10 Best Moving Companies in Ohio (2026 Reviews)
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Based on moveBuddha's analysis of 188 movers and 73,407 verified reviews in Ohio, MVM Moving & Storage is the top-rated local mover with a 4.8/5 moveBuddha score, ranking #1 out of 213 movers we've scored in Ohio.
Local moves in Ohio typically cost $409 for a studio up to $3,978 for a 5+ bedroom home. Use moveBuddha's free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
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10 Best Local Moving Companies in Ohio
moveBuddha reviewed 188 Ohio moving companies, scoring each on customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Each mover was evaluated using verified customer reviews, FMCSA complaint data, BBB standing, and moveBuddha's own score, built from 1,000+ real quotes and moves. The 10 companies below represent the highest-scoring local movers in Ohio.
Affordable rates
Friendly and approachable staff
Quick moving process
Respectful of property
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. MVM Moving & Storage has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. MVM Moving & Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 989 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.4
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from MVM Moving & Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military, law enforcement.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. MVM Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The team was kind, professional, and prompt. They were friendly and took great care of my items. They worked quickly and efficiently.
The movers were very quick and pleasant to work with. They were respectful to my property and worked faster than any other moving company that I've worked with!
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Integrity Moving & Storage has been in business for 21 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. Integrity Moving & Storage has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 743 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Integrity Moving & Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Integrity Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Not only were they better priced than others, they were quick, professional and so careful.
From the first phone call looking for a quote to the last item being removed from their trucks, everyone was so professional, accommodating and pleasant to work with.
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 22 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 1039 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Movers arrived early, were courteous, took good care of my stuff including everything marked fragile, worked efficiently, and stayed within the very reasonable cost estimate.
Two Men and a Truck helped us on short notice. Ty and his team were on time, worked quickly, and were very careful. Everything was wrapped well, with no damage to furniture, floors, or walls.
Affordable rates
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has been in business for 32 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1018 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Leaders Moving & Storage Co..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Leaders Moving & Storage Co. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Leaders did a fantastic job with our move, made the process easy, and were extremely affordable. Terry Evans, Darren Nixson, and Josh Bryant were super kind and helpful.
Great experience with Leaders crew Evans and Long. They were on time, courteous, and extremely professional. They handled large, awkward furniture with care and made sure there was no property damage.
Friendly and approachable staff
Good communication
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Efficient service
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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 small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Planes Moving & Storage Company has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 692 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Planes Moving & Storage Company, and Planes Moving & Storage Company makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
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
Ben, Chris, Angel, and the other three gentlemen were some of the kindest, hardest-working, and most respectful crew members I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. They consistently addressed me by name, listened attentively, and explained details clearly and respectfully.
Great communication, on-time pickup and delivery, clear and accurate pricing. Thank you so much for helping us move from Columbus to Reno!
Friendly and approachable staff
Respectful of property
Helpful movers
Quick moving process
Professional and polite staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Summit Moving & Storage has been in business for 69 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Summit Moving & Storage has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1345 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Summit Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Summit Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They came in like a fresh breeze and speedran the whole apartment. It was amazing how fast they were while still being careful. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism and efficiency.
Zack, Donavin, and Carl did a phenomenal job. They treated our belongings and home as if they were their own. My family will definitely use Summit Moving and Storage again.
Good communication
Friendly and approachable staff
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick response times
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Andrews Moving & Storage Co has been in business for 118 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Andrews Moving & Storage Co has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1059 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Andrews Moving & Storage Co.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Andrews Moving & Storage Co emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Scheduling was flawless and communication from start to finish was excellent. The two deliverymen were prompt, responsive, efficient, and very pleasant.
The 2-man crew showed up on time and delivered my cabinets efficiently and quickly. They were friendly and respectful.
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Quick response times
Quick moving process
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Smooth Move Relocation Services has been in business for 25 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Smooth Move Relocation Services has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 630 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Smooth Move Relocation Services.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Smooth Move Relocation Services emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
I like how fast they did there job it only took 2 hours to get the job done..
The scheduling and the move itself were quick and efficient with no damages. I thought the pricing was fair and reasonable.
Affordable rates
Quick response times
Efficient service
Friendly and approachable staff
Professional and polite staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 9 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. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 345 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
These guys were amazingly efficient and did the work for a great price. The process could not have been easier from scheduling to paying them electronically. We will use them again!
Arrived on time, did everything they promised at the price they quoted. Highly recommend
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Good communication
Friendly and approachable staff
Efficient service
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc. has been in business for 34 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc. has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 149 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc..
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
They gave a guaranteed not to exceed price, stuck to it, and cost $900 less than the next lowest bid.
Mr. Mover was great. They are a bit on the pricier side but totally worth it! They had great communication and flexibility.
