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Sean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.
According to U.S. Census Bureau Data, more than 200,000 new residents moved to Ohio in 2022. With so many incoming residents, getting quotes early will help ensure you can schedule with your preferred relocation company.
We’ve reviewed North American Van Lines, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. and more of the best moving companies for local and interstate moving needs in the Buckeye State. Securing personalized estimates from at least three movers will help you ensure your budgetary and service needs are met.
We rated each provider below against our proprietary grading scale, considering service area, pricing structure, reputation and more. Each one received a score out of 100, which we converted to a star rating out of 5. See how they compare below.
Based on our research, the following movers are the top long-distance and local providers for Ohio moves.
Long-distance:
Local:
We rated the top nationwide moving companies. See how they compare according to our proprietary rating, deposit requirements and more.
The following nationally known long-distance moving companies offer direct service within Ohio.
North American Van Lines (NAVL) is a moving carrier with more than 500 locations nationwide. Its Cincinnati location provides Ohio residents direct access to its vast moving network. It offers local and long-distance moves with bottom-line pricing options.
Service area: 50 states and 130 other countries
Base services:
Add-on services:
Storage: This mover offers short- and long-term storage options in most locations.
Quote type: NAVL supplies binding quotes for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance move costs are determined by move distance and total shipment weight.
Sample cost: We called NAVL and got a quote for a 2,900-mile, three-bedroom move in about 20 minutes. Our move coordinator took our full inventory and gave us a ballpark quote with and without packing. A basic move would cost around $13,450; full packing would increase this to $16,757.
Deposit: None required
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash, certified checks and money orders.
All NAVL branches offer released-value protection at no additional cost. Beyond this, you can purchase full-value protection. This will allow you to declare a maximum potential reimbursement for loss or damage. Your added cost will be around 5% of this total declared value. You’ll have to collaborate with your move coordinator to assess your shipment’s worth accurately.
North American’s Cincinnati location has 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. One recent negative review mentions that this mover gave a lowball quote upfront to secure business and added fees on moving day. However, this does not appear to be the norm, and the review does not offer many supporting details. Positive reviews cite friendly and helpful service from moving crews and booking staff for local and long-distance needs.
Allied Van Lines is a moving carrier with more than 400 locations across all 50 states. It offers direct local and long-distance service via several Ohio branches and provides add-on options including packing, vehicle shipping and more. It also offers an expedited small move service called Allied Express. These packages include labor, transportation and full-value protection at one transparent cost.
Service area: 50 states and 130 countries
Storage: Allied offers short- and long-term storage options.
Quote type: This mover offers binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance costs are set by move distance and estimated shipment weight.
Sample cost: We got a sample three-bedroom moving quote from Allied for a 2,900-mile relocation. This conversation took about 15 minutes, but you should expect to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes on the phone or in person with your move coordinator for an in-depth quote. Without packing, this move would cost around $12,175. Full-service packing would add $2,500.
Payment methods: Allied accepts cash, certified checks, money orders and credit cards.
This mover offers Extra Care Protection (ECP) protection and released-value protection. ECP allows you to declare the monetary value of your goods and a maximum reimbursement amount, which you’ll establish with your move coordinator. The added cost will depend on your declared maximum coverage amount.
Allied Van Lines has several highly rated locations in Ohio. Its Cincinnati and Columbus locations have 4.9 out of 5 stars and 4.8 out of 5 stars, respectively. Positive reviews mention attentive booking staff and moving crews from start to finish for local and long-distance relocations.
Mayflower is a carrier and broker with a direct presence in 46 states. It provides a full range of local and long-distance moving options through many local agents, including Herlihy Moving & Storage in Franklin County.
Service area: 46 states and 125 countries
Storage: This mover offers access to secure warehouses for all storage needs.
Quote type: Mayflower provides binding estimates for long-distance moves.
Pricing: Long-distance quotes are based on move distance and estimated shipment weight.
Sample cost: We contacted Mayflower for a three-bedroom, 2,900-mile quote and got a sample rate within 15 minutes. Our move coordinator took our move details and basic inventory before giving us a price range of $11,600–$12,900.
Payment methods: Mayflower accepts cash, traveler’s checks, cashier’s checks, money orders and credit cards.
This mover includes full-value protection in all initial moving quotes. The total cost for this will depend on your goods’ estimated weight and value. You can opt out of full-value protection for a lower overall rate if you choose. If you do, you’ll still get the required released-value protection of 60 cents per pound per item.
Herlihy’s Grove City location has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Positive reviews mention transparent pricing and efficient moving crews. Customers cite all personnel involved as being detail-oriented and attentive.
The following carriers offer highly rated service for intrastate Ohio relocations plus interstate options.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. is a locally owned moving company based in the Columbus area that also has locations in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. It offers a full range of local and long-distance moving options that include packing and more.
Service area: This Ohio mover’s service range for local moves is largely limited to the locales listed above, but it provides long-distance service to the rest of the state from these areas.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark rates for local moving services.
Pricing: Ballpark rates are set by hourly rates, which depend on the number of movers assigned to a move.
Sample cost: We contacted Leaders for a ballpark rate on a three-bedroom local move within Columbus. They called us within an hour to schedule an in-person consultation for a more accurate assessment of potential moving costs.
Deposit: None mentioned
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash and credit cards for payment.
