Moving from Memphis to Ohio: Costs, Top Movers, and What to Expect

If you're moving from Memphis to Ohio, you're covering roughly 627 miles and stepping into a noticeably different financial reality — lower rent, higher home prices, better wages, and a state income tax Memphis residents have never had to deal with. The distance puts this firmly in long-distance territory, which means picking the wrong mover costs you more than just money.

This guide covers the five best Memphis movers for this route, real cost ranges by home size, and the lifestyle differences worth knowing before you sign a lease in Columbus or Columbus. Use our moving cost calculator to pressure-test any of these estimates against your specific situation.

Best Memphis Movers for a Move to Ohio

Of 7 Memphis-based companies capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five stand out on customer satisfaction and track record.

1. The Armstrong Company — 4.5 / 5
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.44 / 5
3. Cord Moving and Storage — 4.42 / 5
4. All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.44 / 5
5. Guardian Moving Systems — 4.48 / 5

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The Armstrong Company

4690 Hungerford Road, Memphis, TN 38118 Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile

4.5 / 5 | 91% positive (213 reviews) | DOT #: 1170867 | 68 years in business

Armstrong is about as consistent as you'll find among Memphis movers. Ninety-one percent positive across 213 reviews is a high bar — most of that feedback cites skilled, communicative crews who handle long-distance and complicated relocations without drama. Armstrong operates as a United Van Lines agent and covers a full service range.

The occasional negatives worth noting: damaged or missing items do come up, and the claims process can move slowly. Not a dealbreaker, but document your inventory carefully before the truck leaves the driveway.

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, offices, storage, fragile-only packing | Credit cards accepted

DOT #: 1170867 | Years in business: 68 | (901) 367-3000

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN 38118 Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile

4.44 / 5 | 78% positive (259 reviews) | DOT #: 2527384 | 35 years in business

Two Men and a Truck earns solid marks for efficiency — crews move fast, communicate clearly, and final bills often come in at or below the original quote. That last part is rarer than it should be in this industry.

What pulls the rating to 78%: damaged items, unexplained extra fees, and slow management follow-up when issues arise. At 35 years in business with a recognizable national brand, this franchise is a reasonable pick — just verify exactly what's included in your quote before you sign anything.

Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes | Credit cards accepted

DOT #: 2527384 | Years in business: 35 | (901) 231-1149

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Cord Moving and Storage

3264 Democrat Road, Memphis, TN 38118 Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile

4.42 / 5 | 90% positive (220 reviews) | DOT #: 181102 | 104 years in business

Cord has been operating in Memphis for over a century and serves as a North American Van Lines agent. Ninety percent positive across 220 reviews puts them among the most trusted movers in the city. Customers consistently point to timely arrivals, clear communication, and helpful crews.

Negatives are real but infrequent: poor communication during delays and occasional damage. A handful of reviewers also flagged unclear policies on haul-offs and delivery logistics. Overall, one of the more dependable options on this list.

Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating, storage | Credit cards accepted

DOT #: 181102 | Years in business: 104 | (866) 742-1558

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All My Sons Moving & Storage

5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38134 Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile

4.44 / 5 | 63% positive (341 reviews) | DOT #: 902281 | 26 years in business

All My Sons has the most reviews on this list and one of the lower positive rates — 63% across 341 reviews. That split is worth understanding before you book.

The positive feedback is genuinely strong: careful handling, efficient crews, professional service. Where it falls apart is billing. Unexpected charges that weren't explained upfront are the top complaint, and they appear consistently enough to be a pattern. Late arrivals and damaged items also show up more often than I'd like relative to comparable movers.

If you go with All My Sons, get every fee documented in writing before moving day. The operational quality is there when things go right — the transparency issues are what drag the score down.

Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, antiques, offices, crating, storage, safes | Credit cards accepted | Deposit required

DOT #: 902281 | Years in business: 26 | (901) 472-8875

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Guardian Moving Systems

4226 Clarke Road, Memphis, TN 38141 Yelp reviews · Google reviews · BBB profile

4.48 / 5 | 89% positive (202 reviews) | 39 years in business

Guardian operates as a Mayflower agent and posts one of the strongest satisfaction rates among Memphis movers — 88.6% positive across 202 reviews. Customers consistently praise polite crews, careful handling, on-time arrivals, and strong communication.

