Local moving companies in Dayton

  1. MVM Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. American Way Van & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/mvmcolumbus/, https://twitter.com/mvmcolumbus?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving made simple — that’s what customers consistently report after hiring MVM Moving & Storage. Out of 257 customer reviews, an impressive 96.9% express satisfaction. MVM’s team stands out for being efficient, professional, and attentive, with many mentioning careful treatment of their belongings and quick, well-organized moves. Communication is seamless at every step, from booking to delivery. Feedback sharply contrasts these strengths with a handful of dissatisfied customers. The most significant complaints center around damaged items, inaccurate estimates, and rare instances of unprofessional or rude staff. Despite isolated issues, MVM earns more praise for speed, staff demeanor, and the care taken with property than nearly any competitor in the industry. Their approach creates a noticeably smooth and stress-free moving experience that sets a high bar for local moving companies.
Get a Quote (614) 230-0667

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
https://www.facebook.com/TWOMENANDATRUCKCincinnati/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenAndATruck?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Fast, friendly, and professional defines most feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Analysis of 247 reviews shows 87% are positive, highlighting professional and polite staff, efficient service, careful handling of items, quick moving, and helpful movers. Many customers rave about stress-free moves and crews who show genuine concern for belongings. Helpful office staff and transparent communication rank above experiences with most other moving companies. On the flip side, 12% cite problems, especially damage to items, big discrepancies between estimates and final costs, and unresolved complaints. Some mention poor packing or careless handling, while others are frustrated by unhelpful customer service when things go wrong. A small set of neutral comments focus on truck sizes not matching job needs, requiring extra moving trips. Compared to others, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out for strong praise in reliability and staff attitude, but repeat concerns about damage, cost overruns, and complaint handling indicate areas for improvement.
Get a Quote (513) 823-4125

Company Info

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/EEwardMovingandStorage/, https://twitter.com/eewardmoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage stands out for its remarkable record with customers, earning 92% positive feedback from 256 reviews. Many praised the professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient service, excellent communication, and the speed of the moving process. Customers also highlighted how team members accommodated last-minute changes and consistently treated property with respect. In contrast, some highlighted concerns mainly about damage to items, misplacement or loss during moves, and difficulties with after-move communication or claims resolution. Issues like denied insurance claims or delayed responses were the chief negatives, though these were comparatively rare. In terms of reliability, professionalism, and customer care, E.E. Ward ranks among the best in the industry, with significantly fewer negative experiences than typical moving companies.
Get a Quote (614) 401-6796

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
https://www.facebook.com/American.Way.Van.Storage/?ref=ts, https://x.com/awvs
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers rave about the professionalism, careful handling, and consistently strong communication from American Way Van & Storage, with 77% of all input showing high satisfaction. Many praise the friendly teams for efficient moves and attention to detail, especially around fragile items. Quotes are typically accurate, and staff go out of their way to make the process smooth and stress-free. Some even highlight the company’s reliability as a deciding factor over competitors. A number of clients return for additional moves after positive past experiences. Negative feedback, accounting for 22% of responses, centers on damaged belongings, surprise charges, and slow or unresponsive communication when resolving issues. Claims over damaged goods or missing items sometimes take weeks or months to resolve and may end with unsatisfactory compensation. Compared to others in the moving industry, American Way stands out for customer service and staff courtesy but shares the common pitfalls of moving companies: disputes about damage and billing. 145 reviews were analyzed, showing most people feel their property is respected and the process is handled by a professional team, yet the risk of damage and unexpected costs remains.
Get a Quote (937) 898-7294

Company Info

State license #: 00139517

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 76628


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/Leaders-Moving-Storage-Co-Cincinnati-328628833988162/, https://x.com/LeadersMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Transparent pricing
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. consistently earns strong praise, with 88% of feedback highlighting professional, polite teams who handle possessions responsibly and efficiently. Clients appreciate the company’s transparent rates and rapid, careful moving process, noting affordable prices compared to other movers. Customers frequently mention staff courtesy, attention to detail, and proactive communication before and during moves. Some input highlights careful treatment of belongings, even during complex or large jobs, and a straightforward booking process. By contrast, 10% of feedback details significant concerns—primarily damaged or lost items, inaccurate or increasing estimates, and slow or ineffective complaint resolution. A few point out that resolving damages or getting claims addressed proves complicated, occasionally leaving repairs incomplete or compensation lacking. In comparison to its competitors, Leaders stands out for speed, fair upfront pricing, and staff professionalism, though it could invest more in accountability and claims support to further enhance reliability.
Get a Quote (513) 268-4315

Company Info

State license #: 136562

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Factors that influence moving costs from Dayton to Norfolktoggle

The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Dayton to Norfolk can be as low as $1,539 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,437.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $563 to $1,342. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dayton to Norfolk

Moving from Dayton to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Dayton, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Dayton Norfolk
Average rent cost $925 $1,500
Average home value $135,815 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $62,673 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $1,593 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,788 $5,552
Unemployment rate 6.8% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 6.0%
State income tax 3.5% 5.75%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Norfolk, since prices are typically 62% higher than in Dayton.
  • The home prices in Norfolk are 109.0% higher than in Dayton, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You’re likely to make a higher income living in Norfolk, where incomes are, on average, 1.3% higher than in Dayton. Major employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 73.8% higher than in Dayton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 46.6% higher than in Dayton.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 7.35% higher than in Dayton.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city's sales taxes in Norfolk are 20.00% lower than in Dayton.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 64.29% higher than in Dayton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,214.69 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.

How life is different in Dayton vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Dayton
Population 238,005 137,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 46 45
Bike friendliness score 47 47
Crime Index 58.1 4.0
Safety Index 41.9 40.68
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Norfolk's population is about 73% greater than Dayton.
  • Norfolk's public transportation has a similar score to Dayton.
  • Norfolk and Dayton are similarily walkable.
  • Both Norfolk and Dayton have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Norfolk is about as safe for cyclists as Dayton. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 58.1 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
  • Norfolk and Dayton are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Norfolk is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Dayton vs. Norfolk move

  • Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
  • 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 Norfolk. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Norfolk

Ready to relocate to Norfolk? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Downtown
  • Newtown
  • Edgewater-Larchmont

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Ghent
  • Virginia Beach
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West Ghent
  • East Ghent

Things to do in Norfolk

After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Norfolk is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Dayton to Norfolk?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Dayton to Norfolk. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Dayton.

When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Norfolk?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Dayton to Norfolk 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 Dayton to Norfolk take?

Covering 601 miles, the move from Dayton, OH to Norfolk, VA typically takes one to six days. Some Dayton movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Norfolk can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources