Best Long-Distance Movers in Ohio for 2024
Fact Checked by: - Best long-distance mover: Safeway Moving (4.85/5 stars)
- Best local company: Moving Ahead Services (5/5 stars)
- Best moving container: U-Pack (5/5 stars)
- Best labor only: HireAHelper (4.5/5 stars)
- Best full DIY option: U-Haul Truck Rental (4.15/5 stars)
|
|
|
|
While Safeway Moving is our top pick for interstate moves, Moving Ahead Services is rated as the best Ohio-based company that can handle long-distance moves. We rated them a 5 out of 5 star rating, which made them the best out of 59 local moving companies in Ohio.
Other great options for long-distance moves out of Ohio are worth checking out. Whether you're moving out of Ohio or making a long-distance move across the state, we'll walk you through the best national and local movers based on transparent costs, availability of services, and real customer reviews.
How we picked the best long-distance movers in Ohio
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in Ohio.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Best interstate movers for those moving out of Ohio
These are the best state-to-state moving companies available in Ohio.
- Safeway Moving, 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.6 out of 5
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
Best long-distance movers if you’re staying in Ohio
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Ohio but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best long distance movers for you:
- Moving Ahead Services, 5 out of 5
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co., 5 out of 5
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage, 5 out of 5
- MVM Moving & Storage, 5 out of 5
- Move It Now, 4.96 out of 5
Moving Ahead Services
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1657726
Years in Business: 16
4708 Topps Industrial Pkwy, Willoughby, OH 44094Moving Ahead Services, established in 2008, offers exceptional local residential moving services in and around Willoughby, OH. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their extensive packing and unpacking services, as well as their expertise in handling specialty items such as pianos, safes, and antiques. The company boasts an impressive online reputation with an average Yelp rating of 4.1 from 52 reviews and an outstanding 4.8 average from 432 Google reviews. Additionally, their A rating from the Better Business Bureau underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction. With no deposit required and credit card payments accepted, Moving Ahead Services provides a seamless and trustworthy moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1657726
- State license #: 00157491
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1237577
Years in Business: 29
10836 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 USLeaders Moving & Storage Co. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in Blue Ash, OH since 1995. With an impressive Google My Business rating of 4.8 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby competitors. Besides local moves, they also offer office moving, packing, and unpacking services, catering to various moving needs. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient choice for hassle-free relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1237577
- State license #: 136562
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1222904
Years in Business: 142
2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH 43123E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has been serving the Grove City, OH area since 1882, making it one of the oldest and most experienced local moving companies. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 from 288 Google reviews and a solid Yelp rating of 4.1 from 28 reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, they are widely regarded as a reputable choice. In addition to local residential moving, they offer a range of services including long-distance moves, office relocations, and specialty moving services for items like pianos and antiques. E.E. Ward stands out from the competition with its comprehensive packing and crating services, no required deposit, and full valuation insurance coverage.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1222904
- State license #: 11470
Alternative Business Names
- E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC
- E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Local Associations
MVM Moving & Storage
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 1444491
Years in Business: 17
3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH 43026 USMVM Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in Hilliard, OH since 2007. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they clearly prioritize customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby movers, MVM offers comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling of fragile items, ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Additionally, they can expertly move pianos, pool tables, and antiques, making them ideal for those with valuable or delicate items. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, setting them apart for convenience and reliability.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1444491
- State license #: 156647
Alternative Business Names
- MVM Columbus
- MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Move It Now
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 2048293
Years in Business: 13
1749 Main Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 USMove It Now has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Cuyahoga Falls, OH since 2011. With an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from 255 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, it's clear that customer satisfaction is a priority for them. Unlike many competitors, Move It Now also offers flexible packing services and labor-only options, catering to diverse moving needs without requiring a deposit. Although their Yelp rating is slightly lower at 3.9 from 14 reviews, the overwhelmingly positive feedback elsewhere makes them a reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2048293
- State license #: 00504589
Alternative Business Names
- Move It Now of Akron
Alternative long-distance moving options
While hiring full-service moving companies out of Ohio is usually the easiest option, it’s not for everyone. Find alternative options below:
Moving Containers
If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading, but don’t want to drive from Ohio to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative.
Expect to pay somewhere around $1,020 to $7,254 for a moving container coming out of Ohio. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Labor Only
If you’re comfortable doing the driving from Ohio to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.
You’ll typically pay $31 to $38 per hour per worker for Ohio-based labor-only movers.
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- 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
- 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
Full DIY
If budget is the biggest concern, the best long-distance moving options in Ohio are U-Haul Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental. These moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- 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
- 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
Average cost of a long-distance move out of Ohio
The average cost of a long-distance move out of Ohio is $1,288 up to $12,187+. There are several factors that factor into the total cost of moving.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in Ohio – every extra item adds up.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving away from Ohio is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
- Type of Move: How you choose to move out of Ohio is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each offers different advantages and costs.
- Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
- Seasonal Timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during off-peak seasons can be more cost-effective.
To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free
moving cost calculator.
Thing to consider before hiring a mover in Ohio
Whether you’re staying in Ohio for the ample economic opportunity, low cost of living, and bountiful recreational opportunities, or moving out due to the low happiness, limited diversity, and political division, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.
Check the company’s 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.
Ask about their insurance options
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.
When to move
Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.
In Ohio, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 20°F, the average summer temperature is 84°F, you’ll see 40” of rain, and about 28” of snow each year. That’s a lot of weather that can determine when to plan your move.
Taking your car
If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car in Ohio (or drive it cross-country), consider using a car shipping company.
You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new state as they may be different. Take Ohio’s requirements, as an example. New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
