Cheapest Movers in Athens, OH (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 68 Ohio movers, and Bellhop Moving rose to the top for local moves in Athens, OH, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from Ohio, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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:

Bellhop Moving

4.66
Best local OH mover:

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

4.96
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.66 / 5
Triple 7 Movers	Get A Quote	4.34 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 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

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Athens, OH

If you're planning a move within Athens or to a nearby Ohio city no more than 50 miles away like Chauncey or Albany, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner

Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Triple 7 Movers: 4.34 out of 5 stars
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
MVM Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
All American Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (34%)
Professional and polite staff (32%)
Good communication (26%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (29%)
Lack of communication (26%)
Unexpected charges (24%)

Review Analysis

When timing and professionalism count, Bellhop Moving stands out in customer feedback. Of the 38 reviews assessed, almost 58% delivered positive sentiment, while almost 40% reflected dissatisfied experiences. Customers highlight consistent professionalism, efficiency, careful attention to belongings, and approachable movers. Friendly attitudes and reliable performance under tough conditions, like bad weather, set Bellhop apart from many low-cost alternatives. Reports of fast, careful moves and easy booking are frequent. On the downside, damaged items, delayed or canceled moves, and unexpected extra charges surface often. Some clients experienced property damage or last-minute cancellations that created major issues, and several found the compensation process unsatisfactory if things went wrong. Compared to other movers, Bellhop is more frequently praised for politeness and efficiency but criticized more than average for inconsistent arrival and resolution of complaints.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Triple 7 Movers

2549 Westbelt Dr, Columbus, OH 43228 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (38%)
Professional and polite staff (31%)
Careful handling (31%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (38%)
Unexpected charges (31%)
Damage to items (31%)

Review Analysis

Feedback paints a clear picture of Triple 7 Movers’ service. Out of 19 reviews, about 74% of customer input is positive. Customers often highlight the professionalism of staff, careful handling, efficiency, helpfulness, and speed throughout the moving process. On the other hand, complaints include reports of damaged or lost items, significant delivery delays, and poor communication from staff. Compared to many moving companies, Triple 7 receives more frequent praise for attentive and courteous teams, but critical feedback underscores the need for better reliability and accountability when issues arise.

Get a Quote (866) 968-1124

Company Info

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 1812376

Alternate Names: Triple 7 Movers, MidWestern Movers, LLC, MidWestern Movers

Services Offered

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

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH 43123 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (30%)
Efficient service (28%)
Careful handling (26%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Lack of communication (15%)

Review Analysis

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage stands out for its remarkable record with customers, earning 92% positive feedback from 256 reviews. Many praised the professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient service, excellent communication, and the speed of the moving process. Customers also highlighted how team members accommodated last-minute changes and consistently treated property with respect. In contrast, some highlighted concerns mainly about damage to items, misplacement or loss during moves, and difficulties with after-move communication or claims resolution. Issues like denied insurance claims or delayed responses were the chief negatives, though these were comparatively rare. In terms of reliability, professionalism, and customer care, E.E. Ward ranks among the best in the industry, with significantly fewer negative experiences than typical moving companies.

Get a Quote (614) 401-6796

Company Info

State license #: 11470

Years in Business: 143

DOT #: 1222904

Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC, E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC

Services Offered

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

Leaders Moving & Storage Co.

7455 Alta View Blvd, Columbus, OH 43085 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (28%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (23%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (32%)
Lack of communication (30%)
Unexpected charges (28%)

Review Analysis

Movers who hustle for you—customer feedback on Leaders Moving & Storage Co. shows why many choose them over the competition. Out of 369 reviews, 84% are positive, highlighting outstanding efficiency, professional and polite crews, careful handling, quick move times, and strong communication. Customers repeatedly mention pleasant, energetic staff who deliver moves faster than expected and care for items and property. Pricing transparency, flexible options, and true-to-estimate billing set Leaders apart from many other movers. Negative input, making up 14%, focuses on damaged items, slow or unhelpful claims handling, and occasional late arrivals. Customers reporting issues describe damaged or mishandled items, and say resolution for complaints or claims can be frustratingly slow or inadequate compared to what industry leaders deliver. A small number of customers also mention unprofessional or unreliable crews, and a lack of follow-up from management. Still, positive feedback vastly outnumbers complaints, with most reviewers highly recommending Leaders for an easy, stress-free moving experience.