The weak spots: property damage and, occasionally, slow follow-up on post-move issues. These are a minority of reviews, but they show up in a recurring pattern in the critical feedback. Understand your damage coverage before you sign.

Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, offices, crating, storage | Credit cards accepted

Years in business: 39 | (615) 287-0700

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Local Moving Services in Memphis, TN

Before you commit to a company, check whether they can handle what you're actually moving. Here's a snapshot of specialty service availability across all 7 Memphis movers that handle interstate moves:

Four Memphis movers offer custom crating — useful if you're moving high-value artwork, antiques, or anything fragile that standard blanket-wrap won't adequately protect. Ask specifically about crate construction, padding, and lead time when requesting quotes.

Cost to Move from Memphis, TN to Ohio

The numbers below are based on a 627-mile move, priced as of January 2026. These are planning ranges, not final quotes — your actual cost shifts based on home size, services added, access conditions at both addresses, and when you're moving.

Cost to Hire Movers from Memphis to Ohio

A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,197 to $3,439. Two- or three-bedroom homes come in at $2,017 to $5,422. Larger households — four-plus bedrooms — typically cost $3,901 to $7,741.

Those ranges are wide because the variables are real: packing services, stairs, long carries from street parking, and peak-season scheduling all push the final number up.

Cost of Moving Containers from Memphis to Ohio

Moving containers give you the flexibility to load at your own pace while leaving the 600-mile drive to someone else. For a small move, figure $672 to $1,607. A two- or three-bedroom runs $1,274 to $2,411. A larger home with four or more bedrooms lands at $1,718 to $3,244.

Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Memphis to Ohio

A rental truck is consistently the cheapest option, but the trade-off is real: you're doing all the loading, driving a large vehicle 600-plus miles, and unloading at the other end. If you want to keep costs down but skip the DIY grind, getting quotes from affordable movers sometimes closes the price gap more than people expect.

Studio or one-bedroom: $431 to $848. Two to three bedrooms: $469 to $1,016. Four-plus bedrooms: $592 to $1,217. Fuel costs are included in these estimates.

Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Memphis to OH

Three variables move the needle more than anything else:

• Home size: The single biggest cost driver. A studio and a four-bedroom don't occupy the same price bracket by any measure.
• Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moving in fall or late winter typically means better rates and more scheduling flexibility.
• DIY vs. professional movers: Full-service movers cost more and handle everything. A rental truck saves money if you're willing to do the work. Neither is wrong — it depends on your timeline, budget, and back.

What You Should Know Before Moving from Memphis to OH

The financial picture here is more nuanced than a simple "cheaper" or "more expensive" framing. You're moving into a higher-income state with lower rent but significantly higher home prices — and a state income tax that residents of Tennessee have never had to factor into their budget.

Compare Cost of Living: Memphis vs. Ohio

Sources — Memphis: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Ohio: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.

What those numbers mean in practice:

• Rent runs about 27% cheaper in Ohio than Memphis — genuine monthly savings for renters.
• Home prices are about 61% higher in Ohio, so if buying is part of the plan, recalibrate your expectations before you start shopping.
• Ohio wages are roughly 39% higher per capita, which helps absorb the cost of living difference.
• The cost of living index is about 9% higher in Ohio overall — not dramatic, but it does chip away at that wage advantage.
• Unemployment is 55% lower in Ohio than Memphis. If you're job-hunting after the move, that's a significant structural advantage.
• Ohio levies a 3.5% state income tax. Coming from Memphis with a 0% state income tax rate, that's an immediate reduction in take-home pay worth planning around.

How Life Is Different in Memphis, TN from Ohio

Sources — Memphis: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Ohio: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout.

