The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Columbia, PA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 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:

495 Movers, Inc

4.86
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

The Armstrong Company

4.9
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.

4.8
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
495 Movers, Inc	Get A Quote	4.86 / 5
Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
Zip to Zip Moving Inc	Get A Quote	4.72 / 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 Columbia for those moving out of state

If you're moving out of Columbia and heading beyond Pennsylvania'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
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 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

4.5 / 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

4.75 / 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

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 Columbia for those staying in state

Even if your move from Columbia keeps you within Pennsylvania, covering serious distance means it may still count as long-distance.

When relocating a few hundred miles in-state, we suggest working with one of the top long-distance movers.

These are our favorite picks for movers in Columbia, PA:

Preferred Partner

495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Flex Moving & Storage: 3.72 out of 5 stars
The Armstrong Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars

495 Movers, Inc

640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD 20850 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Transparent pricing
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Unexpected charges
Misplaced or lost items

Review Analysis

Moving with a well-organized team can transform a stressful day into a smooth experience. Across 410 reviews for 495 Movers, 83.7% of feedback is positive, reflecting results that outpace many competitors. Most customers found efficient service, careful handling, and friendly, professional movers who kept fragile belongings safe and finished jobs on (or ahead of) schedule. Many appreciated clear estimates, honest pricing, and responsive communication before and during the move. Free packing supplies and flexibility made preparation easier, and follow-up calls reassured customers their move details were covered. A much smaller portion of feedback reports dissatisfaction. Some customers cite damage to their items, unexpected charges not matching estimates, or lost belongings—especially for long-distance or storage moves. A few also mentioned that claims for lost or broken possessions were hard to resolve, and communication could suffer after the move. Negative experiences frequently came with higher costs or struggles reaching resolution, leaving affected customers frustrated. Most feedback highlights efficiency, a courteous team, attention to detail, and billing transparency. Problems with damage or unexpected fees, though rare, are more common than with industry leaders renowned for flawless claims handling and rigid cost guarantees. On balance, 495 Movers is rated better than most moving companies for local or regional moves, especially for customers seeking cost clarity and respectful crews.

Get a Quote (855) 243-1717

Company Info

State license #: 1893270

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1893270

Services Offered

Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.

20 Southlawn CT, STE A, Rockville, MD 20850 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Higher-than-expected costs
Delayed arrival or delivery

Review Analysis

Moving made simple—Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. stands out for efficient, professional service and careful attention to belongings. In an analysis of 372 customer reviews, 91% of the input praised the company's fast moving teams, careful handling of items, professionalism, prompt communication, and swift processes. Most feedback highlights that movers arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat possessions with respect, which is often hard to find among competitors. Many also note transparent pricing and flexibility when scheduling or dealing with last-minute changes. While positive feedback dominates, some customers report problems with damages to items, unexpected cost increases, or delays in delivery, especially for long-distance moves. Compared to other movers, Zip consistently delivers a reliable, courteous experience but could improve by minimizing damages and clarifying pricing for every customer.

Get a Quote (855) 947-6543

Company Info

State license #: 2586700

Pricing: $125/hr

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3306591

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Zip to Zip Moving Inc

558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA 19341 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges
Inaccurate estimates
Lack of communication

Review Analysis

Customers describe Zip to Zip Moving Inc as fast, attentive, and exceptionally careful with belongings. Most feedback highlights efficient moves, respectful and friendly staff, and responsive communication at every step. Movers frequently go above expectations, helping with setup and accommodating last-minute changes. Transparent pricing and straightforward booking set them apart from many competitors, with positive input from more than 97% of reviewers. Some customers encountered much higher-than-expected charges, felt pressured into tipping or leaving positive reviews, and noticed final costs far outstripped initial quotes. A handful mentioned issues with communication or left items. The company's overwhelmingly positive reputation signals strong reliability, but a few outlier experiences suggest confirming pricing details and service expectations in writing is wise.

