10 best movers in Columbus, Ohio

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Ohio. For a local move around Columbus, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Columbus

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or to another state. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is crucial if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to 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 verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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 relocating within or out of Columbus is higher than the national average, making itfairly expensive. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Columbus is higher than 77.7% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional factors can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. Some common items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide good service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Columbus.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Notify them about additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred moving team.

Most people hire movers from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable moving company that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is valuable.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Columbus

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers take care of every part of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only covered 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?

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

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

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

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