The Best Long-Distance Movers in Columbus, IN
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The best long-distance mover in Columbus is A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Indiana, per moveBuddha's analysis of 58 Indiana movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Columbus?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Columbus residents moving out of Indiana are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Columbus for in-state moves?
A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Columbus-based mover for long-distance moves within Indiana, followed by Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5) and Busy Bee Movers (4.44/5). Of the 8 intrastate-capable movers serving Columbus, 8 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Columbus are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Columbus but stay within Indiana:
- A Better Way Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Jones Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. A Better Way Moving and Storage has been in business for 22 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. A Better Way Moving and Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 256 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 4.4
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from A Better Way Moving and Storage, and A Better Way Moving and Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors, AAA members.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. A Better Way Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"A Better Way did a fantastic job with our local move! Pricing and services were easy to understand, they were prompt and responsive every time I needed information, and our moving day team was fast-moving, careful, and friendly."
"The movers were very efficient, careful, and friendly. Everything went great. We would recommend them to anyone."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Planes Moving & Storage Company has been in business for 105 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Planes Moving & Storage Company has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 236 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Planes Moving & Storage Company.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Planes Moving & Storage Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"They were so kind and understanding towards my mother in law too. I can't thank these guys enough for what they did. Anyone looking for hardworking, careful, trustworthy movers look no further."
"Movers were friendly, respectful, quick, and gentle with our belongings. The third party Planes booked to crate a large art piece were great as well. Nice work Planes. Thank you!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Busy Bee Movers has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Busy Bee Movers has about 61% positive reviews across roughly 324 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.3.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Busy Bee Movers. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Busy Bee Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Movers were prompt, friendly, and handled my belongings as if they were their own. Packed well and nothing was damaged. Price was quite reasonable and I highly recommend!"
"The team was exceptionally professional, friendly, and efficient. They handled our belongings with care, securely packed everything, and not a single item was damaged."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Highly recommended
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Sherman Moving & Storage has been in business for 94 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Sherman Moving & Storage has about 72% positive reviews across roughly 74 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Sherman Moving & Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Sherman Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Brandon, James, Larry and Jonah absolutely crushed it! They were respectful of our home and ensured protection of furniture, walls and floors. The cost was highly competitive. Highly recommend them."
"Sherman Moving & Storage moved us in 2004 and now again in 2022. Great service, professional, personable workers. Treated our belongings like their own. Communication was clear. Highly recommend."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Affordable rates
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Jones Movers has been in business for 60 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Jones Movers has about 72% positive reviews across roughly 50 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Jones Movers. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Jones Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our experience with Jones was outstanding! On time, friendly, worked hard to unload quickly. Appreciated everything, especially reasonable pricing! Will definitely recommend and use again!"
"The crew was so friendly and moved quickly. They helped us so much! I would definitely recommend Jones movers."
What add-on services do Columbus movers offer?
Not every mover in Columbus offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 8 Columbus movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 25.0% of Columbus movers, compared to 27.59% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 62.5% of Columbus movers, compared to 51.72% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 12.5% of Columbus movers, compared to 22.41% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 75.0% of Columbus movers, compared to 79.31% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 12.5% of Columbus movers, compared to 8.62% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 75.0% of Columbus movers, compared to 74.14% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Columbus's cost of living.
Does Columbus have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 2 of 8 Columbus movers (25.0%), compared to 27.59% statewide and 45.83% nationally. A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) and Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5) rate highest for art handling in Columbus. Per-piece handling runs $42 to $415, with custom crates adding $125 to $166 per item.
| Art handling in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 2 of 8 (25.0%) |
| Indiana statewide | 16 of 58 (27.59%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Columbus art movers | A Better Way Moving and Storage, Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Per-piece handling fee | $42 to $415 |
| Custom crating per item | $125 to $166 |
UV exposure discolors pigments. Humidity shifts warp canvas and crack paint layers. Impact fractures damage sculpture and frames. Standard moving blankets address none of these risks adequately for high-value artwork. Archival packing materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece are the professional standard for art moving. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before committing.
Does Columbus have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 5 of 8 Columbus movers (62.5%), compared to 51.72% statewide and 36.39% nationally. A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) and Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5) rate highest for junk removal in Columbus. Standalone junk removal typically runs $125 to $415 per load.
| Junk removal in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 5 of 8 (62.5%) |
| Indiana statewide | 30 of 58 (51.72%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Columbus junk removal movers | A Better Way Moving and Storage, Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Typical cost per load | $125 to $415 |
| Single large item | $62 to $125 |
Bundling junk removal with a move is almost always cheaper than scheduling it as a separate service. Removing unwanted items before a mover arrives also reduces the billable weight of the shipment, which lowers the base moving cost on weight-based quotes.
