Quick answer: Expect to pay $203–$4,099 for a move from Columbus to Fort Wayne, with most moves taking one to two days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 156 miles.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Fort Wayne to Columbus guide.

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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 movers by type

When you’ve got 23 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Columbus, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.

We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Columbus mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Columbus, so you can move forward with confidence.

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Best professional movers from Columbus to Fort Wayne

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Columbus to Fort Wayne, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.

Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Columbus to Fort Wayne without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Columbus?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in Columbus offer each option, alongside figures for OH and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service Columbus (Count) Columbus (%) Ohio (Count) Ohio (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 29 100% 94 99% 2545 98%
Unpacking 28 97% 92 97% 2514 97%
Fragile-only packing 10 34% 22 23% 631 24%
Packing materials 11 38% 36 38% 1519 59%
Storage
Storage 24 83% 85 89% 2248 87%
Climate-controlled storage 17 59% 47 49% 823 32%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 21 72% 56 59% 1649 64%
Art 12 41% 36 38% 1271 49%
Antiques 11 38% 34 36% 1190 46%
Piano 16 55% 56 59% 1919 74%
Hot tub 8 28% 17 18% 585 23%
Pool table 8 28% 26 27% 845 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to IN movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 65 Ohio movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Columbus to Fort Wayne moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Fort Wayne. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbus to Fort Wayne.

  1. Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. MVM Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. All American Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Herlihy Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/LeadersMoving/, https://twitter.com/LeadersMoving
84% of all reviews were positive
14% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Movers who hustle for you—customer feedback on Leaders Moving & Storage Co. shows why many choose them over the competition. Out of 369 reviews, 84% are positive, highlighting outstanding efficiency, professional and polite crews, careful handling, quick move times, and strong communication. Customers repeatedly mention pleasant, energetic staff who deliver moves faster than expected and care for items and property.
Pricing transparency, flexible options, and true-to-estimate billing set Leaders apart from many other movers. Negative input, making up 14%, focuses on damaged items, slow or unhelpful claims handling, and occasional late arrivals. Customers reporting issues describe damaged or mishandled items, and say resolution for complaints or claims can be frustratingly slow or inadequate compared to what industry leaders deliver. A small number of customers also mention unprofessional or unreliable crews, and a lack of follow-up from management. Still, positive feedback vastly outnumbers complaints, with most reviewers highly recommending Leaders for an easy, stress-free moving experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (614) 885-6683

Company Info

State license #: 00136562

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577

Alternate Names: Leaders Moving, Leaders Moving & Storage Co., L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving And Storage Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/mvmcolumbus/, https://twitter.com/mvmcolumbus?lang=en
97% of all reviews were positive
2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made simple — that’s what customers consistently report after hiring MVM Moving & Storage. Out of 257 customer reviews, an impressive 96.9% express satisfaction. MVM’s team stands out for being efficient, professional, and attentive, with many mentioning careful treatment of their belongings and quick, well-organized moves.
Communication is seamless at every step, from booking to delivery. Feedback sharply contrasts these strengths with a handful of dissatisfied customers. The most significant complaints center around damaged items, inaccurate estimates, and rare instances of unprofessional or rude staff. Despite isolated issues, MVM earns more praise for speed, staff demeanor, and the care taken with property than nearly any competitor in the industry. Their approach creates a noticeably smooth and stress-free moving experience that sets a high bar for local moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (614) 230-0667

Company Info

State license #: 156647

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 1444491

Alternate Names: MVM Columbus, MVM Columbus Incorporated.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/EEwardMovingandStorage/, https://twitter.com/eewardmoving
92% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage stands out for its remarkable record with customers, earning 92% positive feedback from 256 reviews. Many praised the professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient service, excellent communication, and the speed of the moving process.
Customers also highlighted how team members accommodated last-minute changes and consistently treated property with respect. In contrast, some highlighted concerns mainly about damage to items, misplacement or loss during moves, and difficulties with after-move communication or claims resolution. Issues like denied insurance claims or delayed responses were the chief negatives, though these were comparatively rare. In terms of reliability, professionalism, and customer care, E.E. Ward ranks among the best in the industry, with significantly fewer negative experiences than typical moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (614) 401-6796

Company Info

State license #: 11470

Years in Business: 143

DOT #: 1222904

Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC, E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllAmericanMovingStorageandDelivery, https://twitter.com/AllAmericanMvg?ref_src=twsrctfw&ref_url=httpwww.all-americanmoving.com
90% of all reviews were positive
9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Choosing the right moving company matters, and customers say All American Moving and Storage rises above most. Analysis of 251 pieces of feedback shows that 90% of customers praised courteous, professional movers, efficient service, careful handling, and good communication. Many highlighted how quickly and safely their belongings were moved, often noting better experiences compared to other moving companies in the area.
Customers especially valued staff professionalism and the care shown to fragile or valuable items. About 9% voiced major concerns, pointing to damage to items during moves, final costs far higher than original quotes, and infrequent complaints about delays or missed appointments. Only two neutral reviews were found, indicating rare middle-ground input and suggesting most customers felt strongly about their experiences. Positive feedback outpaces negative by a significant margin, placing All American well ahead of many competitors in satisfaction, but those considering their services should pay close attention to estimate details and clarify expectations to avoid the main downsides experienced by some.
Show more
Get a Quote (614) 224-0077

