Factors that affect the cost of your Ohio move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Ohio move:
- Move size: More belongings mean higher moving costs. More time, bigger trucks, and larger crews add up quickly. Downsizing before your move to Ohio can help keep expenses lower.
- Distance: Local moves are billed hourly, based on the time required. For long-distance relocations, movers add costs like mileage, fuel, tolls, and time on the road between Ohio and your destination.
- Move type: Hiring a full-service moving company is convenient but pricey. DIY options like truck rentals or moving containers offer lower costs but require more effort on your part.
- Type of home: Ground-level homes are easier and cheaper to move from. If movers have to navigate stairs, elevators, or distant parking, expect extra charges like stair or long-carry fees.
- Additional services: Packing, storage, crating fragile items, and opting for extra insurance will all add to the base cost of your Ohio move.
- Seasonality: Expect to pay 20-30% more if you’re moving during peak season (summer). Choosing a moving date between fall and early spring can yield big savings.
Tips to save money on your Ohio move
Regardless of how you choose to handle your Ohio relocation, here are some easy ways to lower your moving expenses:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. Many moving companies offer ongoing discounts and seasonal promotions. Out of 100 total movers in Ohio, here is how many offer AAA, senior citizen, and military discounts, respectively: 6, 12, and 10. Other common discounts include those for law enforcement, teachers, and students. Be sure to ask a moving company if they offer any of these or other discounts to save as much as possible on your relocation.
- Avoid peak moving times. Moving between mid-May and mid-September, or on weekends, tends to cost more. Opt for a weekday or an off-season move to save money.
- Book well ahead of time. Planning your move early — ideally two months in advance — often results in lower rates.
- DIY your packing. Even if you pay movers to transport your belongings, doing your own packing can save you money on your Ohio move.
What is the cheapest way to move in Ohio?
The cheapest way to move within Ohio is by using a DIY option. For some people in Ohio, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Ohio, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can certainly save you money on shorter-distance moves, but out-of-state relocations often come with hidden or unexpected expenses — things like gas, mileage, toll charges, food, and accommodations. Those costs can add up quickly and may even drive your DIY move above what it would cost to hire a full-service mover.
Need help figuring it out? Use our free moving cost calculator to instantly compare moving truck rentals and professional moving company quotes.
Don’t forget car shipping costs for long-distance Ohio moves
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move.
Here are the top car shippers in Ohio:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
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| Nexus Auto Transport | 4.7 / 5 |
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| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.5 / 5 |
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| Montway Auto Transport | 4.5 / 5 |
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| Navi Auto Transport | 4.4 / 5 |
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| SGT Auto Transport | 4.9 / 5 |
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