If you're packing up in Montgomery and heading to Ohio, you're looking at roughly a 696-mile interstate move — far enough that who you hire and when you book matters a lot more than most people factor in. Below you'll find the five Montgomery movers that can handle this route, what the move should actually cost depending on your home size and service type, and a straight look at what life in Ohio compares to life in Montgomery.
Top Moving Companies in Montgomery for a Move to Ohio
Five Montgomery movers handle interstate volume and have enough of a track record to evaluate. Here's how they rank:
- Coleman Worldwide Moving — 4.52 / 5
- McCorquodale Transfer — 4.38 / 5
- Motivated Movers, Inc. — 4.42 / 5
- Admiral Movers — 4.36 / 5
- C & R Movers, LLC — 4.34 / 5
If you want to pull in a quote from a national carrier alongside these local options, Safe Ship Moving is one I'd recommend for long-distance moves on routes like this — they're worth including in your comparison.
Here's a closer look at each Montgomery mover.
Coleman Worldwide Moving
1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL 36108
- Rating: 4.5 / 5
- Reviews: 63% positive, 25% negative
- BBB: Grade A+
- Google: 106 reviews
- Yelp: 1 review
- DOT #: 2897746 | State license #: 457 | In business: 111 years
Coleman has more than a century of operating history and a full service menu — local, interstate, international, packing, crating, storage, even safes. Sixty-three percent of reviews praise professional crews and solid communication. The 25% negative rate is the part I'd want a friend to know about: recurring complaints include damage to high-value items, significant delivery delays, and inconsistent quality from local subcontracted labor. If you have irreplaceable belongings, get their care and delivery commitments in writing before signing anything.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage, safes Phone: (877) 693-7060
McCorquodale Transfer
520 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108
- Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Reviews: 91% positive, 9% negative
- BBB: Grade A+
- Google: 34 reviews
- Yelp: 18 reviews
- DOT #: 713589 | State license #: 3783 | In business: 27 years
A 91% positive rate is legitimately high in this industry. Customers who moved antiques and high-end furniture report strong results, and pricing consistently gets called reasonable. Where this company stumbles is claims handling — when something does get damaged, a handful of reviewers describe slow responses and unfair insurance payouts. Before hiring them for a move with anything fragile or valuable, ask directly how they manage damage claims. That conversation will tell you a lot.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing Phone: (334) 202-9059
Motivated Movers, Inc.
2450 Wall St, Millbrook, AL 36054
- Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Reviews: 89% positive, 10% negative
- BBB: Grade A+
- Yelp: 25 reviews
- In business: 18 years
Nearly 90% positive across 400-plus reviews is a meaningful number. The consistent themes: fast crews, careful handling, competitive rates, and teams that can manage large or complex moves without drama. The negative 10% tends to center on damaged items and communication lapses — not unique to Motivated Movers, but consistent enough to flag. For a standard residential move from Montgomery to Ohio, they're one of the stronger choices on this list.
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, antiques, crating, storage, safes Phone: (334) 221-1222
Admiral Movers
1200 Newell Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
- Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Reviews: 95% positive, 4% negative
- BBB: Grade A+
- Google: 244 reviews
- Yelp: 8 reviews
- DOT #: 1254788 | In business: 35 years
That 95% positive rate is the best of anyone on this list, and 244 Google reviews is a real sample. Reviewers consistently describe crews that go out of their way to protect furniture and accommodate tight schedules. The complaints that do surface mention occasional last-minute price increases and delivery delays. Admiral is also DOD certified, which matters if you're a military family relocating through Montgomery. For a straightforward residential move to Ohio, they're the most consistently recommended option in this group.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, DOD certified Phone: (334) 262-6666
C & R Movers, LLC
2255 South Forbes Dr., Montgomery, AL 36110
- Rating: 4.3 / 5
- Reviews: 71% positive, 25% negative
- BBB: Grade A+
- Google: 45 reviews
- Yelp: 7 reviews
- DOT #: 2813027 | State license #: 4043 | In business: 10 years
C & R is the youngest company here, and the review pattern reflects it. When they're on, customers describe fast, careful crews at competitive prices. But 25% negative is too high to ignore for an interstate move, with specific complaints about hard-to-reach customer service, last-minute cancellations, and occasional lost or damaged items. I'd use them as a secondary quote rather than a first choice for a 700-mile haul.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing Phone: (334) 233-6766
Specialty Services Available from Montgomery Movers
Here's how the five movers stack up on add-ons — useful if you have specific needs for this route:
| Service | # Offering | % of Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 5 | 100% |
| Pianos | 4 | 80% |
| Antiques | 3 | 60% |
| Art | 3 | 60% |
| Small moves | 2 | 40% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 40% |
All five handle interstate volume. If you need custom crating for oversized, fragile, or oddly shaped items — art, antiques, electronics — five movers offer it, but always confirm the specifics. Experience levels with specialty items vary crew to crew.