Company Info

State license #: 147426

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1239401

Alternate Names: American Moving & Storage, Ltd., All American Moving & Storage of Columbus, All American Moving and Storage, All American Delivery, Daniel R Dragin All American Moving, Storage and Delivery Prime Agent for Arpin Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Herlihymoving/, https://twitter.com/herlihymovers/
88% of all reviews were positive
11% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Feedback about Herlihy Moving & Storage highlights standout professionalism, skilled teams, and fast, careful moving experiences. Customers often describe the staff as friendly and polite, with efficient service and strong communication throughout the process. Many note that moves finished faster than expected, and belongings arrived undamaged.
Staff flexibility—accommodating complex moves and providing updates—sets Herlihy apart from competitors. On the downside, some customers shared serious complaints about mishandled items, communication issues, and delivery delays, especially with long-distance or large-scale moves. Negative input points to occasional property damage and inconsistent follow-through. With 120 reviews analyzed, 87.5% were positive, reflecting high satisfaction, yet the main drawbacks relate to item damage and communication shortfalls, areas where other leading movers may provide more reliability.
Show more
Get a Quote (614) 871-4040

Company Info

Years in Business: 104

DOT #: 183389

Alternate Names: Mayflower Containers, pods portable storage, Herlihy Moving & Storage, Inc, Herlihy Moving & Storage Inc., SAM Store and Move, Mayflower Transit


Services Offered

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

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?

Columbus movers charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $771 - $2,892 $548 - $1,291 $185 - $329
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,353 - $4,099 $1,086 - $1,979 $203 - $373
4+ bedrooms $1,896 - $5,393 $1,359 - $2,487 $240 - $411
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 156 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Ohio to Indiana

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ohio to Indiana will cost between $771 and $2,892. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from OH to IN will range from $1,353 to $4,099, and a large move from Ohio to Indiana will cost from $1,896 to $5,393.

Cost of moving containers from Ohio to Indiana

Moving from Ohio to Indiana? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $548 and $1,291. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,086 to $1,979. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,359 up to $2,487. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to Indiana

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $185 and $329. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $203 to $373. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $240 and $411.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbus to Fort Wayne movetoggle

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Columbus to Fort Wayne (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $771, while larger moves may reach $4,789 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Columbus,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $185 to $398), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Fort Wayne

For many households, Fort Wayne means lower monthly costs than Columbus — roughly 7% for singles and 57% for families.

That’s about $2,600 per month for singles and $3,150 for families in Fort Wayne, compared with $2,784 and $7,249 in Columbus.

See the side-by-side details below:

Columbus Fort Wayne
Average 1 BR rent $1,567 $1,233
Average 3 BR rent $2,957 $2,367
Average home value $238,832 $227,803
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $53,978
Unemployment rate 5.7% 5.1%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 3.5% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 19% lower than in Columbus, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Fort Wayne.
    Home prices in Fort Wayne are 4.6% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Fort Wayne is 17.1% lower than in Columbus, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fort Wayne — including Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and Fort Wayne Community Schools — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fort Wayne. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 6.6% lower than in Columbus.
  • A move to Fort Wayne can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 56.5% less than what it costs in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 10.53% lower than in Columbus.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the city's sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 6.67% lower than in Columbus.
  • One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 10.00% lower than in Columbus.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbus with Fort Wayne.

Columbus Fort Wayne
Basic utilities $263.89 $245.73
Cell phone plan $60.77 $56.88
Dozen eggs $3.21 $3.21
Loaf of bread $2.98 $2.87
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $20 $17
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $80 $60
Gym membership $46.25 $50
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
  • Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
  • Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Fort Wayne.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Columbus
Population 265,974 905,748
Transportation Score 3 5
Walkability score 32 41
Bike friendliness score 41 48
Crime Index 40.9 49.65
Safety Index 59.1 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fort Wayne might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 71% less than Columbus.
  • Getting around Fort Wayne without a car might be more difficult than in Columbus. Fort Wayne has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Columbus is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Fort Wayne neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Columbus. Based on its score of 32 out of 100, Fort Wayne isn't as walkable as Columbus, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Fort Wayne, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Columbus. While Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, Fort Wayne earned a 41. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Fort Wayne has a lower crime rate than Columbus based on scores of 40.9 and Columbus's 49.65, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Fort Wayne than in Columbus, based on Fort Wayne's safety index of 59.1 versus 50.35 for Columbus. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Fort Wayne and Columbus is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Fort Wayne move

  • Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Indiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
  • 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 Fort Wayne. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Fort Wayne

With your sights set on City of Churches, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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

After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it's time to see what Fort Wayne is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fort Wayne include museums and art centers like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, History Center, and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
  • 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbus. are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Fort Wayne?

Because most people are moving from Columbus to Fort Wayne 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 Columbus to Fort Wayne take?

Moving from Columbus, OH to Fort Wayne, IN covers 156 miles and usually takes one to two days Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Fort Wayne.

Which discounts can you find from movers in Columbus?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 6 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbus?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbus, 16 movers can manage piano relocations. 11 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Ohio has 56 piano movers and 34 antique movers, while nationwide there are 1919 and 1190 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.

Helpful moving resources