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Compare the top moving companies in Ohio
Based on moveBuddha's 2026 moving data, here's how the top movers in Ohio compare.
| Mover | Years in business | BBB rating | Verified reviews | Positive reviews | Interstate moves | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVM Moving & Storage | 21 | A+ | 989 | 95.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Integrity Moving & Storage | 21 | A+ | 743 | 93.4% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | 22 | — | 1,039 | 92.0% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | 32 | A+ | 1,018 | 92.9% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Planes Moving & Storage Company | 105 | A+ | 692 | 91.3% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Summit Moving & Storage | 69 | A+ | 1,345 | 92.7% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Andrews Moving & Storage Co | 118 | A+ | 1,059 | 93.0% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Smooth Move Relocation Services | 25 | A+ | 630 | 96.3% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 9 | A+ | 345 | 91.6% | Yes | Get A Quote |
| Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc. | 34 | A+ | 149 | 88.6% | Yes | Get A Quote |
Other local Ohio movers
These Ohio movers were reviewed by moveBuddha but did not make our top 10. See all 188 Ohio movers we've reviewed →
- Ace Relocation Systems Inc.
- The Armstrong Company
- Blue Men Moving LLC
- COTTER
- Move It Now
- Summit Moving & Storage
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
- Lift With A Twist LLC
- Belpre Movers
- Berea Moving & Storage Co.
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
- New Roots Moving Company LLC
- Bellhop Moving
- Black Tie Moving
- Clark and Sons Moving
- Smooth Move Relocation Services
- You Move Me
- All My Sons Moving & Storage
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage
- Bright Eyed Moving
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
- Corrigan Moving Systems
- northAmerican Moving Services
- Stevens Moving & Storage of Cleveland
- AIM Moving Services
- All American Moving and Storage
- Custom Movers
- Dearman Moving & Storage
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage
- EkoMovers
- Fosnaugh and Sons
- GR8LABOR Moving Services
- Guardian Relocation
- Hercules Movers LLC
- Herlihy Moving & Storage
- Krupp Moving & Storage LLC
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.
- Lewis & Michael Moving and Storage
- Movers & More
- Moyer's Movers
- Mr. Mover of Ohio Inc.
- Whitners Moving
- Advantage Movers
- American Way Van & Storage
- Greater Dayton Moving & Storage
- Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc
- Mayberry's Van & Storage, Inc.
- Andrews Moving & Storage Co
- ASAP Moving and Hauling LLC
- Eyring Movers
- Move For Less, LLC
- Northcoast Moving Inc.
- A to Z Moving and Driving, LLC
- Chesapeake Transfer
- A.B.C. Movers Inc.
- Affordable Relocation Services
- Glass City Movers, LLC
- Holland Movers LLC
- Morse Moving and Storage
- MVM Moving & Storage
- Perrysburg Moving & Hauling LLC
- Celina Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Krupp Moving and Storage, LLC
- Bearded Brothers Moving Group
- Steel Valley Moving
Popular moving routes from Ohio
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes. Use the links below to find route-specific cost data and recommended movers for your destination. Find your exact moving route →
| Route | Route details |
|---|---|
| Ohio to California | Cross-country route; strong demand year-round |
| Ohio to Texas | Major migration corridor; competitive pricing |
| Ohio to Florida | High-volume retirement and lifestyle move |
| Ohio to New York | Northeast corridor; dense urban delivery complexity |
| Ohio to North Carolina | Growing Southeast destination; strong inbound demand |
| Ohio to Georgia | Southeast hub; major corporate relocation market |
| Ohio to Arizona | Sun Belt destination; seasonal pricing variation |
| Ohio to Washington | Pacific Northwest corridor; tech-sector demand |
| Ohio to Colorado | Mountain West route; strong year-round volume |
| Ohio to Illinois | Midwest hub; major urban access considerations |
If you're moving from Ohio to a destination 500+ miles away, a local mover is not the right fit. Long-distance moves require interstate operating authority, binding estimate practices, and logistics capacity that most local carriers don't carry. We recommend using one of the top-rated long-distance moving companies in Ohio for any out-of-state move of significant distance.
What specialty moving services are available in Ohio?
Not every mover in Ohio offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 188 Ohio movers, here is what is available and how often:
Piano movers in Ohio
| Piano moving in Ohio | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio piano movers | MVM Moving & Storage Integrity Moving & Storage |
| Ohio movers offering this | 84 of 188 (40.96%) |
| National average | 42.33% |
| Upright piano | $752 to $1,410 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,128 to $2,350 |
| Grand piano | $1,692 to $3,290 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
See our full guide to the best piano movers for a breakdown of what to look for and how to compare quotes.
