10 best movers in Columbus, Georgia

The best moving company for relocating out of Georgia is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Columbus area.

Long-distance movers in Columbus

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Make sure the mover you choose has the proper federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance movers below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Columbus is greater than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Columbus is above 79.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Here are some common moving costs:

• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Professional labor
• Storage
• Packing
• Fuel

These additional factors can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are breakable, valuable or oversized. The following items can cost more to move:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, transportation emergencies and limited supplies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Columbus.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting an estimate from the movers.

For example, your movers can usually add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are highly sought after, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still hiring your preferred moving company.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding an economical moving service that works for you.

Move yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system required for a self-move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Columbus

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of all aspects of the moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Georgia are also required to have a license from the Motor Carrier Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

How does moving insurance work?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. Every moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for substantial and small moves alike. This might dissuade you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Columbus' intense summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating even more difficult.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, take those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.