Best Moving Companies in Ohio

Home to some of the most notorious sports fanatics in the country, Ohio is a state that’s bursting with pride and Midwest culture. If you’re thinking about making a move to the Buckeye State, be sure to consider hiring a professional moving company to get you into your new home. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, the right Ohio movers can help you load your things safely, transport them without damage, and help you settle into your new life stress-free. But with so many moving services operating throughout the country, how can you be sure that you’re working with the best moving company for your needs?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about moving companies in Ohio and claim a free quote today.

The 7 Best Moving Companies in Ohio

Our top recommended moving companies in Ohio for  2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Moving Companies in Ohio

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend International Van Lines

One of the most reputable moving companies in the United States, International Van Lines (IVL) is best known for its extensive experience within the full-service moving industry. With more than ten years of experience providing everything from local moving services to major international moves, IVL is the top choice when searching for a stress-free move. As a full-service moving company, you can also schedule as many or as few add-ons as you want.

IVL’s true standout feature is its commitment to providing excellent customer service. IVL associates receive unique training to ensure that they’re able to assist you on and before your moving date. Publications like Newsweek and Forbes have even recognized IVL’s success in making moves easier with the help of a great customer service team.  

Pros & Cons of International Van Lines

Services Offered

As a full-service moving company, IVL can provide you with an extended range of services beyond the basic loading, unloading, and transportation that you’ll find with any Ohio moving company. You can currently book any of the following optional services through IVL’s team. 

• Packing and unpacking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating
• Specialized packing services for fragile items
• Storage options
• Packing supplies
• Auto transportation services

In addition to residential moving services, IVL also offers military, business, and commercial relocation services. 

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost?

Like most moving companies, the price of IVL’s interstate moves will vary significantly based on your home’s size, what you’re moving, when you’re moving, and many additional factors. We’ve compiled a table of examples of what previous customers in Ohio paid for service to help you get a feel for IVL’s pricing. 

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend American Van Lines

If you’re looking for transparent, easy-to-understand pricing, be sure to get a quote from American Van Lines (AVL). Unlike many moving companies that use seemingly no basis for their pricing, AVL employs a flat-rate pricing system based on distance. This not only allows you to get a more accurate quote faster — it also helps you be sure that you’re getting the right price on the services you need by avoiding hidden fees.

Worried that you’ll end up finding a cheaper local moving company? AVL also offers a price-matching policy. If you find a more affordable moving quote from a reputable local mover, AVL will match it. This policy allows you to enjoy the experience and skill of AVL’s team without sacrificing more money than you have budgeted.

Services Offered

American Van Lines operates as a full-service moving company, and can currently book the following services alongside your move.

• Packing and unpacking services
• Storage unit arrangement
• Specialty packing services for items like pianos
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating for large items (like antiques or chests of drawers)
• Moving supplies

In addition to residential moving services, AVL can also help with military and commercial moving processes. 

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost?

View the following table to see some examples of what previous AVL customers paid for their moving services. 

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT is not itself a moving company. Instead, Moving APT operates as a moving broker, helping to take some of the stress off of your shoulders by locating and comparing moving services on your behalf. Moving APT has a wide rolodex of partnered carriers, including nationwide names like All My Sons and Two Men and a Truck. You can view information profiles of the moving companies they work with on their website. This helps you know that your quoted rate isn’t too good to be true because it’s from a known provider.

Moving APT is much more than just a broker. The company also offers a selection of unique moving features to help you rest easier during the stressful moving process. For example, Moving APT offers GPS tracking on its moves to allow you to view your shipment in real-time. There’s little question why 500,000 customers have chosen Moving APT to help them on their Ohio move. 

Pros & Cons of Moving APT

Services Offered

We love Moving APT because they maintain working relationships with more than 2,500 carriers throughout the country. While Moving APT is happy to arrange a wide selection of add-on services, its most popular offerings include the following. 

• Piano moving
• Car and truck shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies
• Appliance connection services
• Furniture assembly and disassembly 

How Much Does Moving APT Cost?

It can be difficult to estimate Moving APT’s pricing without speaking to a representative because the company’s packages are uniquely created by one of its carriers. A recent four-bedroom, 1,000-mile move with Moving APT was quoted at $7,800. Be sure to get a custom moving quote to get shipping information for your household move. 

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

Why We Recommend JK Moving Services

If you’re a small business owner or you have a highly specialized career, you might have extra moving needs beyond the standard homeowner. For example, if you work in a law firm and sometimes take work home with you, you might require archival services to ensure that customer data is not compromised during the move. JK Moving Services has made our list of the best moving companies in Ohio thanks to their commitment to creating moving packages that are as unique as your business.

When you first connect with JK Moving Services, you’ll be assigned to a personal moving coordinator. Your moving coordinator will listen to your needs and suggest services that you might benefit from. After your package is complete, you can depend on JK’s drug-tested and professionally trained movers to help you get to your new home without damage. You can even use JK Moving Services’ proprietary mobile app to manage and track your move on the go — an important consideration for busy homeowners planning a move. 

