Compare Cost of Columbus, IN Movers ($148/hour)

Quick answer: The cost of hiring movers locally in Columbus, Indiana, ranges from $340 up to $2,498, or $148 per hour on average. For moves out of Indiana, the price you’ll pay for long-distance movers in Columbus will depend on the size of your move, the distance, and any additional services.

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Average cost of local Columbus, IN movers

Hiring a moving company in Columbus is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You’ll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you’d rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Columbus:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $340 $101 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $446 $103 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $652 $140 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,466 $204 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $1,603 $202 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $2,498 $279 5 movers 10 hours

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  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Columbus to move a studio apartment is $101 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $103 per hour for local Columbus movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $140 to move a two-bedroom Columbus home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $204 an hour to have local Columbus movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you’re moving a four-bedroom Columbus home, you’ll pay $202 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $279 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Columbus home with five or more bedrooms.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Columbus move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.

Best local movers in Columbus, IN

If you’re moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Columbus:

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Busy Bee Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. A Better Way Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Greenwood Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Good communication (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving has 115 customer reviews, with 54% being positive. Many customers praised the efficient service and friendly staff, highlighting their punctuality and hard work. However, several complaints arose regarding damage to items and poor communication, leading to frustration for some customers. Overall, while many appreciated the affordable rates and helpful movers, others experienced issues with the reliability of the service and unexpected costs.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Bellhop Moving, founded in 2012, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Indianapolis, IN. While their Yelp and Google My Business profiles boast impressive average ratings of 4.0 and 4.4 respectively, their BBB rating of F may give potential clients pause. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Bellhop stands out by providing versatile services including packing, unpacking, and labor only options, but a deposit is unfortunately required. For those seeking reliable and well-reviewed local movers, Bellhop Moving presents a worthy choice.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (80%)
  • Professional and polite staff (75%)
  • Good communication (70%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (45%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (35%)
  • Lack of communication (30%)
Review Analysis
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has 239 online customer reviews, 80% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company's efficient service, with several noting how quickly and carefully their belongings were handled. Reviewers also appreciated the professional and friendly staff who made the moving process easier. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damaged items and poor communication regarding scheduling. Overall, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. stands out for its excellent customer service, though it faces challenges in consistency and damage control.
Get a Quote (317) 280-3385

Company Info

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1237577

Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving and Storage Company, Hilling Moving & Storage


Leaders Moving & Storage Co., based in Indianapolis, IN, has been a trusted local residential mover since 1995. Known for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, they stand out by accepting credit cards and not requiring deposits. Their reputation shines with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a stellar 4.7 average rating from over 550 reviews on Google, although their Yelp reviews are more modest at 3.3 from 24 reviews. Compared to other nearby moving companies, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. offers a reliable and customer-focused experience for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (40%)
  • Higher-than-expected costs (30%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
Busy Bee Movers has 305 customer reviews, with 70% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company's friendly and professional movers who worked quickly and efficiently. People appreciated the reasonable pricing and good communication from the office staff. On the downside, some customers reported issues with hidden fees and damage to their belongings. A few also mentioned poor customer service when addressing concerns. Overall, Busy Bee Movers provides solid service but has room for improvement in transparency and handling customer complaints.
Get a Quote (317) 695-9927

Company Info

Years in Business: 34

DOT #: 573343


Busy Bee Movers, serving Indianapolis since 1992, specializes in local residential moving, setting them apart in a competitive market. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and even handle piano moves, ensuring a hassle-free experience for their clients. While their Google reviews average a strong 4.2 from 260 reviewers, their Yelp profile indicates mixed feedback with a 2.2 average from 88 reviews. Nonetheless, their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ underscores their reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction. In comparison to other local movers, Busy Bee Movers stands out for their extensive experience and wide array of services, accepting credit cards and not requiring a deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Good communication (27%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (24%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
A Better Way Moving and Storage has 255 customer reviews, with 83% reflecting positive experiences. Customers praised the company's efficient service, friendly staff, and reasonable pricing. Many noted the careful handling of their belongings and excellent communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damaged items and delays in delivery. Others mentioned poor customer service when addressing complaints. Despite these negatives, the overall satisfaction with the company remains high, making it a solid choice compared to other movers.
Get a Quote (812) 339-9995

Company Info

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1886253

Alternate Names: A Better Way Moving and Storage, Inc.


A Better Way Moving and Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Bloomington, IN since 2003. Their impressive track record is backed by stellar consumer reviews, boasting a 4.0 average rating on Yelp and a 4.7 on Google, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and are capable of handling delicate items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Although a deposit is required, they ensure peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage, solidifying their reputation as a reliable and customer-centric moving company.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (35%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
Review Analysis
Greenwood Moving & Storage has 233 customer reviews, with 85% of them being positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service and friendly staff, noting how professional and courteous the movers are. Many appreciated the careful handling of their belongings and the transparent pricing. However, some feedback pointed out issues like unexpected charges and damage to items during the move. Overall, customers found Greenwood Moving & Storage to be a reliable choice, especially compared to larger companies with less personalized service.
Get a Quote (317) 882-0190

Company Info

Years in Business: 51

DOT #: 265315


Greenwood Moving & Storage has been a reliable choice for local residential moving services in and around Greenwood, IN, since 1974. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, with no deposit required. Although their Yelp profile shows a moderate rating, their stellar average rating of 4.9 from 311 Google reviews and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating highlight their reputable standing. Compared to other nearby movers, Greenwood Moving & Storage stands out for its extensive experience and customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Average cost to move out of state with Columbus movers

Since the cost of moving out of Indiana depends largely on where you’re moving, we’ve provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to Indiana or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Columbus

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Columbus and across Indiana state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Indiana:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Columbus

Out-of-state moving costs from Columbus for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Columbus:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Columbus

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Columbus. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you’re moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Columbus of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Columbus

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from Indiana will cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Columbus.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Columbus, IN

The average cost of moving containers in Columbus is approximately $500 for local relocations and as much as $3,000 for long-distance moves. Cross-country moves can reach as high as $7,000 or more. Costs are largely based on distance and the container size you choose.

Our top recommendation for moving containers in Beverly Hills is PODS, thanks to its multiple container sizes (eight, 12 and 16 feet), competitive pricing, and solid customer reviews. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.

Best moving container companies in Columbus

If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in Columbus, but here are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Columbus, IN

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Columbus is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$39 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $1–$1, depending on how far you’re moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Columbus

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There are no shortages to finding moving truck rental companies in Columbus. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Columbus, IN

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Columbus. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Columbus

If you’re looking for labor assistance in Columbus, you’ll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your Columbus move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Columbus move:

  • Distance: How far you’re moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That’s because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You’ll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can’t beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item’s value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It’s best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover’s insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren’t scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.
  • Reserve parking. You can learn more about the rules and regulations on the Columbus website.

Helpful Columbus Resources

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