6 best movers in Columbus, Mississippi

The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Mississippi is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Columbus.

Long-distance movers in Columbus

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving services below have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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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?

While moving can be an expensive process, the average hourly rate for moving services in Columbus is lower than the national average. The cost of living in Columbus is only higher than 59.4% of the country, so moving prices are lower than expected.

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

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

These additional factors can cause your total cost to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. The following items often cost more to move:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Limited supplies, transportation emergencies, bad weather and traffic can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

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

Be communicative

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

Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can reduce costs and ensure you reserve the movers you want.

Movers are busiest from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective mover.

Handling the move yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Columbus

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of all aspects of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Mississippi are also required to have a license from the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime moving time spans from May to September, leading to much higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, pack those priceless or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.