Pros & Cons of JK Moving Services

Services Offered

Like American Van Lines, International Van Lines, and other major moving companies, JK Moving Services operates as a full-service moving company. You can currently schedule the following services alongside your move with JK Moving Services.

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• Archival services
• Crating
• Auto relocation services

Keep in mind that, while JK Moving Services offers local moving in a few select states, they offer long-distance moving throughout the country. If you’re moving only a few miles, you’ll want to consult with a different professional moving service.  

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost?

As a general pricing example, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move. However, JK Moving Services prefers to issue estimates after the company’s representative has a chance to connect with you. Be sure to get your free quote from JK Moving Services for more accurate pricing info. 

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines 

Allied Van Lines can be a strong choice for your upcoming move if you have a second car, truck, or other type of vehicle that you must transport alongside your household goods. Allied offers one of the widest ranges of automobile transportation options we’ve seen within the moving industry. From luxury vehicles to snowmobiles, Allied Van Lines offers door-to-door shipping anywhere in the United States. They can also arrange international automobile relocation, which saves you the hassle of arranging your own import and export customs documents.

If you depend on a vehicle for everyday tasks like getting to work or school, you might be worried that your auto carrier shipment won’t arrive on schedule. Allied offers expedited automobile transport — most vehicles shipped with Allied Van Lines arrive in three to seven days. If your vehicle does end up arriving late, Allied will cover the cost of a rental car until it does at no cost to you. 

Pros & Cons of Allied Van Lines 

Services Offered

Like International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines offers a full-service suite of optional add-ons for your move. You can currently book any of the following services through Allied. 

• Packing services
• Unpacking services
• Fragile-only packing
• Storage services (long-term and short-term)
• Shipment tracking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Auto and boat transport
• Basic liability coverage
• Full-value coverage

All pricing from Allied Van Lines includes loading, unloading, and transportation services. 

How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?

In order to help you better understand Allied Van Lines’ pricing, we’ve collected pricing data from previous Allied customers based on their move distance and home size. Browse the table below to learn more about what you might expect to pay when moving your home. 

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is a moving container service that can provide you with a unique blend of convenience and affordability if you don’t want to rent a moving truck. When you book your move with U-Pack, you’ll reserve one or more moving containers, which U-Pack calls “ReloCubes.” ReloCubes are basically portable storage containers built to withstand weather conditions and the impacts of movement. You’ll fill the container with your household goods, U-Pack will deliver the full container to your new home, and you’ll unload your things on your own time. U-Pack’s pricing is significantly more affordable than full-service moving companies, providing you with transportation services at a more affordable price. 

Pros & Cons of U-Pack

Services Offered

U-Pack is a moving container service that accommodates the following moving needs: 

• Long-distance moving services
• Storage services

U-Pack does not currently provide container moving services to anyone moving fewer than 150 miles. 

How Much Does U-Pack Cost?

If you’re moving quickly, you’ll love U-Pack’s simple and intuitive pricing tool. Simply enter some details on your home size and where you’re headed, and you’ll be able to view pricing instantly in most cases. If instant pricing is not available, you can connect with a U-Pack representative over the phone for personalized cost information. 

We’ve collected some pricing data from precious Ohio moves to help you estimate what you’re likely to pay. View the table below to learn more about U-Pack pricing. 

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

Why We Recommend North American Van Lines

If you’re moving on a strict budget, the possibility of paying more than you expect for moving services can dissuade you from looking for any type of assistance moving. If you find yourself in this situation, you might want to consider working with North American Van Lines thanks to their range of flexible pricing options. For example, you can claim a “not-to-exceed” quote, which puts a maximum cap on the total amount that your moving company can charge you for services. This puts a strict limitation on how much you’ll spend on your moving team — which can be ideal for homeowners who need to watch their budget closely when moving. 

Pros & Cons of North American Van Lines

Services Offered

North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that accommodates the following moving needs: 

• Corporate relocation
• Full-service packing
• Fragile-only packing
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Custom crates
• Loading and unloading
• Crane vans for large items
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Satellite tracking
• Auto transport
• Full-valuation coverage

How Much Does North American Van Lines Cost?

View pricing from previous North American Van Lines customers using the chart below to get a better idea of what you’re likely to pay for service. 

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Not all moving companies are created equal — and you should take your time choosing the right team of Ohio movers for you. Some things that you’ll want to consider when comparing moving companies can include:

• Pricing
• Company reputation and BBB rating
• The type of services offered and what you need

If you’re like most residential movers, the first decision that you’ll need to make is whether you want to work with a full-service moving company or a self-service moving company. Let’s explore what each of these companies is best for and how each option works. 

Full-Service Moving

If you’re looking for the most straightforward move possible and you don’t mind paying a bit extra for convenience, working with a full-service moving company might be the way to go. As the name implies, full-service moving companies provide you with an enhanced range of a la carte services to customize your move. Some of the most popular services that you’ll see from full-service companies will include:

• Packing your things at your home
• Unpacking your household goods when you arrive to your house
• Arranging your furniture in your new home
• Arranging a storage unit if your shipment needs to be temporarily stored during transit
• Assistance taking apart your furniture to prevent damage during shipping

Full-service moving companies are not the most popular option to move because they can be more expensive than partial moving services. However, there are many situations when it might make sense to splurge on a full-service company. For example, if you have to be out of your home in only a few days in order to begin a new job on time, a full-service moving company can make it so you’re moved out early to make it to work on time. 

