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Average cost of local movers in Columbus, IN
Hiring a moving company in Columbus is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You’ll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you’d rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.
Here’s how much professional movers cost in Columbus based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $506 | $196 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $702 | $196 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,133 | $274 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,615 | $384 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,999 | $384 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,613 | $538 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more cost details
Remember that no matter the size of your residence in Columbus, the hourly fee for movers remains stable. Prices begin at $196 per hour for two movers and go up to for five movers. While the house size increases, expect the move to require more movers and hours, adding to the overall cost.
Choosing Columbus movers makes your local move both easy and worry-free. Having a rough idea of the costs depending on your home’s size allows for effective budgeting and more decisive planning.
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Columbus move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Expect to pay more: In Columbus, moving services come at a premium. The hourly average of $140 is above the U.S. rate of $137.
Best local moving companies in Columbus, IN
Our experienced team has diligently reviewed licensing details, insurance plans, customer reviews, and an array of other data points to determine the top moving professionals in Columbus.
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- A Better Way Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 0/hr
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #: 1458935
Services Offered
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #: 1886253
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Highly recommended
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unprofessional behavior
Company Info
State license #:
DOT #: 719392
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Inexperienced movers
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #:
Pricing: 0/hr
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Explore our top movers in Columbus page for a detailed list of moving companies with hourly rates, services offered, and customer reviews. Should you be relocating beyond Columbus, look into the best long-distance movers from Columbus.
Moving costs in other nearby Indiana cities
Average cost to hire interstate movers in Columbus, IN
Since the cost of moving out of Indiana depends largely on where you’re moving, we’ve provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to Indiana or use our moving cost calculator.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Columbus
The price of moving a one-bedroom home from Columbus to another state largely depends on how far you’re going, the size of your move, and the moving method you choose.
To help set expectations, here are a few example price ranges for long-distance moves leaving Indiana:
Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:
- Columbus to Des Moines: $1,550 – $3,300
- Columbus to Boston: $2,219 – $4,395
- Columbus to San Diego: $2,734 – $5,161
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Columbus
Moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Columbus comes with costs that vary depending on how much stuff you’re taking. A three-bedroom move with minimal furniture could actually cost less than a heavily decorated two-bedroom with more square footage.
Still, for reference, here are the typical cost ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves covering similar distances from Columbus:
Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Columbus:
- Columbus to Nashville: $1,483 – $4,196
- Columbus to Boston: $2,636 – $5,408
- Columbus to Phoenix: $3,185 – $6,507
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Columbus
Relocating a four-bedroom or larger home from Columbus involves a number of variables. The costs can vary significantly depending on distance, volume, and seasonality.
Here’s a general idea of what long-distance moves from Columbus with four or more bedrooms might cost:
While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Columbus:
- Columbus to Baltimore: $3,711 – $6,708
- Columbus to Philadelphia: $4,278 – $7,260
- Columbus to Fresno: $6,367 – $10,861
Best interstate moving companies in Columbus, IN
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Columbus should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
rating
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Same-day estimates
- Flexible rescheduling
Average cost of moving containers in Columbus, IN
The average cost of moving containers in Columbus is approximately $500 for local relocations and as much as $3,000 for long-distance moves. Cross-country moves can reach as high as $7,000 or more. Costs are largely based on distance and the container size you choose.
Our favorite container mover in Columbus is PODS, largely because they offer a versatile range of container sizes — eight, 12, and 16 feet — along with reasonable pricing and consistently positive feedback from customers. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.
Need more options? Take a look at these highly-rated moving container companies before making your decision.
- Storage fee: $149-$359 (first 30 days is free)
- Damage coverage: 10-$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
- Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)
If saving money is a priority but you don’t want to miss out on the perks of hired help, moving containers like PODS strike a perfect balance. You handle the loading and unloading while they ensure your container is delivered right to your doorstep, then picked up and brought to your new home, eliminating the need to navigate a moving truck.
Our top pick for moving containers in Columbus is PODS, known for their strong reputation, national presence, and multiple size and insurance choices. Despite this, it’s a good strategy to evaluate at least two other highly rated moving container companies from our list to ensure you get the best deal tailored to your move.
