The best local movers for Lancaster to Fort Wayne moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Lancaster that also handles long-distance moves to Fort Wayne. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 21 local movers in Lancaster who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Lancaster to Fort Wayne.
- Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Elite Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen’s Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 159158
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 1861478
Alternate Names: Speedwell Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0061148
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 34380
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189126
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1360438
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191251
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2399435
Alternate Names: Oleg’s Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,276 – $5,081 | $1,138 – $2,879 | $1,265 – $2,326 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,323 – $7,437 | $2,004 – $4,395 | $1,292 – $2,823 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,233 – $11,408 | $2,806 – $5,589 | $1,597 – $3,562 |
Cost to hire movers from Lancaster to Fort Wayne
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Lancaster to Fort Wayne will cost between $1,276 and $5,081. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Lancaster to Lancaster will range from $3,323 to $7,437, and a large move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne will cost from $6,233 to $11,408.
Cost of moving containers from Lancaster to Fort Wayne
If you’re moving from Lancaster to Fort Wayne, expect to pay between $1,138 and $2,879 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,004 up to $4,395. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,806 and $5,589. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck from Lancaster to Fort Wayne is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,265 and $2,326. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,292 and $2,823. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,597 up to $3,562 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Lancaster to Fort Wayne
The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,462, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,623.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lancaster, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,265–$3,218) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Fort Wayne
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Fort Wayne runs about 2% higher for singles and -43% higher for families than Lancaster.
Singles spend around $2,600 in Lancaster versus $2,540 in Lancaster; families pay $3,150 compared with $5,562.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lancaster | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,305 | $1,233 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $2,367 |
| Average home value | $473,053 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,540 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,562 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.15% |
- If you’re heading to Fort Wayne from Lancaster, you’ll find that rent is roughly 55% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 52% less in Fort Wayne than in Lancaster.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 28% lower in Fort Wayne compared to Lancaster.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Fort Wayne and Lancaster, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Fort Wayne can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 43% less than in Lancaster.
- Fort Wayne enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 67% lower compared to Lancaster, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 32% in Fort Wayne compared to Lancaster, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 76% less in Indiana than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Lancaster and Fort Wayne:
| Living Expense | Lancaster | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $225.00 | $245.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $56.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.67 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.51 | $2.87 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
- Bread is more expensive in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lancaster than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Fort Wayne
| Lancaster | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 265,974 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 41 |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 40.9 |
| Safety index | 54.5 | 59.1 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is about 53% greater than Lancaster.
- Fort Wayne has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, while Lancaster has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Fort Wayne is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Lancaster’s 29 out of 100.
- Both Fort Wayne and Lancaster have similar bike-friendliness scores (40 vs 41), meaning Fort Wayne is about as safe for cyclists as Lancaster. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is lower than Lancaster with a score of 40.9 compared to Lancaster’s 45.5. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Lancaster with a safety index of 59.1 vs Lancaster’s 54.5.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Lancaster it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster to Fort Wayne move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Indiana doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Fort Wayne. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to City of Churches, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
Once you’re settled into your new home in Indiana, it’s time to get out and discover what Fort Wayne has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fort Wayne, such as the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne?
The best time to move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Lancaster to Fort Wayne take?
Moving from Lancaster, CA to Fort Wayne, covers 2,144 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Lancaster movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Fort Wayne.
Which movers in Lancaster give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Lancaster?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Lancaster advertise piano moving expertise. 15 movers in Lancaster provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Lancaster moving services
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