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Best Moving Companies in Ohio (July 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

From a pool of 99 movers working across Ohio, we identified the providers that balance cost, transparency, and reliability. Browse the options below to stack up quotes, review available services, and find the right match for your move.

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.

Here’s how we rank movers:

Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.

Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.

Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.

Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.

Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.

Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.

Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.

Top Local Movers in Ohio

We thoroughly researched and reviewed 99 movers across Ohio, focusing in large part on how well they handle the actual transport of household goods. MVM Moving & Storage stood out as the top choice for in-state moves due to their balance of efficient handling and excellent customer service.

Here’s our full list of recommended local movers in OH:

MVM Moving & Storage

3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026
5.0 / 5.0

MVM Moving & Storage (DOT: 1444491) is a reliable moving company offering a range of services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and climate-controlled storage. They cater to special items such as pianos, pool tables, antiques, and safes, and they provide packing and unpacking services, including for fragile-only items.

Additionally, MVM Moving & Storage extends a variety of discounts to seniors, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. However, they do not offer international moving services, which might be a limitation for some customers. Clients can benefit from their no-deposit required policy and the convenience of instant email quotes.

"If moving were an Olympic sport, Jervonte from MVM Moving & Storage would get the gold medal. He treated my furniture like it was museum-quality. On time, organized, and careful—skip the gimmicks, go with MVM."

Get a Quote (614) 230-0667

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Unfriendly or rude staff

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

All American Moving and Storage

2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH, 43204
4.92 / 5.0

All American Moving and Storage (DOT: 1239401) offers a range of services including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and unpacking. They provide climate-controlled storage and are equipped to handle pianos, making them a versatile choice for those with unique moving needs. However, they do not offer services like hot tub moving or junk removal, which might be a consideration for some customers.

"They were fast, careful, and super friendly! One of my pieces was a couch that I was worried about fitting through the door and they worked it out fine. Very efficient and just awesome service!"

Get a Quote (614) 224-0077

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Delayed arrival or delivery

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Leaders Moving & Storage Co.

4517 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH, 44135
4.92 / 5.0

Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (DOT: 1237577) provides comprehensive moving solutions, including full-service moves, packing, unpacking, and climate-controlled storage. They also offer intrastate and interstate moving services, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. A downside to consider is that they do not handle international moves or offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel. With their convenience and array of services, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. is well-suited for most residential and commercial moving projects, though customers might miss the lack of certain specialized transit services like antique and piano moving.

"This was the best moving experience I have ever had! James and his team were punctual, careful, and friendly. They got our move done faster than expected and each one was a pleasure to deal with."

Get a Quote (614) 885-6683

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Affordable rates

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unprofessional behavior

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Full unpacking
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH, 43123
4.86 / 5.0

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage (DOT: 1222904) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full service, interstate, and international moves. They cater to specialized needs with options for fragile-only packing, climate-controlled storage, and safe handling of items like grandfather clocks and pool tables. While they provide many conveniences, including unpacking and shipment tracking, they do not accept cryptocurrency, which could be a limitation for some tech-savvy clients. Overall, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage presents a robust selection of moving solutions without the necessity for a deposit, appealing to a broad spectrum of customers.

"The crew communicated extremely well leading up to, during and after our move. The virtual tour was helpful. Everything was loaded up quickly, and there was no damage to belongings or property. Highly recommend!"

Get a Quote (614) 401-6796

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Lack of communication

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Debris clean-up
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

5083 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH, 43231
4.86 / 5.0

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moving, interstate relocations, and junk removal. They provide additional conveniences such as labor-only services and safe relocation. Customers can also benefit from a 5% discount on local moving services.

However, the company does not cater to international moves or offer fragile-only packing services, which might be a concern for clients with specialized needs. Despite these limitations, their diverse offerings make them a versatile choice for many moving needs.

"We recently used Two Men and a Truck for our move from Grove City, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky, and we couldn’t be more impressed with their service. From start to finish, the team was efficient, professional, and incredibly friendly."

Get a Quote (614) 423-4842

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Unfriendly or rude staff

Services

  • Full-service
  • Out-of-state
  • Junk hauling
  • Senior moving
  • Full unpacking
  • Debris clean-up
  • Labor-only
  • Piano
  • Offsite storage
  • Heavy safes
  • In-state
  • Accepts credit cards
  • Full packing

Local Movers In Ohio

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How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in OH?

Most movers charge an hourly rate that increases with the number of people on the job. In Ohio, local moving costs average around $122 per hour — but that number can climb fast depending on your home size and how much help you need. The table below will give you an idea of what you'll pay for your local OH move or dive deeper with our guide on Ohio movers costs:

Home Size Crew Size Move Time Estimated Cost
Studio/1 BR 2 movers 3–4 hours $730 – $973
2 BR 3 movers 4–5 hours $1,460 – $1,825
3 BR 4 movers 6–7 hours $2,920 – $3,407
4+ Bedroom 4–5 movers 8+ hours $3,893 – $5,475
 

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Best Long-Distance Movers in Ohio

We evaluated every long-distance mover operating across Ohio, from price estimates to customer follow-through. Out of all 99 companies we reviewed, Colonial Van Lines offered the most consistent and reliable service.

Here’s a closer look at the top-rated movers in OH:

Colonial Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty services
  • Highly trained crews
  • In-app booking

Safeway Moving

4.5 / 5
  • Veteran-owned
  • Price matching
  • Verified accurate quotes

American Van Lines

5.0 / 5
  • Specialty moves
  • Trained & certified crews
  • Flat-rate quotes

Colonial Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8209

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Expert in-house crews
  • Home electronics setup
  • Trash & debris removal

Cons

  • No local or international moves
  • Not available in AK or HI

Services

  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
  • Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
  • Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
  • Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
  • Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
  • Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
  • Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
  • Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
  • Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)

Safeway Moving

Our Score:
4.5 / 5.0

Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.

