Best movers in Columbia, S.C.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet overwhelming process, especially when it comes to the logistical challenges of packing and transporting all your belongings. Whether you're relocating within the city or moving to Columbia for the first time, finding a reliable and efficient moving company is essential for a smooth, stress-free transition. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best moving companies in Soda City, detailing their services, customer reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditations and what sets them apart to help you make an informed decision for your next move.

Top Columbia movers

The best moving company in Columbia for YOU

Moving to Columbia is an exciting prospect, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. One of the biggest draws to Columbia is its affordable Southern living. The overall cost of living is typically lower than the national average, with housing expenses being significantly cheaper than the rest of the country. 

The best time to move to Columbia is in the spring or fall. This is primarily due to the weather. The city is known for being "famously hot" in the summer, with average daily highs in July reaching into the low-90s, often with high humidity. Moving in this heat can be a real struggle. By contrast, spring and fall offer much more comfortable temperatures, with milder days that make the physical labor of moving much less taxing. 

The best moving company in Columbia is Need It Moved . The company has received excellent reviews and offers a range of services, making it a standout. Another great choice is Jordan River Moving & Storage . It also provides lots of different services and comes highly recommended.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Columbia

• Top alternative Columbia mover

• Best national moving company

• More best Columbia movers

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• South Carolina moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Columbia, S.C.

Need It Moved is the best overall Columbia moving company

Need It Moved offers a variety of moving services for both residential and commercial clients in the Columbia area. For residential customers, it offers full-service moving options and short- and long-term storage. The company also provides specialty moving services for unique or irreplaceable items that require extra care. For customers who prefer a do-it-yourself approach, the company offers labor-only services and a supplies and rental program, allowing customers to purchase or rent moving supplies as needed. 

To get a general quote from Need It Moved, it's best to give the company a call. It will ask what type of moving service you need and when you hope to have it completed. For a more accurate quote, you're also asked to provide a list of the items you want moved, including oversized items such as sofas, televisions and beds. Other factors, such as whether you need a smaller or bigger truck, less or more time and the number of ideal crew members, also affect the price. 

Based on the information we provided, we were given a quote for a three-person crew of $130 per hour. All jobs require a two-hour minimum, a $175 box truck fee and a one-hour transportation charge. With a $30 discount thrown in for new customers, the minimum charge is $535. Additional hours are charged in 15-minute increments, with the clock starting once the hands-on labor begins. 

The company requires a 50% deposit to schedule a job. Final payments are accepted in cash, check or card. You can also make a payment through services like Zelle. There's a 4% surcharge added to debit and credit card payments. 

Services offered

• Residential moves

• Commercial moves

• Speciality moving

• Labor-only 

• Supplies and rentals

Everyone who works for this company undergoes a thorough background check before being hired. Need It Moved is not accredited with the BBB , but it has an A+ rating and no filed complaints. The company has received high marks in online reviews. On Google, for example, it has received a 4.8-star rating that's based on 214 reviews. On Yelp, it has a three-star rating based on just six reviews. 

You can find Need It Moved at 8012 Garners Ferry Road, Suite B, Columbia, S.C., 29209. In-person office hours are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Its offices are closed on Sundays. The office number is 803-920-0835. You can also visit its website for more information.

Customer testimonial

Highly recommend this company! The owner Adam and the office staff were extremely helpful and provided all the information we needed to get the job done. They were pros from start to finish. We will be using them again. - Jennifer G., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Jordan River Moving & Storage is our top alternative Columbia mover

Jordan River Moving & Storage is a moving company that provides a variety of services, including local, cross-country, commercial and overseas moves. It also offers packing services, storage solutions and moving insurance. The company operates in multiple locations and handles a wide range of items, from household goods to fine art and pianos. Customers can receive free quotes online or in person.

We initially reached out to Jordan River for an online quote to see how quickly someone would respond. We were pleased to find that the company contacted us in less than 60 minutes. We obtained a basic quote over the phone, but it's recommended to schedule an in-home visit for a more accurate estimate. 

The company charges $175 per hour for a three-member moving team, with a two-hour minimum charge. Additionally, there is a 30-minute travel fee, which varies depending on the distance between the two locations. There are no other hidden fees, which means the minimum charge would be $437.50, which would include $350 for the two-hour minimum plus $87.50 for the travel fee to the home. 

Jordan River does not require a deposit prior to scheduling a move. Instead, full payment is expected once the move is completed. Payments can be made in cash or by card, but a 2.5% fee applies to debit and credit card transactions.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Cross-country moves

• Overseas moves

• Residential moving

• Commercial moving

• Packing services

• Moving insurance

Every mover who works for this company goes through a background check before being hired. Jordan River is accredited with the BBB, where it has an A+ rating . Three complaints have been filed about this company over the past three years regarding order, delivery, service or repair issues. On Google, it currently has a 4.6-star rating based on 133 customer reviews. On Yelp, it has a 3.7-star rating from six reviews.

Open 24 hours seven days a week, Jordan River is located at 1130 Bluff Industrial Boulevard, Columbia, S.C., 29201. The phone number is 803-594-4553. You can also visit its website for more information on the services it provides. 

