10 best movers in Toledo, Ohio

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Ohio. For a local move around Toledo, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Toledo

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to a different state. If you're moving across state lines, you need to be especially cautious that the moving company you hire has the necessary federal licensing. 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 confirm a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. These experienced movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly 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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Moving is expensive, but the average hourly moving rate in Toledo is below the national average. The cost of living in Toledo is only higher than 43.8% of the country, so moving prices are more affordable than expected.

Various factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These additional factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

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

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, 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

Delays can happen for several reasons, including bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

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

Be communicative

To prevent surprise charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed beforehand. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less busy months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cheap mover that meets your needs.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving by yourself:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky or 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.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can cost less. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Toledo

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, 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 factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting 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 review your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the best moving time, which leads to increased demand for moving companies and substantially higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may deter you from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the colder weather and potentially snowy conditions that Ohio winters present can be unideal for a move.

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?

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

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those possessions with you.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.