Cost to Move from Montgomery, AL to Ohio
The table below lays out estimated costs by home size and service type for this route, based on a 696-mile move.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,177 – $3,636 | $702 – $1,730 | $454 – $885 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,191 – $5,441 | $1,264 – $2,423 | $526 – $1,115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,828 – $7,820 | $1,658 – $3,175 | $630 – $1,298 |
Estimates reflect pricing data for a 696-mile move from Montgomery, AL to Ohio as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, access conditions, added services, fuel prices, and timing.
Use the moving cost calculator to get a number based on your specific home size and situation.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Montgomery to Ohio
Studio or one-bedroom moves land between $1,177 and $3,636 with a full-service company. Two-to-three bedroom moves typically run $2,191 to $5,441. A large four-or five-bedroom home will likely cost $3,828 to $7,820. Those ranges are wide because company pricing, timing, and home specifics all push the number. Getting at least three written quotes is the only reliable way to see where you'll actually land.
Cost of Moving Containers from Montgomery to Ohio
Moving containers split the difference — you handle the packing and loading, the company handles transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $702 to $1,730. Two-to-three bedroom moves run $1,264 to $2,423. Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) land at $1,658 to $3,175.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Montgomery to Ohio
A rental truck is almost always the cheapest option — but you're driving nearly 700 miles and doing all the lifting yourself. Expect $454 to $885 for a studio or one-bedroom. Two-to-three bedrooms run $526 to $1,115. Larger homes land at $630 to $1,298. Those figures factor in average fuel costs for the route.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost from Montgomery to Ohio
A few things will move your quote up or down more than you might expect:
- Move size: Volume is the primary cost driver. Get an accurate inventory of your belongings before requesting quotes — rough estimates lead to surprise charges at delivery.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season across Alabama, and prices reflect it. June through August moves will cost more and give you less scheduling flexibility than spring or fall.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck and doing it yourself costs less on paper. On a 696-mile route, factor in the physical toll, time, and risk before deciding it's worth the savings.
What to Know Before Moving from Montgomery to Ohio
Cost of Living: Montgomery vs. Ohio
Moving to Ohio from Montgomery involves some genuine financial trade-offs. Rent is cheaper, income is higher — but so are home prices and the overall cost of living.
| Montgomery, AL | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,200 | $945 |
| Average home price | $140,563 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $49,989 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 79 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 3.5% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
What that table actually means in practice:
- Rent in Ohio runs about 21% lower than in Montgomery — a real advantage if you're not buying right away.
- Home prices are roughly 64% higher in Ohio than in Montgomery. If you're buying, that's a significant jump in what you'll be financing.
- Per capita income in Ohio is about 34% higher than in Montgomery, which goes a long way toward offsetting the higher cost of living.
- Overall cost of living is roughly 19% higher in Ohio — adjust your budget before you move, not after.
- Unemployment in Ohio is about 38% lower than in Montgomery, pointing to a meaningfully stronger job market.