Does Columbus have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 1 of 8 Columbus movers (12.5%), compared to 22.41% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Wheaton Moving & Storage (4.52/5) and Stuart’s Moving & Storage (4.44/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Columbus. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 1 of 8 (12.5%) |
| Indiana statewide | 13 of 58 (22.41%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Columbus providers | Wheaton Moving & Storage, Stuart’s Moving & Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without requiring a full-service packing contract. Professional packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound on average to a move's total cost, so limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce that add-on while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk.
Does Columbus have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 6 of 8 Columbus movers (75.0%), compared to 79.31% statewide and 84.85% nationally. A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) and Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5) rate highest for storage in Columbus. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $213/month.
| Storage in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 6 of 8 (75.0%) |
| Indiana statewide | 46 of 58 (79.31%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Columbus storage movers | A Better Way Moving and Storage, Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $213 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $415 |
Storage-in-transit keeps belongings with the mover's network between pickup and delivery, avoiding the cost of a third-party facility transfer. At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, a standard 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) runs roughly $213 per month. For longer gaps, confirm whether the mover's valuation coverage remains active while items are in storage.
Does Columbus have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 8 Columbus movers (12.5%), compared to 8.62% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Sherman Moving & Storage (4.44/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Columbus. Hot tub moves typically run $125 to $332 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 1 of 8 (12.5%) |
| Indiana statewide | 5 of 58 (8.62%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Columbus hot tub movers | Sherman Moving & Storage |
| Bundled with full-service move | $125 to $332 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $249 to $664 |
Empty weight for most hot tubs is 500 to 1,000 lbs. The unit must be fully drained, and electrical or plumbing disconnection may require a licensed contractor before the mover can load it. Narrow side-gate access or no direct truck access to the backyard can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price.
Does Columbus have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 6 of 8 Columbus movers (75.0%), compared to 74.14% statewide and 72.52% nationally. A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) and Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5) rate highest for piano moving in Columbus. A standalone piano move typically costs $664 to $2,905, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Columbus | Details |
|---|---|
| Columbus movers offering this | 6 of 8 (75.0%) |
| Indiana statewide | 43 of 58 (74.14%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Columbus piano movers | A Better Way Moving and Storage, Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Upright piano | $664 to $1,245 |
| Baby grand piano | $996 to $2,075 |
| Grand piano | $1,494 to $2,905 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano carrier.
Who are the best movers in Columbus for small long-distance moves?
Stuart’s Moving & Storage leads Columbus's small-move providers with a 4.44/5 moveBuddha score. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Columbus?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Columbus. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Columbus residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Columbus?
5 of 8 Columbus movers (62.5%) offer labor-only services, compared to 62.07% statewide and 54.55% nationally. A Better Way Moving and Storage (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Columbus, followed by Soft Touch Moving & Storage (4.36/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Columbus residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Columbus moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Columbus. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Columbus?
Moving costs across Indiana range from $483 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $196/hour) to $4,590 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Indiana mover quotes. The table below shows Indiana statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Columbus will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Indiana* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $483 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $679 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,110 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,592 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,976 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,590 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Indiana. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Indiana statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Columbus?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Columbus move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Columbus, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Columbus
Do long-distance movers in Columbus need to be licensed?
Every mover handling a cross-state shipment from Columbus must hold a valid US Department of Transportation number and maintain FMCSA registration. Of the 8 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Columbus, 8 are licensed for interstate moves — and every company recommended on this page is among them. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
Before your move, read the FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide to understand the consumer protections that apply once you sign with a licensed carrier.
Is a local mover or a national mover better for leaving Columbus?
Local movers in Columbus are the most affordable option for moves that stay within Indiana. Of the 8 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Columbus, 8 are licensed for interstate routes. The top-rated options are highlighted on this page.
When a move crosses out of Indiana, national movers with dedicated long-distance networks often handle the logistics more smoothly, though at a premium over local rates.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Columbus?
The cheapest moving window in Columbus is late fall through early winter. Average lows of 20°F, combined with school schedules and the holiday season, suppress demand and keep mover capacity high. Movers are most open to rate negotiation during this period. For anyone with scheduling flexibility, a November or December move date is the single most reliable way to lower your total cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Columbus?
When cost is the priority, a DIY move out of Columbus is almost always the winner, particularly for moves within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers save roughly 30% compared to full-service movers on equivalent routes, according to moveBuddha's data. The most economical options are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For more savings strategies on longer moves, see the cheapest ways to move out of state.
