Best Moving Companies in Ohio (2023)

If you’re making an Ohio move and want a stress-free experience, consider hiring a professional moving company to help with the moving process. With so many moving company options in Ohio, it can be difficult to determine which provider to use.

The This Old House Reviews Team has researched and ranked the top moving services in the country to help you with this decision. In this review, we’ll compare our picks for the best moving companies in Ohio based on their cost, service options, benefits, and drawbacks and provide information on how to get a free moving quote from each company.

After in-depth research and analysis here are the best moving companies for Ohio movers:

• International Van Lines: Best Overall Full-Service Mover
• American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: Most Efficient
• JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation
• North American Van Lines: Best for Claims
• 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best Overall Self-Service Mover
• PODS: Most Convenient

International Van Lines

Our Take: Best Overall Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines (IVL) is our pick for the best full-service mover in Ohio thanks to its comprehensive service options at affordable prices. IVL provides in-house services for packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and transportation.

The company can also help move difficult and challenging items, such as pianos and expensive artwork. Given IVL’s focus on cross-country moves, we find it to be a better option for long-distance moves rather than local moves in Ohio.

Pros and Cons

✓ Offers storage services for additional flexibility
✓ Provides adjustable full-value protection plans
✓ Offers specialty services for moving artwork, antiques, and pianos

✘ Doesn’t have an online booking options
✘ Local moves can be more expensive than self-service options
✘ Customer reviews vary based on location

Services

Though International Van Lines focuses on full-service moves, customers can mix and match services to create a partial-service package. IVL also offers an adjustable full-value protection plan, and it offers long-term and short-term storage services for additional security over your move. IVL provides services for local moves within the same state, but this offering requires you to have at least a two-bedroom apartment or home. Learn more about IVL services.

Cost

International Van Lines quoted us a move for a two-bedroom home from Cleveland to Columbus in two months for $2,015–$3,445. This quote includes transportation and loading services. To see what package you can create with International Van Lines, fill out this online survey.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

Our Take: Most Experienced Moving Labor

If you have fragile or difficult items to move, consider American Van Lines (AVL). AVL provides full-time, background-checked moving teams that hold an average of 10 years of experience. This allows the company to provide consistent and reliable moving services, such as packing, loading, furniture disassembly, transportation, and more. The company does not provide in-state moving services, but it makes a great choice for cross-country moves involving Ohio.

Pros and Cons

✓ Provides weekly shuttles to major cities
✓ Provides flat-rate pricing and binding estimates
✓ Offers on-site storage facilities that include private storage and personal storage vaults

✘ Prices run higher than some competitors
✘ Doesn’t offer intrastate moving
✘ An upfront deposit can run between 10% and 50% of your total moving cost

Services

American Van Lines offers both full-service and partial-pack options alongside other popular full-service moving options, such as furniture disassembly, loading, transportation, unloading, and furniture reassembly. Another great perk of AVL is that it offers binding estimates, which means you pay for the price AVL quotes you. Other movers may adjust your moving price depending on changes that occur during the move. Learn more about American Van Lines services.

Cost

American Van Lines does not provide online quotes, but you can look at the average pricing of its more popular moves on its moving cost page. We contacted the company and asked for the average cost of a move from Cleveland to Columbus for a two-bedroom home and were told to expect to pay between $6,000 and $7,000. This estimate includes full-service options like loading and unloading and a contents protection plan.

To get more accurate cost information and start a 10-minute virtual estimate with American Van Lines, fill out this online questionnaire.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Our Take: Most Efficient

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) ensures quick scheduling for a move by putting its customers in direct contact with third-party movers stationed throughout the state of Ohio. 

After requesting an estimate through IMRG’s home page, the information you shared about your home and belongings will be evaluated and passed on to carriers. Whether moving to a new home a few miles from the state border or to the other side of the country, you can find a provider that offers the services you need.

Pros and Cons

✓ Partners with many moving companies that provide discounted rates for veterans
✓ Shares move information with several carriers so customers can compare estimates
✓ Has moving tips and a checklist on the IMRG website 

✘ Operates with broker authority only, contracting out moving trucks and crews
✘ Doesn’t have live customer support overnight or on weekends

Services

IMRG’s large network of moving partners provides a wide selection of moving services, including the following:

• Corporate moves
• Packing services
• Piano moving
• Military moves
• Shuttle services
• Vehicle shipping

Cost

IMRG estimates that moving the contents of a three-bedroom home to a new home 250 miles away would cost, on average, $1,700–$3,500. Rates will vary among different carriers. 