Get a Quote (614) 885-6683

Company Info

State license #: 00136562

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577

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

Services Offered

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

MVM Moving & Storage

3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH 43026 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (33%)
Professional and polite staff (29%)
Good communication (27%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
Unexpected charges (16%)
Damage to items (15%)

Review Analysis

Moving made simple — that’s what customers consistently report after hiring MVM Moving & Storage. Out of 257 customer reviews, an impressive 96.9% express satisfaction. MVM’s team stands out for being efficient, professional, and attentive, with many mentioning careful treatment of their belongings and quick, well-organized moves. Communication is seamless at every step, from booking to delivery. Feedback sharply contrasts these strengths with a handful of dissatisfied customers. The most significant complaints center around damaged items, inaccurate estimates, and rare instances of unprofessional or rude staff. Despite isolated issues, MVM earns more praise for speed, staff demeanor, and the care taken with property than nearly any competitor in the industry. Their approach creates a noticeably smooth and stress-free moving experience that sets a high bar for local moving companies.

Get a Quote (614) 230-0667

Company Info

State license #: 156647

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 1444491

Alternate Names: MVM Columbus, MVM Columbus Incorporated.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by credit card

All American Moving and Storage

2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH 43204 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (27%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (24%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

Review Analysis

Choosing the right moving company matters, and customers say All American Moving and Storage rises above most. Analysis of 251 pieces of feedback shows that 90% of customers praised courteous, professional movers, efficient service, careful handling, and good communication. Many highlighted how quickly and safely their belongings were moved, often noting better experiences compared to other moving companies in the area. Customers especially valued staff professionalism and the care shown to fragile or valuable items. About 9% voiced major concerns, pointing to damage to items during moves, final costs far higher than original quotes, and infrequent complaints about delays or missed appointments. Only two neutral reviews were found, indicating rare middle-ground input and suggesting most customers felt strongly about their experiences. Positive feedback outpaces negative by a significant margin, placing All American well ahead of many competitors in satisfaction, but those considering their services should pay close attention to estimate details and clarify expectations to avoid the main downsides experienced by some.

Get a Quote (614) 224-0077

Company Info

State license #: 147426

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1239401

Alternate Names: American Moving & Storage, Ltd., All American Moving & Storage of Columbus, All American Moving and Storage, All American Delivery, Daniel R Dragin All American Moving, Storage and Delivery Prime Agent for Arpin Van Lines

Services Offered

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

Other local OH movers

While these local Ohio movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of Ohio

Moving from Ohio to another state involves more than just packing boxes. You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team. These interstate moving companies have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible::

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Athens, OH

Going with a full-service mover for your Athens, Ohio move is the easiest way to go. That convenience can be costly, however. To keep moving costs lower, consider using one of the leading moving container companies, or a rental truck provider in Athens.

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

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby Ohio cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Athens, OH

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 68 Ohio movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Athens, OH

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Athens area. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in Ohio.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates. Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate, try our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$517	$199	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$740	$195	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,169	$278	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,647	$394	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$3,033	$382	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,557	$546	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Athens, OH movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Athens, OH stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage	5/5	A+	3.9/5	4.8/5
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.	5/5	A+	3.6/5	4.8/5
MVM Moving & Storage	5/5	A+	4.4/5	4.9/5
All American Moving and Storage	4.9/5	A+	3.7/5	/5
Integrity Moving & Storage	4.9/5	A+	4/5	4.8/5
Planes Moving & Storage Company	4.8/5	A+	2.6/5	4.7/5
EkoMovers	4.8/5	A+	2.7/5	4.3/5
Blue Men Moving LLC	4.7/5	A+	4.3/5	5/5
Herlihy Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	3.9/5	4.5/5
Belpre Movers	3.7/5		1/5	4.9/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in Ohio list to find vetted options.

What should I look for in a reputable Athens mover?

Choosing a reputable Athens moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Athens movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

Are long-distance moves available through Athens moving companies?

While some Athens movers specialize in local jobs, others are equipped for long-distance moves, too. If you’re relocating out of state, browse our picks for the best long distance movers in Athens.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in Athens, OH?

Movers in Athens, Ohio, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your Athens move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from Athens, OH?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within Athens, Ohio. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from Athens?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

What are my options for loading help with a moving container in Athens?

Using a rental truck or container but need some muscle? Labor-only moving companies can help with just the loading and unloading. It’s a great way to make your move faster and easier while still keeping costs down.

Do movers in Athens provide storage services?

Yes, most Athens movers offer both short- and long-term storage. Just note that some use third-party warehouses, so it’s wise to ask upfront about where your things will be stored and how much it will cost.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?