Antique movers in Ohio
| Antique handling in Ohio | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio antique movers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Ohio movers offering this | 41 of 188 (20.21%) |
| National average | 26.25% |
| Added cost to a household move | $940 to $2,350 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $47 to $470 |
| Custom crating per item | $141 to $188 |
Standard released-value protection pays $0.60 per pound regardless of what an item is worth. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 yields a $30 claim under that policy. Antique movers close that gap with custom crating, acid-free padding, and white-glove loading protocols designed for high-value pieces. Full valuation coverage is worth requesting by name before signing any moving contract.
See our guide to the best antique moving companies for tips on vetting specialty movers and protecting high-value pieces.
Art movers in Ohio
| Art packing in Ohio | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio art movers | Planes Moving & Storage Company Summit Moving & Storage |
| Ohio movers offering this | 45 of 188 (22.34%) |
| National average | 26.62% |
| Per-piece handling fee | $47 to $470 |
| Custom crating per item | $141 to $188 |
Framed artwork and sculpture face 3 distinct risks in transit: UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, and impact fractures. Standard moving blankets mitigate only the third and only partially. Art movers use archival materials and custom crates sized to each piece to address all 3. Direct experience with the specific media, whether oil on canvas, bronze, or photography, matters more than general fine art credentials.
See our complete guide to how to pack and move art for a full breakdown of materials, techniques, and questions to ask before booking.
Climate-controlled storage in Ohio
| Climate-controlled storage in Ohio | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Planes Moving & Storage Company |
| Ohio movers offering this | 60 of 188 (27.66%) |
| National average | 24.36% |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $242 |
Humidity does more damage to stored belongings than temperature in most cases. Wood furniture warps and joints loosen. Vinyl records warp and fuse. Electronics corrode. Mold develops on fabric and upholstery. Temperature-only storage units do not address any of these risks. Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity and are the appropriate choice for storage gaps longer than 30 days or any move that spans a seasonal weather shift.
See our guide to climate-controlled storage for a deeper look at when it's worth the cost and how to compare options.
Fragile-only packing in Ohio
| Fragile-only packing in Ohio | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio providers | Planes Moving & Storage Company Summit Moving & Storage |
| Ohio movers offering this | 20 of 188 (9.57%) |
| National average | 11.77% |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most frequently damaged in transit and the items that benefit most from professional packing materials and technique. Fragile-only packing covers those categories specifically, without the cost of a full-service contract that extends to furniture, clothing, and items you are fully capable of packing yourself. Before booking, confirm that the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack.
DIY Moving Options in Ohio
Full-service movers aren't the only way to move in Ohio. Moving containers, rental trucks, and labor-only crews are all solid DIY options that can cut your moving costs by roughly 30%, the right choice comes down to how much you want to handle yourself. If you're weighing the tradeoffs, our guide to professional movers vs. DIY moving breaks down the full cost and effort comparison.
What are the best moving containers in Ohio?
The best moving container companies available in Ohio are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. They cost significantly less than full-service movers and carry none of the one-way mileage risk of rental trucks. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size.
What are the best rental trucks in Ohio?
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Ohio are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes.
DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service moving. In Ohio, a full-service 1-bedroom move averages $579 and a 2-bedroom runs $954.
Who are the best labor-only hourly movers in Ohio?
The best labor-only movers in Ohio start with MVM Moving & Storage and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. At $122/hour for a 2-person crew in Ohio, labor-only is the most affordable way to get professional help on moving day.
You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Take a look at these highly recommended labor-only movers for your Ohio move:
How much do movers cost in Ohio?
Local moves in Ohio average $409 for a studio up to $3,978 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers in Ohio charge $122/hour for a 2-person crew, based on moveBuddha's 2026 quote data.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $409 | $170 |
| 1 bedroom | $579 | $170 |
| 2 bedrooms | $954 | $238 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,242 | $334 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,576 | $334 |
| 5+ bedrooms | $3,978 | $467 |
Summer moves (June–August) and month-end dates cost 15%–20% more. Get a personalized Ohio moving cost estimate →
Know Your Rights as a Ohio Mover
Ohio mover licensing: 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. Verify a license →
Insurance requirement: Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Final Verdict: Best Moving Companies in Ohio
Based on the research and data gathered by moveBuddha, here are our final takeaways on the best moving companies in Ohio:
- Best overall local mover in Ohio: MVM Moving & Storage (4.8/5). moveBuddha ranks MVM Moving & Storage #1 of 213 among reviewed Ohio movers. Local move costs range from $409 for a studio to $3,978 for a 5+ bedroom home.
- Best overall value for interstate moves: Safeway Moving (4.9/5). Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated interstate carrier for moves out of Ohio, with flat-rate pricing, veteran ownership, and full licensing and insurance for long-distance relocations.
