Local moving companies in Raleigh
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 305, Raleigh, NC 27612 USBellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 2934
Alternative Business Names
- Bellhops, Inc.
Athens Moving Experts

DOT #: 3205320
Years in Business: 8
6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC 27606 USAthens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process. Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athensโs consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3205320
- State license #: 2657
Little Guys Movers

DOT #: 1931566
Years in Business: 31
1301 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603 USRave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy. On the other hand, negative feedbackโabout 5.4%โfocuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1931566
- State license #: 2548
Excel Moving & Storage

DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 26
2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC 27616 USExcel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team's politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected. When compared to typical industry input, Excel's high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
- State license #: 2311
Next Stop Movers

DOT #: 3619230
Years in Business: 3
5609 Departure Dr, Ste 201, Raleigh, NC 27616 USMoving made easyโcustomers praise Next Stop Movers for quick and careful service, friendly and professional staff, and a consistently hassle-free experience. Seven customer feedback entries analyzed, with 100% rated positively. Movers handle furniture attentively, offer efficient solutions, and communicate clearly. People appreciate affordable rates and flexibility, standing out compared to less responsive companies. No negative feedback was reported, and no recurring issues surfaced among the reviews.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3619230
- State license #: 1267633
Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Columbus
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Columbus
Moving from Raleigh to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Raleigh compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Raleigh | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,670 | $1,441 |
Average home value | $431,795 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $65,075 |
Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,784 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $7,249 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 14% lower than in Raleigh, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 44.7% lower than in Raleigh. - Income in Columbus is 2,430.1% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 54.2% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 19.3% higher than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 32.56% higher than in Raleigh.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 3.45% higher than in Raleigh.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.22% lower than in Raleigh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,374.36 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Columbus
Columbus | Raleigh | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 467,665 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 41 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 39 |
Crime Index | 49.65 | 38.87 |
Safety Index | 50.35 | 60.13 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbus's population is about 94% greater than Raleigh.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
- Columbus is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 49.65 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 50.35 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. Columbus move
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 toColumbus Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that youโve chosen "Arch City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
Now that you've made the move to Ohio, itโs the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Columbus?
The best time to move from Raleigh to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Columbus take?
The 477-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Columbus, OH, takes one to four days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.