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The best local movers for Columbus to Grand Rapids moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Grand Rapids. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 29 local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbus to Grand Rapids.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
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
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Grand Rapids?
The average hourly rate for movers in Ohio is $153. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $967 – $3,205 | $588 – $1,463 | $302 – $560 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,644 – $4,818 | $1,066 – $1,987 | $342 – $657 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,363 – $6,475 | $1,467 – $2,652 | $398 – $825 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Grand Rapids
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Grand Rapids will cost between $967 and $3,205. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $1,644 to $4,818, and a large move from Columbus to Grand Rapids will cost from $2,363 to $6,475.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Grand Rapids
If you’re moving from Columbus to Grand Rapids, expect to pay between $588 and $1,463 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,066 up to $1,987. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,467 and $2,652. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Grand Rapids
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Grand Rapids is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $302 and $560. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $342 and $657. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $398 up to $825 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Grand Rapids
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,351, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,462.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($302–$724) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 92% higher for singles and -1% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Columbus versus $2,784 in Columbus; families pay $7,160 compared with $7,249.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.25% |
- Rent is estimated to be 15% higher in Grand Rapids compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 37% greater in Grand Rapids than in Columbus.
- Fortunately, the average income in Grand Rapids and Columbus is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 92% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Grand Rapids and Columbus, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Grand Rapids enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 25% lower compared to Columbus, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 20% in Grand Rapids compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 21% higher in Michigan than in Ohio, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Grand Rapids
| Columbus | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 52 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 78% less than Columbus.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 44.23 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 55.77 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Grand Rapids. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to GR, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Grand Rapids has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Grand Rapids, such as the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Columbus to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Grand Rapids?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Grand Rapids, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Grand Rapids take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Grand Rapids, covers 322 miles and usually takes one to four 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 Grand Rapids.
Which movers in Columbus give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts. 4 movers give special rates to military members. 6 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 11 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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