- Best for certified crew quality: American Van Lines (4.9/5). American Van Lines is the strongest pick for movers who prioritize professionally certified crews and transparent flat-rate pricing on interstate moves.
- Best moving container: PODS (4.5/5). Container moves cost significantly less than full-service movers. You load on your own schedule and the company handles transport, with no one-way mileage risk.
- Best budget DIY option: Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5). Rental trucks are the lowest-cost moving method in Ohio. Factor in fuel and per-mile charges on any move with real distance behind it before committing to the base rate.
FAQs about moving in Ohio
How do I choose the right moving company in Ohio?
To find the right moving company in Ohio, focus on reputation, clear and competitive pricing, service variety, and insurance options. These are the core factors we evaluate in our reviews, making it easier for you to find the top-rated movers in Ohio.
Our advice? Get pricing details from at least 3 movers, and make sure one of them is a recommended flat-rate mover. This will give you a more accurate comparison of costs and offerings.
Do most Ohio moving companies offer interstate relocation services?
Yes. Out of 188 movers in Ohio, 143 are licensed for interstate moving. This majority means you'll have a wide selection of companies capable of handling long-distance moves, each meeting USDOT requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Explore your options by reviewing our guide to the best long-distance movers in Ohio.
How can I see all moving companies in Ohio?
You can see all moving companies in Ohio in our comprehensive list of Ohio movers.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Ohio?
Local moving costs in Ohio range from $409 for a studio to $3,978 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Your total depends on home size, distance, access conditions, and any add-on services like packing or storage.
What is the cheapest way to move in Ohio?
Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move in Ohio. DIY moves cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers. Renting a truck and hiring a labor-only crew for loading and unloading gives you professional help at a fraction of full-service pricing. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and remove the need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move means the moving company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. 159 of 188 movers in Ohio (76.06%) offer professional packing, and 136 (65.43%) offer storage. Full-service is the most hands-off option but costs more than DIY alternatives. Confirm exactly which services are included in your quote before signing.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A moving broker arranges moves through third-party carriers and does not handle your items directly. Brokers can offer competitive pricing but add a layer between you and the company doing the work, which can complicate communication and claims if something goes wrong. moveBuddha is not a broker and does not sell or share your information. We recommend booking directly with a licensed carrier whenever possible.
How much should you tip movers in Ohio?
For a local move, $20 to $50 per mover is a standard tip. For a long-distance move, $50 to $100+ per mover is appropriate, especially if the crew handled heavy furniture, stairs, or challenging access conditions. Tipping is not required, but it is customary for good service. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job.
How long does a move take in Ohio?
A local move in Ohio typically takes 4 hours for a 1-bedroom and 8 hours for a 3-bedroom home. Long-distance moves out of Ohio add transit time that varies by distance and carrier. Full-service movers typically provide a delivery window of 1 to 14 business days for interstate moves, depending on distance. Rental trucks and moving containers give you more control over exact delivery timing.
When is the best time of year to move in Ohio?
The cheapest time to move in Ohio is during the off-season, from October through April. Peak moving season runs May through September, with June and July commanding the highest rates. Moves booked midweek and mid-month also tend to cost less than weekend or month-end bookings. Planning around these windows can save 15% to 20% on your total moving cost.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in Ohio?
moveBuddha scores 188 moving companies in Ohio on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options. Based on that scoring, MVM Moving & Storage ranks #1 of 213 in Ohio, placing in the top 0.5% of Ohio movers.
How we chose the best moving companies in Ohio
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 188 Ohio moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
How to hire movers in Ohio
Follow these steps to compare movers, get accurate quotes, and book a reliable Ohio moving company.
- Estimate your cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your Ohio move. Local moves typically cost $409 for a studio up to $3,978 for a 5+ bedroom home. Most local movers charge $122/hour for a 2-person crew.
- Choose your move type. Pick the option that fits your budget: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), rental trucks (cheapest, but you drive), or labor-only crews for loading and unloading. DIY options like containers and rental trucks can cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving.
- Verify licensing and insurance. 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. Verify a license.
- Compare and vet movers. Compare movers using moveBuddha's weighted scoring: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). MVM Moving & Storage currently ranks first with a 4.8/5 moveBuddha score among 188 reviewed Ohio movers.
- Get quotes and book your move. Request written binding estimates from at least 3 Ohio movers before you commit. Compare line items including packing, access fees, and valuation coverage. Booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead and choosing mid-week, mid-month dates often saves on total cost.
- Prepare for move day. Account for local weather: Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.. Confirm parking permits, elevator reservations, and HOA rules at both locations. File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving day. Review your mover's insurance coverage and document valuables before the crew arrives.