After extensive research, we recommend North American Van Lines and Leaders Moving & Storage Co. as the best movers to consider for your Ohio move.
NAVL stands out for its bottom-line pricing for local and long-distance relocations. Leaders Moving & Storage is a local Ohio mover that scored 5 out of 5 stars on our proprietary grading scale. The company offers many local and long-distance moving options, such as packing, storage and crating for fragile goods.
More than 200,000 new residents moved to Ohio in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With so many incoming residents, it’s crucial to act swiftly and intentionally when planning your move. Obtaining personalized estimates from at least three movers is key to finding and securing your preferred relocation company.
Best moving companies
Based on our research, the following movers are the top long-distance and local providers for Ohio moves.
Long-distance:
Compare top long-distance movers for Ohio
We rated the top nationwide moving companies. See how they compare according to our proprietary rating, deposit requirements and more.
Best long-distance moving companies in Ohio
The following nationally known long-distance moving companies offer direct service within Ohio.
Best movers for a local Ohio move
The following carriers offer highly rated service for intrastate Ohio relocations plus interstate options.
A guide to professional movers: Making an informed choice
Before soliciting quotes, evaluate the following key factors to ensure the moving companies you consider are qualified to meet your needs.
Moving services
A primary step in any moving process is determining your service needs. All full-service moving companies offer basic services, including loading and unloading, transportation of goods and released-value protection. Beyond these, movers can provide the following services:
- Packing and unpacking
- Crating for fragile items or high-value items
- Short- and long-term storage
- Vehicle shipping
- Junk removal
- Home staging
- Furniture delivery
To determine your service needs, conduct a full walk-through of your home. Write down all the items you plan to take with you and all you plan to get rid of before moving day. Note any add-ons you might need based on your inventory, and review these lists with your move coordinator when you get a quote.
Carriers vs. brokers
Moving companies operate under two basic service models: carriers and brokers. Moving carriers handle all services they book, and are what most customers would consider to be “traditional” moving companies.
Brokers, on the other hand, operate as middlemen between customers and moving carriers. Since they coordinate your move, they often take large upfront payments as deposits.
Brokers do not assume liability for lost or damaged goods during your move — rather, the carrier you work with is responsible.
Moving regulations
All movers must comply with regulations, which are dictated by their service area.
Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers
Interstate moving companies are federally regulated. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that moving companies offering interstate or long-distance service must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these to look up a moving company’s registration status on the FMCSA’s database.
Regulations for intrastate and local movers
Moving companies offering only intrastate relocation services in Ohio must be registered with the state Public Utilities Commission (PUCO). Such movers are issued operating authority numbers which enable them to provide service for local clients.
Moving costs
When you get moving quotes, be aware of local and long-distance providers’ pricing structures.
Long-distance moving costs
Long-distance moves are priced at transparent, all-inclusive rates based on move distance and shipment weight. These “line-haul fees” can be affected by add-on service requirements. Such relocations will be eligible for binding estimates, which do not shift between quote day and moving day unless you add inventory or service needs to your move.
Local moving costs in Ohio
Local moving companies bill clients by the hour. Hourly rates are determined by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your relocation. All estimates for these moves are categorized as “ballpark” quotes. They are educated guesses based on your move inventory, the distance between your old and new home and your required services.
Moving insurance
All moving companies provide reimbursement options for loss or damage to your goods. The minimum required coverage is released-value protection, which offers 60 cents per pound per item at no additional cost. Beyond this, most moving companies provide full-value protection, which covers your goods at a higher rate for an added fee.
Final take: Get quotes from North American Van Lines and Two Men and a Truck to get your Ohio move off to a successful start
We recommend getting at least three quotes for your Ohio move, starting with North American Van Lines and Leaders Moving & Storage. North American’s bottom-line and not-to-exceed pricing options help keep moving costs transparent, allowing clients to stay within their set budgets.
Leaders Moving & Storage offers well-reviewed relocation packages for local service, including clearly defined valuation coverage for lost or damaged goods. If you’re moving high-value goods or similar items, this mover has you covered.
Scheduling your relocation in the spring or fall will help you avoid the increased rates many movers offer between May and September. You’ll also have a better chance of avoiding unpleasant weather and the increased demand that movers experience during these months.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
Google Reviews scores are accurate as of May 2024.
Local Ohio moving companies near you
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Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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