving plan to ensure that you enjoy your relocation.

They handle household moving, office moving, piano moving, and also provide moving labor.

The company is fully licensed and insured and willing to provide documentation to prove they are legit to any customer who asks.

 

 

 

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Roger Boyer, franchise owner of this moving company, started the business in 1993 in Columbia, SC.  Since then, the company has grown with 26 trucks and more than 60 staff.

It is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and enjoys a rating of A+.  The company has been named Columbia’s Best Moving Company by readers of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.

Their movers are well-trained, background checked, and drug tested.  As a fully licensed and insured moving company, they aim to provide reliable and professional services with every move.  Their moving trucks are always equipped with moving pads, tools, dollies, shrink wrap and other supplies to ensure protection and safety of your belongings.

The company offers low hourly rates which already include moving boxes and other packing supplies.

Two Men and a Truck is a national franchise with more than 30 years in the moving industry and over 330 locations worldwide.

 

 

 

We hope that this listing of moving companies and their moving services have helped you come up with your own preferences for your relocation.

To plan your moving budget, you will need accurate and fair moving estimates for moving from your current location to Columbia, South Carolina.

Fill out our quick online form; it only takes a minute. You will receive 5 free movers’ quotes from reliable moving companies in your area that you can compare and choose from.

We hope you will enjoy your move with our moving partners.