Get your free IMRG quote. 

Learn More: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review

JK Moving

Our Take: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover

If you’re on a budget but still want full-service moving options, consider JK Moving. JK Moving provides moving coordinators that tailor a full-service or partial-service moving package according to your budget and moving needs. The company also offers the rare perk of financing your move. Customers can receive rates as low as 0% same-as-cash through JK’s partnership with Enhancify.*
*Subject to credit approval

Pros and Cons

✓ Offers financing through Enhancify
✓ Provides GPS tracking and a personal moving coordinator for all shipments
✓ Offers 24/7 customer support

✘ Customer reviews differ based on location
✘ Doesn’t offer local moving services in Ohio (long-distance only)
✘ Provides storage services through third-party companies

Services

JK Moving offers industry-standard full-service moving options, such as packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. The company collects details about your moving needs and your budget during the quote process, and your moving coordinator customizes your package for your needs. Learn more about JK Moving services.

Cost

Because JK Moving customizes moving packages based on each customer’s needs, it does not provide pricing information online. The following factors will impact your overall price with JK Moving:

• Where your original home is located
• The overall distance of your move
• The size and weight of your move
• The date and time of year of your move
• Additional services you purchase

Complete this online form and a JK Moving agent will get in touch with you shortly after to discuss pricing.

Learn More: JK Moving Services Review

Allied Van Lines

Our Take: Best for Vehicle Relocation

Allied Van Lines offers a range of full- and partial-service moving options, as well as mobile storage containers, moving kits, and helpful online resources. Allied is the oldest moving company in the U.S., with more than 90 years of experience in the industry.

Allied can ship most vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiles. The company maintains its own fleet of open and enclosed car carriers. Open carriers are the trucks you’ve likely seen on the highway carrying stacks of new cars from auto manufacturers to dealerships. Enclosed carriers are essentially semi-truck trailers that protect vehicles from the elements or roadway hazards. For high-value vehicles like classic cars, the enclosed carrier option offers added protection during transport.

Pros and Cons

✓ Available in all 50 states and 130 countries
✓ Online scheduling is available for in-home estimates
✓ Offers full-value protection coverage of your items

✘ Storage options are based on local availability
✘ Add-ons can increase your moving costs to beyond competitor pricing

Services

Allied’s list of moving services includes:

• Local moving
• Long-distance moving
• International moving
• Shipment tracking
• House cleaning
• Boxes and moving supplies
• Appliance disconnection and reconnection

Cost

Allied Van Lines offers an a la carte-style approach to moving, but basic-price moves include: an assigned relocation consultant; loading, transport, and unloading of your items; and minimum protection coverage. Services like full-valuation coverage and packing and unpacking are available at an additional cost.

Using Allied’s online instant quote tool, a basic package to move the contents of a two-bedroom home from Columbus, Ohio, to Providence, Rhode Island, in late summer would cost $5,886 to $6,687. To get a free quote from Allied Van Lines, take this quick online survey.

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

North American Van Lines

Our Take: Best for Claims

North American Van Lines is a full-service moving company available in all 50 states, and it has a network of more than 500 local movers throughout the country. North American can accommodate local, long-distance, and international moves of all sizes.

The company also offers special rates for American Legion and union members and their families, and it has an easy online or over-the-phone claims process for both domestic and international claims. Claims can be filed directly from the homepage of the company’s website. North American also maintains dedicated claims support lines for those who need additional assistance or prefer to file claims by phone.

Pros and Cons

✓ Offers satellite tracking for packages
✓ Has an online packaging calculator to help customers determine the amount and cost of moving supplies
✓ Global moving clients can follow the moving workflow using the MoovScout app

✘ Some customer reviews make multiple references to mover tardiness and broken items
✘ Full-service options can be higher than competitor pricing

Services

North American’s list of moving services includes:

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Fragile-only packing option
• Vehicle relocation
• Crane vans for large items
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Specialty handling for antiques and fine art

Cost

The cost to move with North American can be lower or higher than other moving companies, depending on the number and types of add-on services you may need. According to the company’s online moving calculator, a basic package to move a two-bedroom home from Cleveland, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, in early April ranges from $3,712 to $4,122.

Cost estimates with North American Van Lines are based on the distance of your move as well as the size of your move and the time of year you plan to relocate. The special handling of any items is also factored into your quote. No upfront deposit is required. For a free quote from North American Van Lines, complete this quick online form.

Learn More: North American Van Lines Review

1-800-PACK-RAT

Our Take: Best Overall Self-Service Mover

1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for the best self-service mover in Ohio due to its competitive pricing, online resources and tools, partnership with HireAHelper, and on-site storage facilities and moving centers in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. The company acts as a great choice for local and cross-country moves involving Ohio.

Pros and Cons

✓ Includes $10,000 in contents protection for long-distance moves
✓ Its storage facilities offer climate-controlled units
✓ Has a user-friendly website that features a variety of online moving tools and resources

✘ The availability for interstate moves can be limited based on branch locations
✘ Doesn’t offer online scheduling

Services

1-800-PACK-RAT provides portable storage containers to help customers with moves. The company offers three container sizes:

• 8-foot (ideal for 1–2 rooms)
• 12-foot (ideal for 2–3 rooms)
• 16-foot (ideal for 3–4 rooms)

The company delivers your choice of moving container(s) to your home, and you load your belongings onto the container(s) at your own pace. Once all of your belongings are loaded, you notify 1-800-PACK-RAT when to pick up and redeliver your belongings to your new address.You can load and unload your belongings within the 30 days provided by the company. Additional time can be purchased at an additional cost that averages around $245. Learn more about 1-800-PACK-RAT services.

Cost

1-800-PACK-RAT quoted us $1,809.40 for a move from Cleveland to Columbus within two months using a 16-foot container. This quote includes all transportation, delivery and pick-up fees, a no-cut security lock, and up to $10,000 in contents protection. Learn how 1-800-PACK-RAT can help with your Ohio move by filling out this online survey.

Learn More: 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

PODS

Our Take: Most Convenient

PODS is another great self-service mover for both long-distance moves and local moves in Ohio. PODS offers a high level of convenience for movers by having 230 storage facilities nationwide. It also provides additional time outside of its 30 days of rental for cheaper rates that start at $149 per month. Depending on your location, PODS can also provide third-party moving assistance for services such as loading and unloading.

Pros and Cons

✓ Storage facilities include 24/7 security and climate-controlled units
✓ The quote process is detailed and transparent
✓ Includes $10,000 in contents protection for long-distance moves

✘ Requires plenty of time in advance to schedule
✘ Moving labor is conducted through third-party companies

Services

PODS offers three moving container sizes: eight-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot. Learn more about PODS’ service options.

Cost

We obtained a quote from PODS to move a 16-foot container from Cleveland to Columbus within two months for a total of $1,472.03. This quote does not include taxes, but it does include all transportation for four to six transit days and $10,000 in contents protection.

PODS is a pay-as-you-go service, so the total moving cost is broken down into the following payments due a week ahead of time: $487.95 for the initial delivery, $845.08 for transportation, and $139.00 for the final delivery and pick-up at the new address.

Learn More: PODS Review

Keep in mind that the size and weight of your belongings, the total distance of your move, your budget, and the amount of labor needed all impact which company is the best option for your Ohio move.

We ultimately recommend getting a free quote from a few different companies to compare services and pricing.

Each Ohio mover has different needs, and each residential moving company listed in this article offers various benefits that could be helpful during your move. Before hiring a professional moving company, consider your moving needs and budget.

If you’re looking to achieve maximum peace of mind and want a mover to handle everything for you, we recommend full-service movers, such as International Van Lines and Allied Van Lines.

On the other hand, if you’re planning a DIY move and want to save money, we recommend self-service movers, such as 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS.

There are several other services you may need or want to consider when relocating to Ohio. Consider reading some of the articles listed below to help you relocate smoothly to the Buckeye State:

• Best Homeowners Insurance in Ohio
• Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio
• Best Renters Insurance in Ohio
• Best Home Security Systems
• Best Lawn Care Services
• Best Pest Control Companies

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.