Top-rated movers to make your Durham to Columbus move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Durham that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 27 top local movers in Durham who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Durham to Columbus.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Columbus?
In North Carolina, moving services typically cost around $145 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,062 – $2,755 | $643 – $1,558 | $393 – $696 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,861 – $4,848 | $1,161 – $2,144 | $414 – $835 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,281 – $7,157 | $1,636 – $3,037 | $516 – $964 |
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Columbus
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbus from Durham, you can expect prices to land between $1,062 and $2,755. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,861 to $4,848 for the trip from Durham to Columbus. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,281 and $7,157.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Columbus
Moving containers from Durham to Columbus will cost you $643 to $1,558 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,161 to $2,144. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,636 to $3,037. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Durham to Columbus typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $393 and $696 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $414 to $835. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $516 to $964.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Durham to Columbus move
The cost of Durham movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,417 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,180 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Durham.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $393 to $895, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Durham to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about -1% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Durham.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Durham versus $2,803 in Durham; families pay $7,249 compared with $5,945.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Durham | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
- When relocating from Durham to Columbus, expect to find rent about 15% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 39% more affordable in Columbus compared to Durham.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 6% lower in Columbus compared to Durham.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Columbus and Durham is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 22% higher than in Durham.
- Columbus shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Durham by around 39%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Columbus and Durham (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Ohio are 22% below those in North Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Durham and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Durham | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Durham than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Durham than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Columbus.
How life is different in Durham vs. Columbus
| Durham | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 48 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 219% greater than Durham.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Durham’s score of 4.
- Columbus is more walkable than Durham with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Durham’s 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 49.65 compared to Durham’s 54.72. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 50.35 vs Durham’s 45.28.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Durham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Ohio’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Arch City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Columbus?
Planning your move from Durham to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Durham to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Durham to Columbus take?
The 453-mile journey from Durham, NC to Columbus, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Durham offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Durham?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Durham, 19 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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