The Best Long-Distance Movers in Columbia, IL

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 4, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Best local mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.7
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4.7
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
North American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Columbia for those moving out of state

A move from Columbia to another state calls for a reliable long-distance mover. We've highlighted the companies that consistently deliver great service across state lines.

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Best long-distance movers in Columbia for those staying in state

A move within Illinois can still involve long hours on the road, especially when you're leaving Columbia for a destination several hundred miles away.

For longer in-state relocations, we recommend sticking with the best long-distance moving companies we’ve vetted.

Below are our top moving company picks for Columbia, IL:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Federal Companies: 4.5 out of 5 stars

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

10966 Gravois Industrial Court, St. Louis, MO 63128 US

76% of all reviews were positive

22% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day made simple: feedback from 361 reviewers shows two out of three customers raved about Two Men and a Truck’s speed, careful handling, and positive, professional attitude. Three out of four reviews praised efficient service, noting teams that work quickly while respecting belongings and property. Customers repeatedly mention helpful staff making moves less stressful. On the downside, about 22% flagged issues, with damaged items as the top concern. Some reported belongings arrived scratched or broken, while others found their final bills exceeded estimates by hundreds of dollars. Delays or late arrivals also frustrated a portion of customers. Compared to many movers, Two Men and a Truck earns higher marks for courtesy and efficiency, but shoppers sensitive to cost or worried about valuables should stay vigilant and clarify terms before moving day.

Get a Quote (314) 270-5758

Company Info

State license #: 714664

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

ABC Quality Moving & Storage

3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO 63129 US

84% of all reviews were positive

16% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers call ABC Quality Moving & Storage a top pick for efficient moves, friendly crews, and professional handling, with 263 reviews showing 83.7% positive feedback. People highlight how quickly movers work, their politeness, and care with belongings. Many say teams go above and beyond—packing thoroughly and sharing a helpful attitude. Customers also praise how approachable the staff is and report competitive, transparent pricing compared to other movers. On the other hand, negative input makes it clear damage to items happens more often than expected, and reports of unprofessional behavior and missed deadlines appear in several reviews. Some say response to complaints or claims lags, or that movers lacked care when handling furniture and property. Service reliability and professionalism seem above average for the local market, but unresolved damage and communication problems place ABC behind standout companies. Clients looking for fast, careful service will likely enjoy a smooth experience; those who value guarantee against mishaps or perfect support post-move should review terms closely before booking.

Get a Quote (314) 772-1887

Company Info

State license #: 987335

Years in Business: 36

DOT #: 987335

Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Arch Moving

1316 S 2nd St,, St. Louis, MO 63104 US

58% of all reviews were positive

33% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer input reveals Arch Moving stands out for efficient service, professional and polite staff, and careful handling—traits that rank it higher than many competitors. Out of 76 reviews analyzed, 58% were positive. Customers highlight quick moving, helpful movers, and care for belongings as main strengths. On the other hand, 33% of input cited problems, mainly damage to items, inexperienced movers, and lack of communication. Multiple customers experienced property or item damage, with some reports of lost items and unsatisfactory claims processes. Others found crews lacking experience or communication lacking, particularly from office staff. While many noted friendly, hardworking movers and fast, well-organized moves, negative feedback points to greater risk of damage or mishandling than top-rated moving companies. Those seeking value and efficiency often found the service met or exceeded expectations, yet those who value reliability and item safety should proceed with caution and discuss coverage and experience with the company before booking.

Get a Quote (314) 964-5557

Company Info

State license #: 2969512

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 2969512

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by credit card

McGuire Moving and Storage

8645 South Broadway,, St. Louis, MO 63111 US

82% of all reviews were positive

17% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer input paints McGuire Moving and Storage as a leader for professionalism and skilled handling. Of 130 reviews, 82% were favorable, with clients praising the courteous staff, careful approach, efficiency, and effective communication. The company’s teams consistently earn recommendations, with multiple customers reporting stress-free and damage-free moves. Negative feedback, making up about 17%, centers on item damage, lost belongings, and select instances of unprofessionalism or poor service recovery. Despite a few cases of unresolved issues, customers more often highlight reliability and a hands-on approach not easily found with competitors. McGuire sets itself apart by maintaining a highly praised team and strong follow-up, though, on rare occasions, resolution on damage or loss lags behind client expectations.