Leaders offers three tiers of coverage for all moves. Beyond released-value protection, it offers depreciated-value and full-value protection. The former provides $2.25 per pound of shipment weight, while the latter offers $5 per pound. The exact dollar amount of coverage will depend on your estimated shipment weight, while your added cost will depend on this declared value. It provides a list of items that aren’t covered online.
This mover has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews with over 2,000 customer reviews. These cite careful and professional moving crews for both local and long-distance moves. These largely positive reviews mention friendly moving crews as a frequent key positive aspect of relocations with this provider.
Two Men and a Truck is a nationwide moving company with branches in most major urban markets and states. It offers local and long-distance options via its location in Columbus, which has customer reviews that frequently mention friendly moving crews and quick, accurate quotes. This mover has experience moving customers with varied needs, from high-rise-apartment dwellers to suburban homeowners.
Service area: 46 states
Quote type: This mover provides ballpark estimates for local moves.
Pricing: Local moves are priced at hourly rates set by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to assist you.
Sample cost: We contacted Two Men and a Truck to get pricing for a three-bedroom local move. They messaged us to set up an in-depth consultation, but wouldn’t give us ballpark pricing upfront without this.
Deposit: Deposit requirements vary by location, but you’ll have to cancel your move at least 48 hours before it’s scheduled to secure a full refund.
Payment methods: This mover accepts cash, certified checks and credit cards.
Many Two Men and a Truck branches offer moves with full-value protection included in initial quotes. The cost of this is determined by the estimated value of your goods. You can opt out of this coverage for released-value protection if you choose.
Two Men and a Truck’s Columbus location has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. This includes praise for the hardworking moving crews and overall moving experience from start to finish. Customer reviews mentioned efficiency from pickup to delivery, including quality packing services.
New Roots Moving Company is a family-owned local mover primarily serving Northeastern Ohio. This professional moving company provides commercial and residential moves, including labor-only options for DIY clients or smaller moves.
Service area: This mover primarily serves the area surrounding Canton.
Quote type: This mover offers ballpark quotes based on hourly rates for local moves.
Pricing: Hourly rates are set by the number of movers needed for a relocation.
Sample cost: We contacted New Roots for a three-bedroom local moving quote in May 2024 and got an immediate call back to set up an in-person survey. Even though the busy season for moving companies was about to begin, we got a prompt response to a quote request. However, we could not secure a quote without an in-person inventory review.
Payment methods: Contact the company for payment information.
Aside from released-value protection, this mover offers full-value protection for all moves at an additional price. If you aren’t satisfied with the coverage options your move coordinator offers during your free moving quote, you can inquire about third-party insurance options for your move.
New Roots now has a perfect 5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews via more than 300 reviews. Customers mention attentive and communicative moving crews and customer service staff. Reviews also mention that moves started on time and that quotes were accurate.
Before soliciting quotes, evaluate the following key factors to ensure the moving companies you consider are qualified to meet your needs.
A primary step in any moving process is determining your service needs. All full-service moving companies offer basic services, including loading and unloading, transportation of goods and released-value protection. Beyond these, movers can provide the following services:
To determine your service needs, conduct a full walk-through of your home. Write down all the items you plan to take with you and all you plan to get rid of before moving day. Note any add-ons you might need based on your inventory, and review these lists with your move coordinator when you get a quote.
Moving companies operate under two basic service models: carriers and brokers. Moving carriers handle all services they book, and are what most customers would consider to be “traditional” moving companies.
Brokers, on the other hand, operate as middlemen between customers and moving carriers. Since they coordinate your move, they often take large upfront payments as deposits.
Brokers do not assume liability for lost or damaged goods during your move — rather, the carrier you work with is responsible.
All movers must comply with regulations, which are dictated by their service area.
Interstate moving companies are federally regulated. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that moving companies offering interstate or long-distance service must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these to look up a moving company’s registration status on the FMCSA’s database.
Moving companies offering only intrastate relocation services in Ohio must be registered with the state Public Utilities Commission (PUCO). Such movers are issued operating authority numbers which enable them to provide service for local clients.
When you get moving quotes, be aware of local and long-distance providers’ pricing structures.
Long-distance moves are priced at transparent, all-inclusive rates based on move distance and shipment weight. These “line-haul fees” can be affected by add-on service requirements. Such relocations will be eligible for binding estimates, which do not shift between quote day and moving day unless you add inventory or service needs to your move.
Local moving companies bill clients by the hour. Hourly rates are determined by the number of movers and moving trucks assigned to your relocation. All estimates for these moves are categorized as “ballpark” quotes. They are educated guesses based on your move inventory, the distance between your old and new home and your required services.
All moving companies provide reimbursement options for loss or damage to your goods. The minimum required coverage is released-value protection, which offers 60 cents per pound per item at no additional cost. Beyond this, most moving companies provide full-value protection, which covers your goods at a higher rate for an added fee.
We recommend getting at least three quotes for your Ohio move, starting with North American Van Lines and Leaders Moving & Storage. North American’s bottom-line and not-to-exceed pricing options help keep moving costs transparent, allowing clients to stay within their set budgets.
Leaders Moving & Storage offers well-reviewed relocation packages for local service, including clearly defined valuation coverage for lost or damaged goods. If you’re moving high-value goods or similar items, this mover has you covered.
Scheduling your relocation in the spring or fall will help you avoid the increased rates many movers offer between May and September. You’ll also have a better chance of avoiding unpleasant weather and the increased demand that movers experience during these months.
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
Google Reviews scores are accurate as of May 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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