The changes that'll hit hardest in daily life:

• Cooler summers: Ohio averages 84°F versus Memphis's 91°F. Lower air conditioning costs, more comfortable outdoor time.
• Colder winters: Ohio winters hit 20°F versus Memphis's 30°F. Budget more for heat, and if you've never driven in serious snow, plan ahead.
• Snow is genuinely different in Ohio — 28 inches annually versus Memphis's 3. Not Buffalo-level, but an adjustment that affects daily life from December through March.
• Less rain: 40 inches per year in Ohio versus 54 in Memphis. More clear days across the board.
• Crime index drops sharply: Ohio's 20.76 versus Memphis's 77.49. That's a meaningful quality-of-life difference, not a rounding error.
• Political climate shifts: Memphis runs Democratic; Ohio trends Republican at the state level, though the major cities vary.

Other Considerations When Moving to Ohio

Moving logistics don't end with hiring a mover. A few things worth sorting out before arrival:

• HOA move-in rules: Some neighborhoods restrict move-in days or times. Check with your HOA before you schedule the truck.
• Elevator reservations: For apartment moves, book the elevator in advance — many buildings require it and won't hold it for you without a reservation.
• Truck parking permits: Some Ohio cities require a street permit for moving trucks. Check with your destination city's permit office ahead of time.
• Verify USDOT registration: Ohio doesn't require a state moving license, but every interstate mover must be USDOT-registered. Ask for the number and verify it at the FMCSA website before you book anyone.
• No moving permit required in Ohio, but check local parking regulations at your delivery address.
• USPS change of address: File at least a week before your move date so mail follows you to Ohio without a gap.
• Moving insurance: The default Released Value Protection covers 60 cents per pound per item — minimal protection for anything valuable. Ask your mover about full-value protection, or look at third-party coverage options.
• Stay organized: Our moving checklist covers the logistics most people forget until the week of the move.

Things to Do in Ohio

Ohio has more going on than it gets credit for. A few highlights:

Museums in Ohio

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
• Cleveland Museum of Art
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
• A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
• National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)

Parks in Ohio

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Wayne National Forest
• Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
• Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
• Maumee Bay State Park

Sports Teams in Ohio

• Cincinnati Reds (MLB) and Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
• Cleveland Guardians (MLB) and Cleveland Browns (NFL)
• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

Universities in Ohio

• The Ohio State University
• University of Cincinnati
• Case Western Reserve University
• Kent State University
• Bowling Green State University

FAQ

How long does a move from Memphis to Ohio take?

Typically one to six days, depending on service type and time of year. Most professional movers complete the Memphis-to-Ohio run in one to three days under normal conditions. Summer demand can stretch that window. Before booking, ask for an actual delivery range — not an estimate, a committed window.

Can I find movers that build custom crates in Memphis?

Yes — four Memphis movers offer custom crating, which is worth asking about if you're moving high-value artwork, antiques, or anything fragile that standard packing materials won't adequately protect. When requesting a quote, ask specifically about crate construction, padding options, and lead time.

What is the best way to get a car from Memphis to Ohio?

Use a licensed auto transport company rather than adding miles to your vehicle or loading it into a moving truck. For car shipping on this route, get at least three quotes, confirm FMCSA registration, and clarify insurance coverage before committing. Open transport is cheaper; enclosed transport makes sense if the car's value justifies the premium.

Why are people moving from Memphis to Ohio?

The main pull is economic: higher average wages, a significantly lower unemployment rate, and lower rent than Memphis. Ohio's major metros — Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati — all have strong job markets across healthcare, tech, finance, and manufacturing.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Memphis?

Start with the five companies reviewed above. For a broader national comparison, MoveFinders tracks pricing and customer satisfaction data across hundreds of long-distance movers.

Can I pay for my move from Memphis, TN with cash?

Two Memphis movers accept cash, but it's not standard practice in the industry. Most companies prefer card, ACH transfer, or cashier's check for documentation purposes. Expect to pay a deposit at booking with the balance due at pickup or delivery — exact timing varies by company. Confirm payment terms and schedule in writing before you sign anything.

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Compare quotes from Memphis movers and use the moving cost calculator to sharpen your estimate before you commit.