The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Athens, OH

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 13, 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:

Bellhop Moving

4.66
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Blue Men Moving LLC

4.8
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Bellhop Moving

4.66
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
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 moving out of Athens and heading beyond Ohio's borders, here are our top picks for interstate moving companies:

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 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:

Preferred Partner

Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Blue Men Moving LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
MVM Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Hercules Movers LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 US

58% of all reviews were positive

40% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Blue Men Moving LLC

7304 Tussing Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 US

98% of all reviews were positive

2% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

94% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Leaders Moving & Storage Co.

7455 Alta View Blvd, Columbus, OH 43085 US

84% of all reviews were positive

14% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

97% of all reviews were positive

2% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Hercules Movers LLC

1509 Blatt Blvd, Columbus, OH 43230 US

79% of all reviews were positive

19% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Movers praise doesn’t come much higher than the raves for Hercules Movers LLC. Out of 263 pieces of feedback, over 79% are positive. People consistently highlight efficient crews, careful handling of belongings, professionalism, and friendliness—even under challenging conditions.

Many found the staff especially pleasant and booking straightforward. In sharp contrast, nearly one in five reviewers reported problems such as damage to property, difficulties getting claims or repairs addressed, or inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected charges. Unanswered calls and unresponsive customer service were common threads in less favorable accounts. Compared with other movers, Hercules completes jobs more quickly and at better rates for most, but reliability falters when something goes wrong. Those seeking a smooth, friendly move are likely to be satisfied, but attention to post-move support and transparent pricing could set this company apart from competitors.

Get a Quote (614) 820-5927

Company Info

State license #: 00601047

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2548354

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Athens, OH, for small moves

Most professional moving companies won’t take on moves below a certain weight limit. That means small relocations often don’t qualify for their services.

The good news? Some movers specialize in small moves. So if you're heading out of Athens with only a few items or a studio’s worth of furniture, check out these recommendations:

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 Athens, OH

Moving containers, also known as moving 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:

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 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:

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 Athens, OH

Labor-only movers are perfect when you need extra hands but not a full-service moving truck. They’ll handle the packing, heavy lifting, and even furniture assembly, while you’re in charge of the truck and materials.

Check out these top-rated labor-only moving companies for long-distance moves from Athens, OH:

Bellhop Moving

rating

4.66 / 5

Years in Business: 13
Yelp: 3.4 / 5
BBB: C

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Herlihy Moving & Storage

rating

4.72 / 5

Years in Business: 104
Yelp: 3.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(614) 871-4040

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

rating

4.72 / 5

Years in Business: 31
Yelp: 3 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(614) 423-4842

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Athens, OH

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 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

Professional movers in Ohio charge around $124 per hour on average. However, even the most reputable interstate moving companies need more details—like how far and how much you're moving—before giving you an accurate quote.

Here’s a look at average long-distance moving costs from Athens, OH to major cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Los Angeles, CA	2,316 miles	3 bedroom	$6,134 - $9,320
Wichita, KS	924 miles	2 bedroom	$3,123 - $6,970
Portland, ME	847 miles	1 bedroom	$2,755 - $5,766

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?

Movers helping you relocate from Ohio must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All Athens 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 Athens?

If your move is staying within Athens, 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 Athens?

Since demand for movers in Athens 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 Athens?

If you're staying within 50 miles of Athens, 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.