The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Athens, OH

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Athens, OH, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

We're here to help.

We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:

Best overall value: Safeway Moving
Best Athens-based company: Leaders Moving & Storage Co.
Best for small moves: MiniMoves
Best moving container: PODS
Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.66 / 5
Triple 7 Movers	Get A Quote	4.38 / 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

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

If you’re leaving Athens and crossing state lines for a new home outside of Ohio, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

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

4.9 / 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

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

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) 825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

At A Glance

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

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

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

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

Are you moving from Athens but staying in Ohio? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within Ohio is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Athens, OH, movers:

Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
MVM Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Blue Men Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

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

Blue Men Moving LLC

7304 Tussing Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (35%)
Efficient service (30%)
Good communication (28%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)
Lack of communication (10%)

Review Analysis

Customer input for Blue Men Moving LLC shines with 231 out of 235 reviews expressing a positive experience—a striking 98% satisfaction rate. Feedback repeatedly notes efficient service, professional and polite teams, quick moves, attentive handling of possessions, and affordable pricing. Many mention transparent estimates and moves completed faster than quoted, making the process both smooth and cost-effective. In contrast, the small number of negative comments focus on items being damaged or missing, and issues with rushed jobs leading to overlooked belongings. These complaints emphasize gaps in follow-up and handling of claims. Compared to other moving companies, Blue Men’s staff professionalism and efficiency stand out, while their rare service lapses tend to relate to claim resolution and care in final checks during busy moves.

Get a Quote (614) 382-6777

Company Info

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2462290

Alternate Names: Blue Men Moving Columbus, Picktown Moving LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage

Integrity Moving & Storage

2050 Corvair Blvd, Columbus , OH 43207 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (41%)
Professional and polite staff (38%)
Good communication (36%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (17%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Movers who set the bar high—252 customer reviews show Integrity Moving & Storage delivers consistently excellent service. Over 93% of feedback highlights fast, efficient moves, professional and courteous staff, careful handling, and strong communication. Customers frequently note that the team works together effectively and treats belongings with respect. Many describe the booking process as easy and costs as fair—even coming in below the original estimate for some. A few negative reports mention items damaged during the move, unsatisfactory claims resolution, and occasional scheduling delays, which are rare compared to typical moving experiences. Integrity stands out among local movers for careful handling and reliability, but those needing robust claims support should verify policies in advance. Most customers found their moves stress-free and, remarkably, even pleasant.

Get a Quote (614) 484-0049

Company Info

State license #: 00151315

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1343775

Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC, Integrity Moving, Columbus Piano Moving, Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
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

Best long-distance movers in Athens, OH, 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 Athens, check out these suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Athens, OH

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Athens 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 Athens include:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Rental trucks in Athens, OH for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Athens, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.15 / 5

Check prices (800) 468-4285

At A Glance

More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive

read our full review

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Licensed

Insured

Price

4 / 5

Check prices (844) 847-9517

At A Glance

Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool

read our full review

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Athens, OH

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Athens, OH:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
$1,000 money-back service guarantee
Fast and accurate delivery times
Free damage coverage with additional coverage options

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

At A Glance

Quick and easy booking process
National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
Dedicated move concierge specialist
Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Athens, OH

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Athens, OH

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 Athens, OH

The average cost for professional movers in Ohio is $124 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 Athens, OH to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Boston, MA	736 miles	3 bedroom	$3,963 - $7,179
Billings, MT	1,674 miles	2 bedroom	$3,982 - $7,550
Albuquerque, NM	1,531 miles	1 bedroom	$3,124 - $6,363

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

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of Ohio must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Athens movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

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

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Athens is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Ohio, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

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

Moving companies in Athens 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 Athens?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Athens. The cheapest options for moving out of Athens 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.