($134+) Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Fort Wayne, IN, runs anywhere from $131 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,589 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 125 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $690, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,589 or more.
- Moving containers run $763 - $2,156, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $131 - $288.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Fort Wayne, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,222 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
Moving options from Dayton to Fort Wayne fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,222 - $3,459 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 125 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 125-mile route from Dayton to Fort Wayne, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $690 - $2,884 | $763 - $1,260 | $131 - $211 | $681 - $1,078 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,222 - $3,459 | $942 - $1,748 | $149 - $254 | $768 - $1,426 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,619 - $4,589 | $1,148 - $2,156 | $172 - $288 | $1,006 - $1,725 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
Hiring full-service movers from Dayton, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Indiana, costs between $690 and $4,589. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 125-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $242 - $1,616, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Dayton and Fort Wayne. For a rough baseline, movers based in Dayton tend to start around $330 plus $140/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Fort Wayne:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $690 - $2,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,222 - $3,459
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,619 - $4,589
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dayton to Fort Wayne.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Indiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Fort Wayne, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $404 - $4,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $162 - $970/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $242 - $1,939 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $808 - $2,424 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,020 - $8,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $605 - $1,150 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $808 - $2,020 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $646 - $2,828 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $242 - $1,212 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $525 - $1,616 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $242 - $12,120+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $242 - $2,828+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Fort Wayne?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Dayton, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Dayton to Fort Wayne with a local mover averages $1,246 - $3,528. A local mover in Dayton, OH is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 247 customers, 87.4% of which is positive.
Address: 11807 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Indiana, cost between $763 and $2,156. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Dayton typically runs around $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Fort Wayne:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $763 - $1,260
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $942 - $1,748
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,156
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Dayton, OH and Fort Wayne, IN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $566 in Dayton, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $61 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $121 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Indiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $763. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $942 - $1,748, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dayton to Fort Wayne?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dayton to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dayton:
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 125 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Indiana, running $131 - $288. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $32 - $37
- Daily insurance: $24/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dayton to Fort Wayne based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $131 - $211
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $149 - $254
- 4+ bedrooms: $172 - $288
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $131 - $288 does not include fuel ($32 - $37) , lodging ($121/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Dayton to Fort Wayne typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $121 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Dayton, Ohio, usually costs about $566 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 125-mile drive falls between $32 and $37, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $40 and $242 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton to Fort Wayne?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN
If you're moving a larger household from Dayton, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $768 and $1,426.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Fort Wayne:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $681 - $1,078
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $768 - $1,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,006 - $1,725
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $61 and $121.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $566.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Fort Wayne?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Fort Wayne quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Fort Wayne, IN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Dayton and Fort Wayne to plan around. Cost of living index: 80 vs. 82. Average rent: $925/mo vs. $1,163/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 32. Safety index: 40.68 vs. 59.1.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Wayne, IN to Dayton, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Indiana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Ohio alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 125-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 125-mile route from Dayton, OH, to Fort Wayne, IN, run $690 - $4,589 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $763 - $2,156, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $131 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,222, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Steel Dynamics and Franklin Electric.
FAQs: Moving from Dayton, OH, to Fort Wayne, IN
How much does it cost to move from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN?
Costs on this route range from around $690 to $4,589, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $690 and $4,589, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Fort Wayne?
Fort Wayne has a walkability score of 32 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($32 - $37), daily insurance ($24/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $121/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date.
What is the best time of year to move from Dayton, OH to Fort Wayne, IN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
