Top-rated local movers that handle Fort Wayne to Columbus moves
When planning a move from Fort Wayne to Columbus, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing six local movers in Fort Wayne who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Fort Wayne to Columbus.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Hoover the Mover: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Callan & Woodworth Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- My Movers Inc.: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 502126
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Pride Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 3757839
Alternate Names: Zitrans, Inc. , Zitrans, Inc. dba Hoover the Mover
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 475992
Alternate Names: Haviland Callan, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 50
Alternate Names: Happy Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
How much does it cost to move from Fort Wayne to Columbus?
Movers in Indiana charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $586 – $2,405 | $519 – $1,187 | $170 – $263 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,185 – $3,376 | $958 – $1,729 | $169 – $326 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,562 – $4,528 | $1,235 – $2,047 | $201 – $382 |
Cost to hire movers from Fort Wayne to Columbus
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Fort Wayne to Columbus, you can expect to spend between $586 and $2,405. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,185 to $3,376 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Fort Wayne to Columbus typically runs between $1,562 and $4,528.
Cost of moving containers from Fort Wayne to Columbus
When moving from Fort Wayne to Columbus, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $519 and $1,187. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $958 to $1,729. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,235 up to $2,047. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fort Wayne to Columbus
Renting a moving truck in Fort Wayne is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbus. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $170 and $263. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $169 and $326. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $201 and $382.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Fort Wayne to Columbus
The cost of Fort Wayne movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $862, but larger homes can run up to $3,943.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Fort Wayne.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($170–$355) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 7% higher for singles and 130% higher for families than Fort Wayne.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Fort Wayne versus $2,600 in Fort Wayne; families pay $7,249 compared with $3,150.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fort Wayne | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,233 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,367 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $227,803 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,978 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,600 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,150 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 3.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbus, note that rent can be roughly 24% more expensive than it is in Fort Wayne; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Columbus and Fort Wayne, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 21% higher in Columbus compared to Fort Wayne, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person is 7% more than in Fort Wayne. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Columbus, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 130% more than it is in Fort Wayne.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 12% higher compared to Fort Wayne, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Columbus than in Fort Wayne. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Ohio compared to Indiana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Fort Wayne with Columbus:
| Living Expense | Fort Wayne | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $245.73 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.88 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.87 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.00 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fort Wayne than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread costs less in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Columbus
| Fort Wayne | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 265,974 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 32 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 48 |
| Crime index | 40.9 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 59.1 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 241% greater than Fort Wayne.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Fort Wayne’s score of 3.
- Columbus is more walkable than Fort Wayne with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Fort Wayne’s 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Fort Wayne with a score of 49.65 compared to Fort Wayne’s 40.9. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Fort Wayne with a score of 50.35 vs Fort Wayne’s 59.1.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Fort Wayne it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Fort Wayne to Columbus move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbus smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve chosen The Arch City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Columbus is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbus offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Fort Wayne to Columbus?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Fort Wayne to Columbus are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Fort Wayne are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Wayne to Columbus?
Because spring and fall moves from Fort Wayne to Columbus are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Fort Wayne to Columbus take?
A move of 157 miles from Fort Wayne, IN to Columbus, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Fort Wayne sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbus is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Fort Wayne?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Fort Wayne offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Fort Wayne have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IN, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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