The Best Long-Distance Movers in Columbus, IN

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 22, 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.

Preferred partner:

Flex Moving & Storage

4.42
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Busy Bee Movers

4.72
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Flex Moving & Storage

4.42
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
Flex Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.42 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
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 Columbus for those moving out of state

Relocating from Columbus, to a new state is a big step. We've selected the top interstate movers to help make that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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 Columbus for those staying in state

Moves that stay within Indiana can still be considered long-distance if you’re covering serious ground from Columbus. Even without crossing state lines, the distance can make a big difference in planning.

For longer in-state relocations, it’s best to choose from the best long-distance moving companies.

Here are our top-rated moving companies in Columbus, IN:

Preferred Partner

Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars

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

Flex Moving & Storage

309 Plus Park Blvd, Unit 101F, Nashville, TN 37217 US

79% of all reviews were positive

21% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers praise Flex Moving & Storage for having efficient, friendly, and professional movers who help make the moving process fast and affordable. The majority of input highlights timely service and staff who communicate well and handle belongings carefully. Clients report a streamlined booking process and note that rates offer strong value compared to competitors.

On the downside, several feedback entries report recurring issues with surprise charges, such as higher-than-quoted invoices and unauthorized credit card deductions. Multiple complaints cite property damage and poor handling of delicate items. Communication lapses, unresponsive support, and challenging claims processes are mentioned in a notable number of complaints. With nearly 80% of customer input positive, Flex rates higher than many moving companies for professionalism and efficiency, but persistent billing and support problems may be a dealbreaker for some seeking reliability throughout the move.

Get a Quote (786) 738-9516

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3610638

Alternate Names: Flex Storage Inc

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Busy Bee Movers

6148 South Belmont Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46217 US

61% of all reviews were positive

34% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Buzzing with strong feedback, Busy Bee Movers stands out for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and affordable rates, as reflected in 61.4% positive input from 324 reviews. Customers highlight respectful teams and jobs completed on time at competitive prices. Many appreciate transparent quotes and swift, careful moves.

While the moving crews earn praise for their hard work, affordable rates, and organization, 34.3% of feedback points to drawbacks such as unexpected charges, inadequate communication, and items occasionally arriving damaged. Some reviewers describe being overcharged compared to estimates, and several mention frustration when issues go unaddressed by management. Compared to other moving companies, Busy Bee Movers is celebrated for dependable staff and cost savings, but concerns about billing accuracy and responsive support set them apart as a company best suited for those willing to double-check pricing and terms in advance.

Get a Quote (317) 695-9927

Company Info

Years in Business: 34

DOT #: 573343

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

Planes Moving & Storage Company

2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46219 US

89% of all reviews were positive

10% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Planes Moving & Storage earns praise for its professional, helpful staff and efficient moving process, backed by 236 reviews with nearly 90% positive feedback. Customers often highlight careful handling of items, prompt service, and friendly movers who make the relocation much easier than with other companies. Many clients say the teams take extra steps to protect property and communicate well throughout moves.

Affordability and transparent pricing also surface as advantages. In contrast, the most common complaints involve significant damage to belongings, unresolved compensation issues, and lack of communication from coordinators. Some people report surprise charges or poor response to claims. The volume and consistency of positive input position Planes ahead of most moving companies in reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few negative cases stand out for property damage and service gaps.

Get a Quote (317) 895-1444

Company Info

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 1458935

Alternate Names: Planes Companies, Planes Specialized Logistics, Planes Commercial Services

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Storage
Pay by credit card

A Better Way Moving and Storage

4801 W Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404 US

91% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers share glowing feedback about A Better Way Moving and Storage, with 232 out of 256 reviews (over 90%) describing efficient, professional movers who handle belongings with care. Clients highlight the team's promptness, polite demeanor, affordability, and their ability to complete moves quickly. People value transparent pricing, friendly staff, and the stress-free process, while careful handling of special items and attention to detail frequently receive praise.

On the negative side, 23 reviews mention problems such as damage to belongings, missing or lost items during transit or storage, and occasional delays in pickup or delivery. A small number also cite dissatisfaction with claims resolution or communication issues. Compared to the average moving company, A Better Way receives higher marks for staff professionalism and overall service value, but, as with any provider, rare moving mishaps and logistics challenges can occur.