Self-Service

Self-service moves can be ideal for anyone moving on a strict budget. There are two major ways to complete a DIY move.

• Moving truck: Perhaps the most common way to move, renting a moving truck helps you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your move. Though renting a moving truck will save you a significant chunk of change, this method of moving also requires you to provide all of your own transportation, loading, and packing services.
• Moving container service: If you can’t drive a moving truck or you prefer to avoid the hassle of transportation, you might want to choose a moving container service. Moving container companies like U-Pack provide you with a weatherproof container for you to load on your own time. The container service then tackles transportation for you, offering a blend of savings and convenience.

Be sure to get a few quotes from competing moving container services before you book your moving date. You might be surprised at just how affordable these services can be when you book ahead of time. 

Moving To Ohio

After you’ve selected the type of moving company that you want to work with, you can narrow down your search and choose the right individual movers for your family. As you explore moving companies online, remember that it’s important to get a free quote from at least a few different options before you book your move date. Planning ahead can help you settle into Ohio stress-free and with more money in your pocket. 

Read on to learn a little more about what you might expect to pay for your move and a few quick tips about making the most of your time in Ohio. 

Ohio Moving Costs

There are two major factors that influence what you’ll pay when you hire professional movers.

• Distance traveled: Longer moves require your residential moving professionals to spend more money on labor costs and more time completing your move. The further you’re traveling away from your current home, the more you’ll pay for long-distance moving.
• Home size: If you live in a larger home, your movers may need to bring multiple moving trucks to help you get to your destination. This increases the price that you pay for your moving services. An easy way to save on your move is to downsize as much as possible before you begin the moving process.

Let’s take a look at some examples of what you might expect to pay for local and cross-country moving based on how far away your new home is from your current home. 

Best Cities in Ohio

Still deciding which Ohio city to explore? Check out a few shining gems of the Buckeye State. 

Columbus: Columbus, Ohio, is a Midwestern gem. Columbus has a diverse economy and is filled with opportunities in defense, logistics, medical research, public jobs, education, health 

care, hospitality, insurance, and banking. It’s also friendly to entrepreneurial endeavors. Columbus is packed with museums and historical sites, including the Columbus Museum of Art, the Ohio History Center, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Green Lawn Cemetery. There are parks and green spaces galore, and the city has a large university student population, so its energy is optimistic and active. Columbus’ cost of living is about 15% less than the national average, which makes it an attractive city for young working professionals.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is right on the bank of the Ohio River and has gorgeous parks all throughout the city. If you’re a fan of the Bengals or Cincinnati Reds, this is a haven for you and other sports fans. Cincinnati has the fifth-largest economy in the Midwestern US. You can search for job opportunities with Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble or General Electric. You can also work for the University of Cincinnati or even create your own business. There are amazing public schools as well as several universities located in the Cincinnati area,  and more restaurants than you can manage to try in a lifetime.

Toledo: Toledo has earned a reputation for affordable housing options, as its old historical buildings have undergone renovations to prepare them for the twenty-first century and there is an abundance of these to choose from. The allure of housing choices has also contributed to a new economic boom in Toledo, with the old industries of glass and auto manufacturing increasing as well as making room for new industries like green energy and technological development. Toledo is home to a variety of museums including the Toledo Museum of Art, the Imagination Station, and the National Museum of the Great Lakes, among so many others. Toledo enjoys a diverse population like Cincinnati’s and it has plenty of green spaces along the riverside to explore.

Living in Ohio

Excited for moving day? Here are some tips to make the most out of your time living in Ohio.

Explore the park scene: One of the Buckeye State’s most impressive features is its extensive public park system. There are more than 70 state parks to enjoy, attracting tourists and locals alike. Check out which parks are in your area and be sure to hit a few in your spare time. Popular choices include Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Salt Fork State Park.

Take new career opportunities seriously: Though Ohio’s job scene might not be as famous as New York or San Francisco’s Silicon Valley, the Buckeye State’s affordable real estate has brought a wave of new jobs with it. If you work in the IT, medical, or manufacturing sector, you may want to explore what types of jobs are available if you’re looking for a position. These are the fastest-growing job sectors throughout the state. 

Prepare for harsh winters: The winter weather in Ohio is notoriously difficult to predict, especially when it comes to snowfall. If you’re moving from a perpetually sunny state (like Florida or Arizona), you might want to fill your wardrobe with cold weather essentials you don’t already own before you move. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, moving can be an expensive process — especially if you’re coming from a non-Midwestern state or you own a larger home. One easy way to lower the price that you’ll pay for your move is to get as many quotes from competing moving companies as possible. Getting a free moving estimate might take as little as a few minutes but end up saving you thousands of dollars by the time you’ve settled into your new home. We recommend getting a free quote from each of our recommended providers to be sure that you’re getting the best possible price on your move.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.