Top-rated movers to make your Chicago to Columbus move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Chicago that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 68 top local movers in Chicago 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 Chicago to Columbus.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbus?
In Illinois, moving services typically cost around $113 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 | $1,071 – $3,919 | $753 – $1,901 | $551 – $1,038 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,258 – $5,401 | $1,328 – $2,614 | $630 – $1,258 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,694 – $7,438 | $1,763 – $3,658 | $782 – $1,556 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Columbus
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbus from Chicago, you can expect prices to land between $1,071 and $3,919. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,258 to $5,401 for the trip from Chicago to Columbus. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,694 and $7,438.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Columbus
Moving containers from Chicago to Columbus will cost you $753 to $1,901 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,328 to $2,614. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,763 to $3,658. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Columbus typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $551 and $1,038 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $630 to $1,258. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $782 to $1,556.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Columbus move
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,843 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,067 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chicago.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $551 to $1,357, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 44% less for singles and 59% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,041 for one person in Columbus versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $3,834 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- When relocating from Chicago to Columbus, expect to find rent about 46% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 47% more affordable in Columbus compared to Chicago.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 29% lower in Columbus compared to Chicago.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbus, as the cost of living for a single person is 44% lower compared to Chicago.
- A move to Columbus can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 59% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is about 41% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 12% less in Columbus relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Georgia are 11% above those in Illinois. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chicago and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Columbus.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Columbus
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 31 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 72.18 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 27.82 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Georgia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Georgia 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 Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options 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 Lowell of the South[? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Georgia 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 National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock 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 Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Planning your move from Chicago to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Columbus take?
The 818-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Columbus, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Chicago 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 there special savings available from movers in Chicago?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chicago?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chicago, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 40 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Illinois has 70 piano movers and 48 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.
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