Portsmouth, NH → Columbia, SC · Long-distance move
About 977 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,630–$6,890, delivery in 2–5 days, 51 carriers on the Portsmouth side and 389 in Columbia.
The route from Portsmouth, NH to Columbia, SC covers roughly 977 miles by road, a southwest-bound trip that falls into the long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $4,630 to $6,890 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 17 h 33 min.
On the Portsmouth side there are 51 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (38 of them authorized for interstate work), and 389 around Columbia (223 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Columbia.
Portsmouth has a population of about 23,000 and Columbia about 147,035. Portsmouth is considerably denser (1,402 people per square mile versus 999), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination. Labor and living costs run lower in South Carolina than in New Hampshire, which tends to make destination-side services such as unpacking or storage cheaper than the same services back home. Note that South Carolina does collect a state income tax, unlike New Hampshire, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,850 | $2,260 | $2,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,780 | $3,390 | $4,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,630 | $5,650 | $6,890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $7,410 | $9,040 | $11,030 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $10,200 | $12,430 | $15,170 |
$1,450–$2,050
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,890–$2,780
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,630–$6,890
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Portsmouth, NH → Columbia, SC. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Crowded Street Holdings LLC
Legal name: Preferred Movers LLC
Legal name: Bluebird Storage LLC
Legal name: Kb Enterprises INC
Legal name: On Time Services Incorporated
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,850 to $2,760 for a studio, $2,780 to $4,140 for a one-bedroom, $4,630 to $6,890 for a two-bedroom, $7,410 to $11,030 for a three-bedroom and $10,200 to $15,170 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 977 road miles (828 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 17 h 33 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from New Hampshire into South Carolina makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $1,450 to $2,050 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,890 to $2,780. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Portsmouth–Columbia corridor.