10 best movers in Columbus, Indiana

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. If you're planning a local move around Columbus, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Columbus

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're moving across state lines, you must be especially careful that the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These experienced and reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Columbus is greater than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Columbus is above 71.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

• Supplies
• Fuel
• Packing
• Professional labor
• Junk removal
• Storage

These additional considerations can bring up the cost of your total:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. Some items that can incur higher fees include the following:

• Safes
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Artwork and sculptures

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, how much they charge.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common to tip if they provide good service. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as inclement weather, traffic, a lack of supplies and transportation emergencies. These can add to your moving costs and prolong your timeline. You can't prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Columbus.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, cost-effective movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider.

Move by yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another option. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Columbus

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers manage the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Indiana are also required to have a license from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best time to move is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies place limits on insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Perishable foods and produce
• Batteries
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.