Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbia
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Reign Moving Solutions: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.62 out of 5 stars
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 31
126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC 29209 USDependable 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 crews’ 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 9494-C
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2557751
Years in Business: 16
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707 USMoving 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.
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
Reign Moving Solutions
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 3524609
Moving perfection—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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3524609
Alternative Business Names
- Reign Moving Solutions LLC
Gentlemen Movers Inc.
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 1442337
Years in Business: 21
1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC 29223 USGentlemen 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1442337
- State license #: 9756
Smooth Move
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2823802
Years in Business: 12
1461 Dave Lyle Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29730 USRave 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 Move’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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2823802
- State license #: 9823
Alternative Business Names
- Go Smooth Move, LLC
- Carolina Movers, LLC
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Gainesville
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbia to Gainesville can be as low as $1,173 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,591.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $413 to $1,006. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Gainesville
Moving from Columbia to Gainesville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbia than in Gainesville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbia compares to Gainesville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Gainesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,600 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $288,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $59,013 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $1,727 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $3,491 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Gainesville are 11% higher than in Columbia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Gainesville are 30.5% higher than in Columbia. - Income in Gainesville is 8.8% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Gainesville include University of Florida, Charles Perry Partners, Inc., and CPAmerica.
- The cost of living for a single person in Gainesville is 11.7% lower than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Gainesville is 18.3% lower than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Gainesville is 15.38% lower than in Columbia.
- You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Gainesville, since the city’s sales taxes in Gainesville are 12.50% lower than in Columbia.
- One perk of moving to Gainesville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,648.77 in Gainesville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Gainesville
| Gainesville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,085 | 136,632 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 35 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety Index | 52.61 | 48.39 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Gainesville's population is about the same as Columbia.
- Gainesville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
- Gainesville and Columbia are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 69 out of 100, Gainesville is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Gainesville's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 8.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Gainesville is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 52.61 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Gainesville is good, and in Columbia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Gainesville move
- Weather: April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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 – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Florida doesn’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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
With your sights set on "Gainesville", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Gainesville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Duckpond
- Midtown
- Northwest Gainesville
- Sugarfoot
- Suburban Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Gainesville
- Duckpond
- Haile Plantation
- Eastside
Things to do in Gainesville
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Gainesville has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Gainesville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Florida Museum of Natural History, Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, and Matheson History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, Depot Park, and Kanapaha Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Florida Gators (SEC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Gainesville?
The best time to move from Columbia to Gainesville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Gainesville?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Gainesville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbia to Gainesville take?
The 359-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Gainesville, FL, takes one to four days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Gainesville.