Get a Quote (484) 214-2143

Company Info

State license #: 8925314

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 2969363

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Bellhop Moving

342 Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
Careful handling

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery
Damage to items
Unreliable timing

Review Analysis

Bellhop Moving earns strong marks for efficiency, professional and approachable crews, and quick, careful service. Customer feedback highlights that moves often proceed swiftly, with friendly staff showing respect for property and maintaining positive attitudes. Many users note their belongings remained intact thanks to careful handling, and movers frequently finished ahead of schedule. In contrast, several customers faced delays, unexpected scheduling issues, and items damaged during moves. Coordination problems between Bellhop’s office and actual movers led to missed appointments or late teams more often than with traditional moving companies. Compared to others in the industry, Bellhop stands out for affordable, rapid moves when everything goes as planned, but lacks consistent reliability during peak times or for complex moves.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

DOT #: 2878240

Services Offered

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

Flex Moving & Storage

10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 233, Columbia, MD 21044 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Careful handling

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges
Lack of communication
Unfriendly or rude staff

Review Analysis

Customers consistently praise Flex Moving & Storage for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, quick moving process, and attentive movers who handle belongings with care. Out of 236 reviews, an impressive 96% highlight positive experiences—far surpassing the reputation of many moving companies. Plenty of feedback mentions how the movers went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and stress-free move, commenting on good communication and a caring approach. The most frequent negatives, seen in just 3% of input, involve issues with unexpected or unclear charges, difficulty reaching customer service, and a few reports of rude interactions from office staff. Neutral feedback points toward communication efforts to resolve prior issues, showing a willingness by management to improve. Compared to competitors, Flex earns outstanding marks for moving day performance, but should address billing clarity and accessibility to reach industry-leading trust. Most customers leave their moves feeling satisfied, heard, and willing to recommend the team to others.

Get a Quote (786) 738-9516

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3610638

Alternate Names: Flex Storage Inc

Services Offered

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

The Armstrong Company

1074 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Hard-to-resolve claims
Unexpected charges

Review Analysis

Customers often call Armstrong Relocation the gold standard of moving. Out of 225 reviews analyzed, more than 90% featured positive feedback. Most praise the team's professionalism, attention to detail, speed, careful handling, and responsive communication. Crews consistently arrive on time, treat belongings and homes with respect, and finish quickly. Many note estimates are accurate, and several say Armstrong's pricing beats competitors. On the downside, a handful of customers report property damage and long waits for claim resolution. Some cite trouble reaching staff or unexpected extra costs. Compared with industry standards, Armstrong receives far fewer serious complaints, and its teams are routinely described as the most professional movers customers have hired. The company earns strong trust and repeat business, with negative feedback mostly centered on damage claims, rare billing issues, or isolated incidents of poor communication.

Get a Quote (717) 492-4155

Company Info

State license #: 8917264

Years in Business: 74

DOT #: 1170867

Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Columbia, PA, for small moves

Did you know that many professional movers have minimum weight requirements for your shipment? That means if you're only moving a small load, those movers may not be a viable option.

Luckily, some companies focus on small moves. So, if you're relocating a studio apartment or just a few pieces of furniture from Columbia, consider these options:

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 Columbia, PA

Moving containers, also known as moving pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, PA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are usually the most budget-friendly option for a long-distance move from Columbia, but they also come with the most responsibility. You’ll be in charge of everything: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While you can save money this way, mileage fees, tolls, and gas costs can add up quickly. It’s good to double-check these hidden costs to confirm that a truck rental really is the most affordable choice for your situation.

These are our top rental truck picks 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 Columbia, PA

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 Columbia, PA:

Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.

rating

4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 9
Yelp: 4.2 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(855) 947-6543

Zip to Zip Moving Inc

rating

4.72 / 5

Years in Business: 6
Yelp: 4.8 / 5
BBB: A

Get A Quote

(484) 214-2143

Bellhop Moving

rating

4.2 / 5

Years in Business: 2025
Yelp: 3.1 / 5
BBB:

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Columbia, PA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 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
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 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 Columbia, PA

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 Columbia, PA

The average cost for professional movers in Pennsylvania is $129 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 Columbia, PA to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Los Angeles, CA	2,638 miles	3 bedroom	$6,249 - $9,141
Boston, MA	384 miles	2 bedroom	$2,085 - $4,913
Oklahoma City, OK	1,310 miles	1 bedroom	$2,945 - $6,167

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

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

Any moving company helping you leave Pennsylvania must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Columbia movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

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

For a move within the same city, a local moving company in Columbia will typically be your most affordable option. But if you're planning a move out of Pennsylvania, a national provider like Safeway Moving brings more long-distance experience.

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

The moving industry in Columbia tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Columbia?

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of Columbia, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.