Get A Quote (866) 989-1425

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
  • Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
  • High level of customer service and support
  • Veteran owned company

Cons

  • Require a deposit at booking
  • No local moving services offered

Services

  • Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
  • Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
  • Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
  • Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
  • Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
  • Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
  • Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
  • International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
  • 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)

American Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.

Get A Quote (866) 264-7086

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Last-minute moves
  • Private storage options
  • Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
  • Flat-rate pricing

Cons

  • May require a deposit at booking
  • Automated calls may be overwhelming

Services

  • Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
  • Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
  • Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
  • Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
  • Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
  • Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
  • Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)

Allied Van Lines

Our Score:
5.0 / 5.0

Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.

Get A Quote (866) 377-8153

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Specialty packing services
  • Short- and long-term storage
  • Appliance disconnection & reconnection
  • International shipping

Cons

  • Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
  • Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days

Services

  • Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
  • Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
  • International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
  • Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
  • Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
  • Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
  • Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
  • Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
  • Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
  • Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)

BLVD Moving

Our Score:
4.2 / 5.0

BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.

Get A Quote (844) 794-6004

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Full-time professional crews
  • Flexible rescheduling
  • Last-minute services

Cons

  • Limited insurance options
  • Limited pricing on website

Services

  • Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)

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How Ohio Movers Stack Up

  • Total movers: Of the 3,130 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 99 are located in OH.
  • Average rating: 4.39 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
  • Mover associations: Ohio has one in-state mover association, Ohio Association of Movers, providing centralized support for industry standards and advocacy.

Specialty Services Offered

Service OH Movers OH % National Movers National %
Antiques 37 37.37% 1,452 46.39%
Art 36 36.36% 1,437 45.91%
Climate-Controlled Storage 48 48.48% 1,042 33.29%
Debris Removal 35 35.35% 805 25.72%
Fragile-Only Packing 22 22.22% 745 23.8%
Labor-Only 47 47.47% 1,705 54.47%
Office Moving 78 78.79% 2,669 85.27%
Small Moves 36 36.36% 1,531 48.91%
Total Movers 99 100% 3,130 100%

Discounts Offered

Discount Type OH Movers OH % National Movers National %
AAA Discount 6 6.06% 36 1.15%
Military Discount 10 10.1% 134 4.28%
Senior Discount 12 12.12% 157 5.02%
Student Discount n/a n/a 36 1.15%
Teacher Discount n/a n/a 9 0.29%
Total Movers 99 100% 3,130 100%

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Some Ohio movers offer special pricing. See which ones match your move.

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What Impacts the Cost of Ohio Long-Distance Moves?

  • The amount of belongings: Larger moves require more truck space and time, which increases both shipping and service costs.
  • The time of year: High-demand months like July and August typically mean steeper moving costs due to tighter truck schedules.
  • Add-ons: 98.99% of Ohio movers will pack and unpack your goods for a fee. If you need storage, 89 companies can assist, though storage adds extra charges to your move.
  • How far you move: The longer your route, the more you’ll spend on freight-related costs like fuel, mileage, and driver time.

How To Choose the Right Ohio Mover

Hiring a mover in Ohio is a big decision, especially when your household freight is riding hundreds or even thousands of miles. Beyond cost, look at a mover’s reliability and how they handle logistics.

Here’s what to evaluate:

  • Licensing and credentials: Only hire movers registered with the FMCSA and properly insured for interstate transport.
  • Pricing and estimates: Virtual or in-home walkthroughs produce the most accurate quotes. Collect at least three quotes to compare.
  • Discounts and price matching: Don’t miss out — 10 movers in OH offer military discounts, and 12 offer senior pricing. Many match competitor rates.
  • Service and reviews: Look for consistently high-rated companies with reliable customer feedback.
  • Booking and flexibility: Ask about their policies for changes, rescheduling, or cancellations.

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FAQs

How long does it take to ship my household goods?

Transit time depends on the distance, route, and truck availability. Local moves may arrive same-day, while long-distance hauls typically take 5–14 days depending on scheduling and route efficiency.

How is the cost of a move calculated?

Moving costs are based on shipment weight, total mileage, and services like packing or storage. The larger and farther your move, the more you’ll pay in freight-related charges like fuel, labor, and truck time.

Can I track my shipment during a long-distance move?

Many full-service movers offer tracking through a mobile app or customer portal, especially for long-haul relocations.

What happens if my delivery is delayed?

Delays can happen due to weather, mechanical issues, or route changes. Reputable movers will communicate updates and may offer compensation or adjusted delivery windows depending on their policy.

Thinking About Moving to Ohio?

Moving to Ohio means getting familiar with everything from local job markets to lifestyle perks. This section highlights what new residents should know, including housing prices, recreational activities, and the general vibe of the area.

Life in Ohio: What To Expect

  • Ohio is 6% cheaper than the national average, with average rent near $945 and home values around $230,798.
  • The job market in Ohio is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. Top industries include Manufacturing ($111.5 billion), Professional and business services ($77.3 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($73.7 billion).
  • Recreation options in Ohio include attractions like Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort and Cleveland Museum of Art, outdoor escapes such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, and museums like Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
  • Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Cincinnati Reds (MLB) and Cleveland Guardians (MLB), which draw fans from across the state.
Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.