The best local movers for Columbus to Chapel Hill moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill.
- 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 Chapel Hill?
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 | $1,061 – $3,204 | $656 – $1,636 | $381 – $703 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,056 – $5,095 | $1,138 – $2,189 | $422 – $810 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,347 – $7,903 | $1,527 – $2,921 | $537 – $984 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Chapel Hill
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Chapel Hill will cost between $1,061 and $3,204. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $2,056 to $5,095, and a large move from Columbus to Chapel Hill will cost from $3,347 to $7,903.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Chapel Hill
If you’re moving from Columbus to Chapel Hill, expect to pay between $656 and $1,636 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,138 up to $2,189. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,527 and $2,921. 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 Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Chapel Hill 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 $381 and $703. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $422 and $810. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $537 up to $984 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Chapel Hill
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,565, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,373.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($381–$877) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 19% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.5% |
- Rent is estimated to be 35% higher in Chapel Hill compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 148% greater in Chapel Hill than in Columbus.
- Fortunately, the average income in Chapel Hill and Columbus is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chapel Hill. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 19% lower than in Columbus.
- Choosing to move to Chapel Hill can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 34% less than in Columbus.
- Chapel Hill enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 44% lower compared to Columbus, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Chapel Hill and Columbus (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 29% higher in North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Chapel Hill
| Columbus | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 50 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 93% less than Columbus.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- Both Chapel Hill and Columbus have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 50), meaning Chapel Hill is about as safe for cyclists as Columbus. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 26.42 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 73.58 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Chapel Hill 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Southern Part of Heaven, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chapel Hill.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
Once you’re settled into your new home in North Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Chapel Hill has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chapel Hill, such as the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle 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 UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Chapel Hill?
The best time to move from Columbus to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Chapel Hill, covers 450 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 Chapel Hill.
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
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!