Get a Quote (314) 241-0600

Company Info

State license #: 2256609

Years in Business: 45

DOT #: 2256609

Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing

Federal Companies

6091 Aviator Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042 US

90% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer feedback shines a spotlight on Federal Companies' strengths: nearly every review notes the professionalism and politeness of the staff, their efficiency, and careful handling of items. Prompt service, clear communication, and willingness to accommodate customers help set this moving company ahead of many competitors. Most clients found their moves smooth, the teams helpful, and items handled with care. On the downside, some clients experienced significant issues including item damage, delivery delays, and communication breakdowns about timing and claims. These problems led to frustration, especially when claim resolution was slow or incomplete. Out of 223 reviews analyzed, over 90% were positive. While the company wins high marks for its hardworking moving crews and professionalism, attention to claims handling and stopping delays could improve customer satisfaction further.

Get a Quote (314) 451-7261

Company Info

State license #: 642945

Years in Business: 111

DOT #: 642945

Alternate Names: Federal Companies Saint Louis

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Moving services available in Columbia

Service options differ widely between movers, and not every provider has the same add-on offerings. The chart below breaks down how many movers in Columbia deliver certain specialized services, alongside counts for state and national movers. Use it to see where you’ll find the right mix of options for your move.

Storage

Comparing Columbia, IL, & national movers

Columbia

9 (81.82%)

out of 11 total movers

Illinois

71 (91.03%)

out of 78 total movers

Nationwide

2,317 (87.9%)

out of 2,636 total movers

Top Columbia storage movers

Company	Quote	Rating
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	Get A Quote	4.7 / 5
ABC Quality Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.56 / 5
McGuire Moving and Storage	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
Federal Companies	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
All My Sons Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5

Company	Quote	Rating
ABC Quality Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.56 / 5
Arch Moving	Get A Quote	4.62 / 5
McGuire Moving and Storage	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
Federal Companies	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
Sebastian Moving	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5

Best long-distance movers in Columbia, IL, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Columbia, check out these suggestions:

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Columbia, IL

For a more relaxed DIY move from Columbia, moving containers, sometimes called moving pods, are tough to beat. You get to pack and load when it works for you, with storage options if needed. Once you're ready, the container gets picked up and delivered right to your new home.

Here’s a look at our favorite moving container companies for long-distance moves from Columbia:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

Rental trucks in Columbia, IL for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are usually the most budget-friendly option for a long-distance move from Columbia, but they also come with the most responsibility. You’ll be in charge of everything: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While you can save money this way, mileage fees, tolls, and gas costs can add up quickly. It’s good to double-check these hidden costs to confirm that a truck rental really is the most affordable choice for your situation.

These are our top rental truck picks for long-distance moves:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Columbia, IL

With labor-only moving services, you get professional help for the hardest parts — lifting, packing, and assembling furniture — while you handle the transportation and supplies. It’s a smart, cost-effective way to lighten the load without going full-service.

Here are a few reliable labor-only movers we recommend for long-distance moves from Columbia, IL:

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

rating

4.7 / 5

Years in Business: 31
Yelp: 2.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(314) 270-5758

ABC Quality Moving & Storage

rating

4.56 / 5

Years in Business: 36
Yelp: 3.8 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(314) 772-1887

Arch Moving

rating

4.62 / 5

Years in Business: 22
Yelp: 3.1 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(314) 964-5557

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Columbia, IL

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Columbia, IL

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Columbia, IL

The average cost for professional movers in Illinois is $97 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Columbia, IL to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Phoenix, AZ	1,457 miles	3 bedroom	$3,733 - $6,589
Wilmington, DE	888 miles	2 bedroom	$2,194 - $5,239
New Orleans, LA	672 miles	1 bedroom	$1,691 - $4,035

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Columbia, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in Illinois.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

Any moving company helping you leave Illinois must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Columbia movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from Columbia?

In Columbia, 10 movers are available locally, while Illinois has 78 in total. That middle range of options means you can shop around without being overwhelmed. To help, we’ve surfaced the top-rated local moving companies.

For interstate relocations, Safeway Moving remains our go-to recommendation for its reliable nationwide service.

Discount opportunities from movers in Columbia

If you’re hoping to save money, some movers in Columbia extend discounts to certain groups: 1 movers pass along savings to seniors.

Availability can vary throughout the year, so it pays to ask movers about any ongoing or temporary promotions before booking.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Columbia?

Moving companies in Columbia are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Columbia?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Columbia. The cheapest options for moving out of Columbia are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.