Highly rated local moving companies for Columbus to Houston moves
Organizing a move from Columbus to Houston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 29 local movers in Columbus known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbus to Houston.
- 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 Houston?
On average, moving companies in Ohio charge about $153 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 – $5,087 | $838 – $2,219 | $699 – $1,441 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,809 – $6,237 | $1,548 – $3,070 | $795 – $1,648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,728 – $8,971 | $2,158 – $4,350 | $978 – $2,088 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Houston
When planning a move to Houston from Columbus, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,273 and $5,087. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,809 and $6,237 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,728 to $8,971.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Houston
When you’re heading from Columbus to Houston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $838 and $2,219. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,548 and $3,070. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,158 to $4,350. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Houston
A moving rental truck from Columbus to Houston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $699 to $1,441. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $795 to $1,648, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbus to Houston costs around $978 to $2,088.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbus to Houston
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbus to Houston may only cost $2,537, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,146.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbus.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($699–$1,782), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Houston
Overall, Columbus and Houston land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,770 in Houston and $2,784 in Columbus, while families in Houston see $7,157 versus $7,249 in Houston.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Columbus | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 7% more expensive in Houston than in Columbus. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 11% steeper in Houston compared to Columbus.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 7% greater in Houston than in Columbus, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Houston and Columbus, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Houston and Columbus remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Houston has a lower unemployment rate than Columbus by about 28%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Houston surpass those in Columbus by 10%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbus versus Houston:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Columbus and Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Houston.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Houston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Houston.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Houston
| Columbus | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 49 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 154% greater than Columbus.
- Houston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbus, making them very similar.
- Houston is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- Both Houston and Columbus have similar bike-friendliness scores (48 vs 49), meaning Houston 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.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 63.5 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 36.5 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Houston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbus and Houston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Texas, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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 Houston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Houston
With your sights set on HOU, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Houston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Houston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbus to Houston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Houston?
Want to save on your move from Columbus to Houston? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbus to Houston take?
The 1,155-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Houston, , takes two to eight days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Houston.
What kinds of discounts do Columbus movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 movers offer special pricing for military members. 6 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbus?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Columbus provide piano moving services. 11 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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