Updated Jan 10, 2023
Updated Jan 10, 2023
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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.
Our top recommended moving companies in Ohio for 2023:
Company | Website | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Local Cost |
International Van Lines | Site | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $600 – $1,200 |
American Van Lines | Site | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | N/A | $500 – $1,000 |
Moving APT | Site | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | |
JK Moving Services | Site | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote |
Allied Van Lines | Site | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
U-Pack | Site | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A |
North American Van Lines | Site | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $750 – $1,350 |
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
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.
In addition to residential moving services, IVL also offers military, business, and commercial relocation services.
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.
City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
Columbus, OH | San Francisco, CA | 2,443 miles | One-bedroom home | $3,500 |
Indianapolis, IN | Columbus, OH | 175 miles | Two-bedroom home | $3,261 |
Saddle River, NJ | Cincinnati, OH | 669 miles | Two-bedroom home | $4,427 |
Tallahassee, FL | East Fultonham, OH | 886 miles | Three-bedroom home | $3,100 |
Gallina, NM | Valley City, OH | 1,648 miles | Three-bedroom home | $5,369 |
Get a quote from IVL here.
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.
Pros
Cons
American Van Lines operates as a full-service moving company, and can currently book the following services alongside your move.
In addition to residential moving services, AVL can also help with military and commercial moving processes.
View the following table to see some examples of what previous AVL customers paid for their moving services.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,700 to $4,500 | $2,300 to $5,300 | $2,600 to $5,600 | $4,200 to $7,200 |
Four-bedroom home | $4,800 to $7,800 | $5,600 to $8,600 | $7,400 to $10,400 | $10,800 to $13,800 |
Get a quote from American Van Lines here.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
All pricing from Allied Van Lines includes loading, unloading, and transportation services.
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.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.
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
U-Pack is a moving container service that accommodates the following moving needs:
U-Pack does not currently provide container moving services to anyone moving fewer than 150 miles.
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.
City of origin | Destination | Total move distance | Home size | Price paid |
Denver, CO | Akron, OH | 1,356 miles | One-bedroom home | $1,078 |
Columbus, OH | Kansas City, KS | 661 miles | Two-bedroom home | $1,733 |
Williamsfield, OH | Hesperus, CO | 1,710 miles | Three-bedroom home | $4,000 |
Columbus, GA | Dayton, OH | 617 miles | Three-bedroom home | $4,000 |
Cincinnati, OH | Saint Petersburg, FL | 939 miles | Two-bedroom home | $2,700 |
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
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
North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company that accommodates the following moving needs:
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.
<250 miles | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,000 miles | |
Two-bedroom home | $1,800 to $4,500 | $2,400 to $5,400 | $2,700 to $5,700 | $4,400 to $7,400 |
Four-bedroom home | $3,300 to $6,000 | $5,700 to $8,700 | $7,500 to $10,500 | $10,900 to $13,000 |
Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.
Why Trust House Method
House Method’s Experts collected and analyzed 25 critical data points across multiple companies to identify what makes a great moving company in the eye of the consumer. Our reviews team used this data to assess over 40 moving providers for services provided, relocation costs, and national availability to provide unbiased reviews so homeowners can confidently navigate key decisions about their next move.
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:
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.
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:
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 moves can be ideal for anyone moving on a strict budget. There are two major ways to complete a DIY move.
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.
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.
There are two major factors that influence what you’ll pay when you hire professional movers.
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.
Distance | Home Size | Average Cost |
100 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $3,095 to $4,054 |
250 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $3,600 to $4,741 |
500 miles | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,116 to $5,444 |
750 | 3-4 bedroom home | $4,738 to $6,290 |
1000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $5,440 to $7,243 |
1500 | 3-4 bedroom home | $6,408 to $8,560 |
2000 | 3-4 bedroom home | $7,228 to $9,677 |
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.
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.
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.
In our review, we found that you’re likely to spend between $4,116 and $7,243 on movers depending on the size of your home and the distance you’re traveling. However, the price that you’ll pay will depend on the specifics of your move.
There are many hidden fees that you might encounter while moving. Some of the most common hidden fees include fees for parking more than 25 feet away from your property and an added fee for each staircase in your building. Leaving yourself with plenty of time to plan your move can help you avoid hidden fees.
If your things arrive at your home damaged, the first thing you should do is document the damage with photos. You should then file a claim with your moving company, including photos of the damage. If you purchased third-party insurance, you should file a claim through your insurance provider.
It’s best that you book your moving company as early as possible. Most companies recommend booking your move at least two months before the date that you need to be out of your current home. It’s not recommended that you book any type of move with less than four weeks’ notice.
Though the definition of a long-distance move will vary by company, most moving companies consider a move of more than 400 miles to be a long-distance move. Most moving companies also consider any move that crosses state lines to be a long-distance move.
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.
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