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Top-rated local movers that handle Columbus to Fort Wayne moves
When planning a move from Columbus to Fort Wayne, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 29 local movers in Columbus 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 Columbus to Fort Wayne.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
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 #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 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 | $654 – $2,602 | $479 – $1,163 | $172 – $265 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,220 – $3,545 | $912 – $1,712 | $169 – $339 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,657 – $4,618 | $1,151 – $1,985 | $218 – $374 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Fort Wayne
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Fort Wayne, you can expect to spend between $654 and $2,602. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,220 to $3,545 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbus to Fort Wayne typically runs between $1,657 and $4,618.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Fort Wayne
When moving from Columbus to Fort Wayne, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $479 and $1,163. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $912 to $1,712. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,151 up to $1,985. 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 Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck in Columbus is usually your cheapest option to get to Fort Wayne. 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 $172 and $265. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $169 and $339. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $218 and $374.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbus to Fort Wayne
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $933, but larger homes can run up to $3,940.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbus.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($172–$330) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Fort Wayne
Many movers find Fort Wayne easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 7% less for singles and 57% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,600 for one person in Fort Wayne versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $3,150 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,233 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $2,367 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.15% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 19% lower in Fort Wayne than in Columbus, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Fort Wayne and Columbus, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 17% less in Fort Wayne than in Columbus.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Fort Wayne, where the cost of living for a single person is 7% less than in Columbus.
- Moving to Fort Wayne could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 57% less than in Columbus.
- Fort Wayne experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% lower than that of Columbus. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Fort Wayne than in Columbus. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Fort Wayne can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 10% lower in Indiana compared to Ohio. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbus with Fort Wayne:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $245.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $56.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $2.87 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Fort Wayne
| Columbus | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 265,974 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 41 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 40.9 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 59.1 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is about 71% less than Columbus.
- Fort Wayne’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Columbus, which has a score of 48.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 40.9 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 59.1 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Fort Wayne 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Indiana 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 Fort Wayne smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve chosen City of Churches as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Fort Wayne to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it’s time to see what Fort Wayne 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, Fort Wayne offers cultural landmarks like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade 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 Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbus are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbus to Fort Wayne 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 Columbus to Fort Wayne take?
A move of 156 miles from Columbus, OH to Fort Wayne, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Columbus sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Fort Wayne is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Columbus?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 6 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 Columbus offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Columbus have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 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.
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Columbus moving services
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