Top local movers for Washington DC to Columbus moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Washington DC that also provides long-distance services to Columbus can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 82 local movers in Washington DC who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Washington DC to Columbus.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Columbus?
Movers in Maryland generally charge an average of $125 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,051 – $2,864 | $658 – $1,532 | $379 – $676 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,746 – $5,025 | $1,111 – $2,260 | $396 – $755 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,963 – $6,841 | $1,518 – $2,719 | $477 – $990 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Columbus
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Columbus typically costs between $1,051 and $2,864. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,746 and $5,025 when moving from Washington DC to Columbus. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Washington DC to Columbus, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,963 up to $6,841.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Columbus
If you’re relocating from Washington DC to Columbus, you’ll typically spend between $658 and $1,532 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,111 up to $2,260. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,518 and $2,719. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Columbus
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Washington DC to Columbus move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $379 and $676. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $396 to $755. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $477 and $990.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Washington DC to Columbus

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Washington DC – roughly 30% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,784 for one person in Columbus versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it’s $7,249 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 3.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Columbus from Washington DC, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 40% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 60% cheaper in Columbus, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 36% lower in Columbus than in Washington DC.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Columbus. The cost of living for a single person is 30% less compared to Washington DC.
- Relocating to Columbus could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower than in Washington DC.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 19% lower than Washington DC, Columbus boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Columbus exceed those in Washington DC by 25%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 39% lower in Ohio than in Maryland. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Washington DC and Columbus, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Columbus.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Columbus
| Washington DC | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 48 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 35% greater than Washington DC.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC’s score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Washington DC’s 77 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 49.65 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 50.35 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Washington DC it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Columbus move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbus without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Columbus
Ready to relocate to The Arch City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
Now that you’ve made the move to Ohio, it’s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Columbus?
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Columbus?
How long does a move from Washington DC to Columbus take?
Do movers in Washington DC offer any discounts?
How many movers in Washington DC can handle specialty items for my move to Columbus?
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