The best local movers for Columbus to Harrisburg moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg.
- 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 Harrisburg?
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 | $964 – $3,061 | $592 – $1,490 | $319 – $602 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,748 – $4,705 | $1,162 – $2,196 | $365 – $729 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,691 – $7,036 | $1,478 – $2,606 | $466 – $872 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Harrisburg
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Harrisburg will cost between $964 and $3,061. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $1,748 to $4,705, and a large move from Columbus to Harrisburg will cost from $2,691 to $7,036.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Harrisburg
If you’re moving from Columbus to Harrisburg, expect to pay between $592 and $1,490 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,162 up to $2,196. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,478 and $2,606. 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 Harrisburg
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Harrisburg 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 $319 and $602. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $365 and $729. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $466 up to $872 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Harrisburg
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,433, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,636.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($319–$779) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Harrisburg
Many movers find Harrisburg easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 34% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,849 for one person in Harrisburg versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $3,612 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,550 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $1,946 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $230,038 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $73,256 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $1,849 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $3,612 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 13.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.07% |
- If you’re heading to Harrisburg from Columbus, you’ll find that rent is roughly 17% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Harrisburg and Columbus, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 13% higher in Harrisburg than in Columbus, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Harrisburg. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 34% lower than in Columbus.
- Choosing to move to Harrisburg can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 50% less than in Columbus.
- In Harrisburg, the unemployment rate is approximately 135% higher than in Columbus, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 20% in Harrisburg compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 12% less in Pennsylvania than in Ohio. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Harrisburg:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Harrisburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $160.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.72 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $27.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Harrisburg
| Columbus | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 50,099 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 68 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 57 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 64.18 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 35.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Harrisburg’s population is about 94% less than Columbus.
- Harrisburg’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Harrisburg is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg 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.
- Harrisburg’s crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 64.18 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 35.82 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is Moderate, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Harrisburg 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 decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania 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 Harrisburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Harrisburg
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Harrisburg, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Harrisburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- SoMa
- Capitol District
- Downtown Harrisburg
- Allison Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue Park
- Uptown
- Olde Uptown
- Riverside
- Camp Curtin
Things to do in Harrisburg
Once you’re settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, it’s time to get out and discover what Harrisburg has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Harrisburg, such as the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial 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 Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Harrisburg?
The best time to move from Columbus to Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Harrisburg, covers 368 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 Harrisburg.
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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