($587+) Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $587 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,658 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 910 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,865, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,658 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,064 - $3,807, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $587 - $1,719.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,444 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Columbus to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,444 - $5,943 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 910-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 910-mile route from Columbus to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,865 - $4,528 with full-service movers, $1,064 - $2,030 with a container, $587 - $1,133 with a rental truck, or $1,037 - $1,773 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,444 - $5,943 full-service, $1,453 - $2,792 by container, $667 - $1,428 by rental truck, or $1,151 - $2,211 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,999 - $7,658 full-service, $1,821 - $3,807 by container, $845 - $1,719 by rental truck, or $1,534 - $2,809 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Ohio, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $1,865 and $7,658. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 910-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $286 - $1,908, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and New Orleans. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $325 plus $145/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,865 - $4,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,444 - $5,943
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,999 - $7,658
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbus to New Orleans.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New Orleans, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $477 - $4,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $191 - $1,145/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,290 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $954 - $2,862 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,385 - $9,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $715 - $1,358 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $954 - $2,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $763 - $3,339 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $286 - $1,431 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $620 - $1,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,339+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to New Orleans?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Columbus, OH. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,064 and $3,807. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,064 - $2,030
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,453 - $2,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,821 - $3,807
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $143 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in New Orleans, LA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $668 in Columbus, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,064. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,453 - $2,792.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbus to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
Renting a moving truck for the 910-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to New Orleans, Louisiana, costs between $587 and $1,719, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $276 - $316
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $587 - $1,133
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $667 - $1,428
- 4+ bedrooms: $845 - $1,719
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $587 - $1,719 does not include fuel ($276 - $316), lodging ($143/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to New Orleans typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Columbus, Ohio, usually costs about $668 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 910-mile drive falls between $276 and $316, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $286 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA
For larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,151 and $2,211.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,037 - $1,773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,151 - $2,211
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,534 - $2,809
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $72 and $143.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $668.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs New Orleans, LA
Columbus and New Orleans land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Columbus and 102 in New Orleans, and average rent is $1,441/mo vs. $1,755/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 41 vs 58 and safety scores are 50.35 vs 32.69.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Columbus, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Louisiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 282 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 910-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Columbus, OH, to New Orleans, LA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,865 - $7,658 on the 910-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,064 - $3,807 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $587 - $1,719 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,444 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to New Orleans, LA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Louisiana?
If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Louisiana also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is New Orleans a safe place to live?
New Orleans has a safety index of 32.69 out of 100 and a crime index of 67.31, compared to 50.35 and 49.65 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH to New Orleans, LA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $667 - $1,428. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.