Get a Quote (812) 339-9995

Company Info

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 1886253

Alternate Names: A Better Way Moving and Storage, Inc.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
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

Sherman Moving & Storage

990 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227 US

72% of all reviews were positive

28% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Sherman Moving & Storage earns praise for a professional and courteous team, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and a moving process many customers find fast and stress-free. Most feedback highlights their reliability, with many saying the movers protect property and provide peace of mind—a notable advantage compared to other moving companies. Users often describe the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and highly recommended the service.

On the downside, some customers report significant issues such as damages to items, especially furniture, higher costs than quoted, and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members. Concerns about billing transparency and complaint handling occasionally surface. Sherman stands out positively for its attentive staff and efficiency, but some past clients report disappointment due to unresolved damages or unexpected charges. Out of 74 reviews, 71.6% were positive.

Get a Quote (317) 784-5462

Company Info

Years in Business: 92

DOT #: 719392

Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

Leaders Moving & Storage Co.

9900 Westpoint Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256 US

89% of all reviews were positive

10% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Leaders Moving & Storage Co. means working with a crew known for professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling. Of the 248 customer responses analyzed, 89% gave positive feedback, consistently highlighting friendly staff, speedy and careful work, and helpful attitudes. Many praised the team’s ability to handle heavy or delicate items and transparency with pricing.

Customers valued clear communication, organized crews, and prompt service, noting that many movers went the extra mile to ease their stress. On the other hand, roughly 10% of responses described issues such as items being damaged, inexperienced team members, and breakdowns in communication, with a few citing frustrating claims processes. A small number of customers felt that their movers lacked preparation or that management did not resolve complaints to their satisfaction. Compared to other companies in the moving industry, Leaders stands out for how often its staff receive recognition for both their skill and respectful, helpful approach. Most clients reported moves that finished on time, with their belongings arriving safely and all expectations met or exceeded.

Get a Quote (317) 280-3385

Company Info

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577

Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving and Storage Company, Hilling Moving & Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Columbus, IN, for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have shipment minimums that smaller moves just can’t meet. If you’re only relocating a few items, that can quickly limit your options.

Don’t fret — some movers are built for just this kind of job. These companies specialize in small moves, making them a great fit if you're moving out of Columbus with only a studio’s worth of stuff or a handful of belongings.

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 Columbus, IN

Moving containers, also known as moving pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Columbus at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Columbus include:

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 Columbus, IN for a total DIY long-distance move

If saving money is your top priority, renting a truck for your move from Columbus might be the way to go. Just remember — it’s a full DIY job. You’ll be packing, lifting, driving, and unloading everything yourself. And while it may look budget-friendly upfront, costs like gas, mileage, and tolls can sneak up on you. Do the math before locking it in.

Take a look at 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 Columbus, IN

Hiring labor-only movers means you take care of the truck and materials, and they take care of the muscle. From loading and unloading to assembling your furniture, it’s a streamlined way to get professional support without the full moving package.

These are some of the best labor-only moving companies for long-distance relocations from Columbus, IN:

Flex Moving & Storage

rating

4.42 / 5

Years in Business: 3
Yelp: 3 / 5
BBB: B

Get A Quote

(786) 738-9516

A Better Way Moving and Storage

rating

4.72 / 5

Years in Business: 22
Yelp: 3.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(812) 339-9995

Greenwood Moving & Storage

rating

4.52 / 5

Years in Business: 51
Yelp: 3.3 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(317) 882-0190

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Columbus, IN

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 Columbus, IN

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 Columbus, IN

On average, movers in Indiana charge about $140 per hour. That said, final pricing depends on more than just hourly rates—factors like distance and shipment size still play a big role, even when working with the top interstate movers.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move from Columbus, IN to some of the most common destinations:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Jacksonville, FL	837 miles	3 bedroom	$3,959 - $6,601
Boise, ID	1,865 miles	2 bedroom	$3,886 - $7,481
Philadelphia, PA	654 miles	1 bedroom	$2,200 - $4,896

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

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

Movers helping you relocate from Indiana must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All Columbus movers on our list meet these standards, but you can confirm this info yourself via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Don’t forget to check out the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet before your interstate move.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Columbus?

If your move is staying within Columbus, hiring a local mover is usually the most budget-friendly choice. For out-of-state relocations, national companies like Safeway Moving offer more experience with long-distance moves..

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

Since demand for movers in Columbus drops in November and December — thanks to the holiday season and school commitments — you’ll have more room to negotiate with moving companies and potentially lock in lower prices.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Columbus?

If you're staying within 50 miles of Columbus, doing the move yourself is usually the most affordable option. That includes renting a truck from companies like U-Haul or going with a moving container service such as PODS. Read our full breakdown of the cheapest ways to move out of state.