Customer testimonial

My things were delivered even quicker than anticipated, and they made it extremely easy to track everything. It was expensive, but 100000% worth the money. If/when I move again, I will absolutely use them again. - Christina X., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

BLVD Moving is our top choice for a national moving company due to its extensive experience, flexible services and strong reputation on Google. We encourage you to check out our guide on local movers vs. national moving companies for more insights, but our evaluation of the best national movers in the U.S. has solidified BLVD as our top pick.

This independently owned and family-operated business manages its own fleet of trucks and directly employs its moving crews, all of whom undergo background checks. Although BLVD has only four physical locations in California, it offers both local and cross-country moving services throughout the entire U.S.

The company may utilize subcontractors or third-party agents for certain moves, as noted in its terms and conditions . This is a standard practice that helps to manage nationwide demand. We requested a quote for a 500-mile move with an estimated load of 1,340 cubic feet, which is roughly the size of a three-bedroom home without large appliances. The quote we received was around $6,700, aligning with national averages for similar moves.

Customers are required to pay a 33% deposit at the time of booking, 50% of the remaining balance upon pickup and the final payment upon delivery. BLVD's quoting process is straightforward and can be completed through a virtual walkthrough or an online inventory form. Additionally, financing options are available for qualified customers, with rates beginning at 0%.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves

• Residential, commercial and office relocations

• Professional packing

• Short- and long-term storage

• Financing options

BLVD Moving allows cancellations with a full refund if requested at least two business days before your scheduled pickup. Deliveries can take anywhere from two to 21 business days, depending on your destination. This timeline starts from your preferred delivery date so that the total delivery time may exceed one month. To ensure availability, it's best to book at least 30 days in advance, especially during busy moving seasons like summer or at the beginning or end of the month.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB, where it has a B+ rating . The company has 88 BBB complaints on record, which is common for movers that operate nationwide. It also has a 4.3-star rating on Google from 1,208 reviews and a 2.3-star rating on Yelp from 372 reviews.

The main office of BLVD Moving is located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, seven days a week. For a free estimate, call 844-274-0500 or visit the website .

Customer testimonial

Armando and his crew from BLVD Moving were outstanding when picking up my items. They were polite, professional, and extremely helpful from start to finish. The team went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled with care and done efficiently. - Anthony T., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

More best Columbia movers

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why

At Yahoo, we've spent decades earning a reputation for delivering trustworthy information about local businesses. Our Yahoo Local guides carry that mission forward with one clear goal: to help you confidently choose where to spend your time and money. We don't expect blind trust; we earn it by being transparent about how our recommendations are made. Our team developed a custom ranking system designed to fairly and objectively identify the best local businesses in your area. Unlike some competitors, we never accept payment for placement, and you'll never see sponsored picks in our lists. Want to see exactly how it works? Visit our full methodology page . 

Below is everything that went into rankings for our list of the best moving companies in Columbia:

• 30 movers evaluated

• 9,695 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all three featured movers

• Independent price quotes sourced from all three featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

South Carolina moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

To obtain accurate moving quotes, preparation is key. Before contacting moving companies, have your pickup and drop-off addresses, preferred moving dates and a detailed list of your belongings by room, noting any heavy or fragile items that need special care. Provide clear directions for both locations and identify potential challenges, such as staircases or parking rules. Inform your movers if you need additional services like packing or furniture assembly, as these will impact the cost and efficiency of your move. Proper preparation will help ensure a smooth relocation.

What should you know about packing and storage in South Carolina?

When choosing packing and storage services, consider whether you prefer full-service options with professionals handling everything or self-service solutions, like portable storage containers. You typically have two storage choices: secure, climate-controlled facilities or portable containers that can be kept on your property or at the provider's location. Costs can vary based on factors such as the size of your move, distance and specialty services. To save money and ensure your belongings are protected, always request free, in-person estimates from multiple providers. Additionally, review which household items really need climate-controlled storage to avoid unnecessary expenses.

And before you commit, take a moment to review our report on which everyday household items truly require climate-controlled storage ; it can save you both money and frustration in the long run.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in South Carolina?

While condos and apartments may appear similar, moving into each offers distinct experiences. Apartments are typically rental units managed by a landlord, making the move-in process straightforward, where you primarily deal with the management office for rules and logistics. In contrast, condos are individually owned, requiring coordination not just with the owner but also compliance with Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations, which can include strict move-in hours and specific moving requirements.

Maintenance differs as well; landlords usually handle all repairs in apartments, while condo owners are responsible for their unit's interior. This can lead to unexpected repair issues that you'll need to address upon moving in, necessitating extra planning.

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in South Carolina?

For most residential moves in South Carolina, special permits or licenses are generally not needed to transport belongings. However, drivers must have a valid driver's license, and new residents must obtain a state driver's license within 30 days. If a moving truck occupies public space for an extended period, check with local officials for potential parking permits.

For oversized items, an Oversize & Overweight (OS/OW) Permit from the South Carolina Department of Transportation may be required. Professional moving companies must have a local business license and, for interstate moves, register with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). It's important to verify a moving company's licensing and insurance before hiring. Check our guide on South Carolina moving company licensing and regulations to learn more.

How much should you tip movers in South Carolina?

What to tip movers can sometimes feel a bit confusing, but there are some friendly guidelines to help make your decision easier. If your movers go above and beyond, consider tipping on the higher end. When the job is wrapped up, we recommend handing each mover their tip in cash directly. It's a personal touch that shows your gratitude and ensures they get the full amount. Our guide on how much to tip movers has lots of information on this topic. 

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