Local moving companies in Columbia

  1. Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Smooth Move: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Reign Moving Solutions: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Ballantyne & Beyond Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 2557751

Years in Business: 16

1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707 US

Moving with Ballantyne & Beyond lands at the top for professionalism and attentive staff. In 185 feedback sources, 83.8% of customer input is positive. Polite team members, efficient timelines, and careful handling stand out, with many customers mentioning prompt response, accurate estimates, and extra help from movers. Many highlight stress-free moving days and furniture treated with care, which sets them above most competitors. On the other hand, some customers faced damaged items, issues with how belongings were packed, or communication lapses, especially during complex moves. Compared to other movers, Ballantyne & Beyond delivers higher-than-average professionalism and careful service, but some moves have resulted in costly item mishaps and unmet service expectations.

Get a Quote (803) 547-1800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 2557751
  • State license #: 9784-A
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 31

126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC 29209 US

Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors. Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crewsโ€™ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.

Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Gentlemen Movers Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 1442337

Years in Business: 21

1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC 29223 US

Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team's effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving. Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.

Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Smooth Move

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2823802

Years in Business: 12

1461 Dave Lyle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 US

Rave reviews set Smooth Move apart. Of 255 pieces of customer feedback, 97% rated their experience positively, a rare feat in the moving industry. Customers consistently highlight Smooth Moveโ€™s efficient service, polite and professional staff, careful handling of items, speedy relocations, and helpful movers. Many praise the crews for going out of their way to protect belongings and make the process stress-free, even in complex or emotional situations. Negative feedback centers on isolated complaints about damage to items, communication delays, or inaccurate estimates. When compared to other companies, Smooth Move stands out for reliability, responsiveness, and respect for property. Their reputation for thorough care and pleasant experiences makes them a top pick for those seeking movers who value client trust and seamless service.

Get a Quote (803) 366-6683

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Go Smooth Move, LLC
  • Carolina Movers, LLC
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Reign Moving Solutions

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3524609

9501 Constitution Hall Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

Moving perfectionโ€”customers consistently praise Reign Moving Solutions for fast, careful, and professional service. All 11 feedback entries gave the highest ratings and highlighted staff professionalism, careful handling, efficiency, and helpfulness. Not a single review mentioned damaged items or delays. Clients appreciated great communication, with movers accommodating scheduling needs, respecting property, and even managing complex moves such as pianos and cross-country relocations without issue. This reputation, earned through consistently outstanding experiences, sets Reign apart from typical moving companies that often struggle with reliability or care. Reign Moving Solutions stands out as a trusted choice for any move.

Get a Quote (704) 459-1199

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Reign Moving Solutions LLC
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Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Tampatoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Columbia to Tampa might cost just $1,312 for a one-bedroom, but up to $7,501 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $508 and $1,198, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Tampa

Moving from Columbia to Tampa comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tampa is generally more expensive than Columbia, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbia Tampa
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,930
Average home value $220,612 $371,271
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $66,802
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $3,232
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $8,108
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.5%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Tampa are 33% higher than in Columbia, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
    Home prices in Tampa are 68.3% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in Tampa is 3.3% higher than in Columbia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tampa include Bloomin' Brands, Sykes Enterprises, and OSI Restaurant Partners.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tampa, since the cost of living for a single person in Tampa is 65.2% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tampa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tampa is 89.7% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Tampa is 3.85% lower than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tampa, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tampa are 18.75% lower than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Tampa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,957.06 in Tampa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Tampa

Tampa Columbia
Population 403,364 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 51 35
Bike friendliness score 51 35
Crime Index 46.15 3.0
Safety Index 53.85 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tampa is about 195% greater than Columbia, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Tampa offers better access to buses and trains than Columbia, based on public transportation ratings. Tampa has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 5 in Columbia. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Tampa means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbia. Tampa is considered more walkable than Columbia, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Columbia. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tampa is considered more bike-friendly than Columbia in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tampa has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Columbia is rated as 35 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Tampa is higher than in Columbia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 46.15 in Tampa, it is 3.0 in Columbia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tampa than in Columbia, based on Tampaโ€™s safety index of 53.85 versus 48.39 for Columbia. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Tampa and Columbia is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Tampa move

  • Weather: Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Florida doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tampa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tampa

With your sights set on "Big Guava", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tampa.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Channel District
  • Courier City-Oscawana
  • Downtown
  • Historic Ybor
  • North Hyde Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bayshore Beautiful
  • Bayshore Gardens
  • Beach Park
  • Oakford Park
  • Sunset Park

Things to do in Tampa

After settling into your new Florida home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tampa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Glazer Children's Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, Museum of Science and Industry, and SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), or Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Tampa?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Tampa. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Tampa?

Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Tampa are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Columbia to Tampa take?

Covering 486 miles, the move from Columbia, SC to Tampa, FL typically takes one to four days. Some Columbia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTampa can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources