How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Columbus
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, services, licensing, and cost before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, Columbus movers charge $79 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,281 for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional services you need will contribute to your actual cost.
We advise getting quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies depend on customer feedback. You can identify movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Yelp.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Columbus must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Indiana, choose a moving company that carries Operating Authority from the Indiana Department of Revenue.
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to assess if the company can fulfill your particular needs.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will include these services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Inform your moving company about any special services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Columbus, IN
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Columbus.
Schedule an Early Move
Columbus traffic during rush hour is notoriously hectic. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Columbus' hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your move, particularly if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and book your desired mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks before your move. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most moving companies only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival.
How Much do Movers Cost in Columbus, IN
Movers in Columbus cost $2,654 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,365 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,654 | $3,191 | $7,365 |
250-999 miles | $3,268 | $3,826 | $10,820 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,309 | $4,382 | $11,271 |
2,500+ miles | $3,238 | $5,452 | $13,419 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Columbus
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