- State income tax is lower in Ohio (3.5% vs. 5.0%), which means a modest improvement in take-home pay.
How Life Looks Different in Ohio vs. Montgomery
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Ohio is a real departure from Montgomery.
| Montgomery, AL | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Republican (55–45) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 35°F | 20°F |
| Annual rainfall | 51" | 40" |
| Annual snowfall | 0" | 28" |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 20.76 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things that tend to surprise Montgomery transplants:
- The winters hit differently. Ohio's average low of 20°F versus Montgomery's 35°F sounds like a small gap — it isn't. You'll need a real winter wardrobe, all-season or snow tires, and a snow shovel for the first time in your life.
- Plan for 28 inches of snow per year. Montgomery gets zero. Snow removal, winter driving conditions, and heating costs are a new budget line.
- Summers are noticeably more comfortable. Ohio's average summer high of 84°F is a genuine improvement over Montgomery's 91°F. Air conditioning costs go down, and time outdoors goes up.
- Less rain year-round. Ohio averages 40 inches of annual rainfall versus Montgomery's 51 inches.
- Crime drops significantly. Ohio's crime index of 20.76 versus Montgomery's 65.25 is a major difference — one of the factors that doesn't get talked about enough in these conversations.
- Political environment shifts. Ohio has leaned Republican (55–45), while Montgomery has favored Democrats. Worth being aware of if local politics shapes your sense of community.
Logistics to Handle Before Moving Day
A few things that tend to get missed on interstate moves:
- HOA rules: If your new community has an HOA, check move-in policies in advance. Some restrict truck sizes or moving hours.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a multi-story building? Reserve the elevator ahead of time — most buildings require it, and skipping this creates real problems on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some Ohio cities require permits for moving trucks. Look up the specific rules for your destination city before you schedule.
- USDOT verification: Ohio doesn't require a state moving license, but every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with the USDOT. Ask for their USDOT number and confirm it's active through the FMCSA website before booking.
- Moving permits: Ohio doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking restrictions vary by city and neighborhood.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move date. You can set a specific forward-from date so mail routes directly to your Ohio address.
- Moving insurance: Federal law requires movers to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. On a long-distance move with anything valuable, full-valuation coverage or third-party insurance is worth the cost.
- Stay organized: A solid moving checklist covering the weeks before and after your move is one of the easiest ways to avoid last-minute scrambles.
Things to Do in Ohio
Ohio has more going for it than most people expect before they actually live there.
Museums
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
- National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
Parks
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave (Hocking Hills)
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports Teams
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities
- 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 Montgomery to Ohio take?
Most moves on this route take one to six days, depending on company and service type. Summer moves carry more risk of delays due to peak-season demand. Before booking, ask your mover for an estimated delivery window — not just pickup, but actual delivery at your Ohio address.
How many Montgomery movers handle custom crating for art or antiques?
Five movers in Montgomery offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items. Three specifically handle antiques and art. If you have specialty pieces, confirm the details before booking — crew experience with high-value items varies.
What's the best way to get my car from Montgomery to Ohio?
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than adding it to your household move. Look for FMCSA registration, clear insurance terms, and a track record on this corridor before committing.
Why are people moving from Montgomery to Ohio?
Primarily economic: Ohio's unemployment rate is nearly 40% lower than Montgomery's, per capita incomes are higher, and cities like Columbus have seen consistent growth. The lower crime index is another factor that comes up frequently.
Can I pay cash for my Montgomery to Ohio move?
One of the five movers listed here accepts cash. Cash isn't standard in the industry — most prefer traceable payment methods. Expect to pay a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms and timing in writing before you sign.
Where can I find more long-distance moving options for this route?
Start with the five companies reviewed above. For national carriers that cover this corridor, see our best interstate movers list.
Get quotes from at least three companies before you commit. Prices vary more than most people expect based on timing, access, and services — and the only number that matters is the one in writing. Use the moving cost calculator to start narrowing it down.