($379+) Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $398 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,311 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 403 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,062, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,311 or more.
- Moving containers run $957 - $2,823, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $398 - $1,040.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,904 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Arlington to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,904 - $4,628 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 403 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 403-mile route from Arlington to Columbus, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,062 - $3,565 | $957 - $1,722 | $398 - $668 | $879 - $1,565 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,904 - $4,628 | $1,263 - $2,210 | $404 - $842 | $981 - $1,843 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,076 - $7,311 | $1,529 - $2,823 | $506 - $1,040 | $1,313 - $2,497 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 403-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,062 - $7,311. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $404 - $2,696. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Columbus. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $3,565
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,904 - $4,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,076 - $7,311
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $674 - $6,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $270 - $1,618/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $404 - $3,235 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,348 - $4,044 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,370 - $13,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,010 - $1,918 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,348 - $3,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,078 - $4,718 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $404 - $2,022 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $876 - $2,696 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $404 - $20,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $404 - $4,718+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Columbus?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Columbus with a local mover averages $1,923 - $4,674. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Arlington, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Arlington, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $957 and $2,823. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Arlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $957 - $1,722
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,210
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,529 - $2,823
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $101 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $202 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $944 in Arlington, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Columbus, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $957. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,263 - $2,210, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Columbus?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
Plan on $398 - $1,040 for a rental moving truck on the 403-mile route from Arlington, Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $173 - $198
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $398 - $668
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $404 - $842
- 4+ bedrooms: $506 - $1,040
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $398 - $1,040 when pricing out a rental truck from Arlington to Columbus. Fuel alone runs ($173 - $198) , and overnight lodging ($202/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $202 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Arlington, Virginia, usually costs about $944 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 403-mile drive falls between $173 and $198, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $67 and $404 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Columbus?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Columbus, Ohio.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $981 and $1,843.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $879 - $1,565
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $981 - $1,843
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,497
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $944.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $202 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Columbus fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 403-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Arlington, VA, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,062 for a studio to $7,311 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 403-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $957 - $2,823. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $398 - $1,040, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,904 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Columbus, OH
How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($173 - $198), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $202/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $404 - $842. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $1,062 to $7,311, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,062 and $7,311, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.