Highly rated local moving companies for Cleveland to Columbus moves
Organizing a move from Cleveland to Columbus can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 28 local movers in Cleveland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Cleveland to Columbus.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Columbus?
On average, moving companies in Ohio charge about $153 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,244 – $4,242 | $746 – $1,901 | $578 – $1,017 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,349 – $5,670 | $1,396 – $2,695 | $588 – $1,308 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,837 – $8,292 | $1,763 – $3,412 | $752 – $1,495 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Columbus
When planning a move to Columbus from Cleveland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,244 and $4,242. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,349 and $5,670 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,837 to $8,292.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Columbus
When you’re heading from Cleveland to Columbus, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $746 and $1,901. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,396 and $2,695. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,763 to $3,412. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Columbus
A moving rental truck from Cleveland to Columbus is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $578 to $1,017. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $588 to $1,308, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Cleveland to Columbus costs around $752 to $1,495.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Cleveland to Columbus
The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Cleveland to Columbus may only cost $2,160, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,116.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Cleveland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($578–$1,385), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Cleveland – roughly 18% less for singles and 43% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,041 for one person in Columbus versus $2,490 in Cleveland. For a family of four, it’s $3,834 compared with $6,729.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cleveland | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 5.49% |
- Rent is about 15% less expensive in Columbus than in Cleveland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 45% steeper in Columbus compared to Cleveland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 22% less in Columbus than in Cleveland.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbus. The cost of living for a single person there is 18% below that of Cleveland.
- A move to Columbus can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 43% lower compared to Cleveland.
- Columbus has a lower unemployment rate than Cleveland by about 22%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Columbus surpass those in Cleveland by 13%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 57% more in Georgia than in Ohio. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Cleveland versus Columbus:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Cleveland than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Cleveland than in Columbus.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Columbus
| Cleveland | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 31 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 44% less than Cleveland.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Cleveland’s score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than Cleveland with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Cleveland’s 57 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Cleveland, which has a score of 52.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Cleveland with a score of 72.18 compared to Cleveland’s 63.41. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Cleveland with a score of 27.82 vs Cleveland’s 36.59.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Cleveland it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Costs across Cleveland and Columbus are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Georgia, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Georgia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options 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
With your sights set on The Lowell of the South[, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
With your move to Georgia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbus. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Flat Rock Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Columbus?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cleveland to Columbus. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cleveland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Columbus?
Want to save on your move from Cleveland to Columbus? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Cleveland to Columbus take?
The 811-mile move from Cleveland, OH, to Columbus, , takes two to seven days. Some Cleveland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
What kinds of discounts do Cleveland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Cleveland, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Cleveland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 17 movers in Cleveland provide piano moving services. 11 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Cleveland moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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