Best moving containers in Columbus, IN
If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in Columbus, but here are some of our favorites:
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Columbus, IN
The cheapest way to move from Columbus is usually by renting a truck. Expect a daily base rate of around $60, though it can run anywhere from $19 to $39, plus a per-mile charge between $1 and $1. While budget-friendly, this option means you’ll handle everything — from loading up to driving the truck to your new home.
Here are the typical costs of Columbus rental trucks:
- Base cost: – per day
- Mileage fee: $ – $ per mile
- Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
- Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
- Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets
The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:
- How far you’ll be driving
- The length of time you keep the rental
- Refueling expenses
- Overnight stays and food
- Cost of toll roads
- Whether you need extra insurance
- Equipment like dollies or pads
- City parking fees or permits
Best moving truck rentals in Columbus, IN
A full DIY move with a rental truck is almost always the lowest-cost option. In Columbus, you’ll find lots of moving truck rental companies ready to help you get on the road. If you’re ready to do the heavy lifting — literally — these are some of the top companies to check out:
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Best labor-only moving companies in Columbus
The best Columbus labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.
We like these top-notch labor-only movers:
If you’re looking for labor assistance in Columbus, you’ll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.
Here are our favorite labor-only movers.
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Factors that affect the cost of movers in Columbus, IN
The exact amount you’ll pay for your move depends on the specific details of your move. That said, here are some of the most common factors that can influence the price of your Columbus move:
- Distance: Long-distance moves tend to cost more due to added mileage, fuel charges, and labor hours. Staying within the same city or region is typically more affordable.
- Move size: More items = more money. Larger households usually need extra hands and a bigger truck, both of which increase the price.
- When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May-September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
- The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
- The services you select: Extra services like packing, unpacking, or premium insurance will add to your total. Even if you’re going DIY, hiring help for loading and unloading will bump up your budget.
Quick tips for a stress-free move
- Invest in comprehensive coverage of your belongings. Movers are federally required to offer released value protection for free. While that sounds great, the coverage is minimal — just $0.60 per pound, regardless of the item’s actual value. This means you’d only receive $3 for a five-pound antique vase, even though the vase is valued at $300. Consider purchasing full-value coverage from your mover or home insurance provider to ensure better protection based on the item’s value.
- Check your community’s moving rules. Many areas, especially those with HOAs, have moving restrictions on specific days or times. Be sure to review these rules and notify your building or HOA ahead of time.
- Prepare your paperwork. Documentation such as proof of insurance or elevator reservation may be required when moving into or out of an apartment. These details are typically included in your moving contract, so be sure to collect them before moving day.
What discounts do Columbus movers offer?
Some movers in Columbus advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:
| Type of discount | Columbus | Indiana | National average |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA members | 12.5% | 1.89% | 1.21% |
| Seniors | 50.0% | 15.09% | 4.47% |
| Students | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.21% |
| Teachers | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.38% |
| Law enforcement | 0.0% | 1.89% | 0.8% |
| Military | 12.5% | 3.77% | 3.92% |
Discount availability varies by company, so it’s smart to bring it up when comparing movers in Columbus.
What is the cheapest way to move to Columbus?
If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading, and they transport your belongings in Columbus for you, or you can rent a moving truck and handle it all on your own.
Here are the average moving costs from Columbus to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $2,426 – $5,692 | $1,426 – $2,985 | $579 – $1,228 |
| Detroit | $1,922 – $4,886 | $1,225 – $2,477 | $390 – $760 |
| Washington | $2,417 – $5,572 | $1,451 – $2,762 | $534 – $1,186 |
How to pay for your Columbus move
Most movers take credit cards, but what if you want to pay by cash or money order? Take a look at how many of the 8 movers in Columbus accept each form of payment, as well as how those numbers compare to the 53 IN movers and 2,887 moving companies nationwide.
| Payment method | Columbus | Indiana | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | 0 | ||
| Cash | 2 | 9 | 751 |
| Check | 0 | ||
| Money order | 1 | 2 | 267 |
Not all companies take every method — always confirm with your Columbus mover when you call for a quote.
Helpful Columbus resources
Columbus moving services
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