Best Moving Companies from Orlando to Ohio
If you're moving from Orlando to Ohio, you've already got the harder part figured out—deciding to go. Now comes the practical side: finding a mover who won't disappear with your stuff or hit you with surprise charges.
I've sifted through reviews and verified credentials for movers that handle moves from Florida to Ohio. Out of 41 Orlando-based operators licensed for interstate work, here are the five that actually stand out.
Top 5 Orlando to Ohio Moving Companies
1. 1776 Moving and Storage, Inc.
4.7 / 5 stars | 71% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
1776 Moving earns consistent praise for crews that actually show up on time and handle your belongings carefully. Out of 283 reviews, 71% highlight punctual, professional teams who finish fast and communicate clearly with no surprises. Customers specifically mention moves finished ahead of schedule and transparent pricing.
The downside: some customers reported damage claims that dragged on, and a handful experienced costs that crept above their estimates. Not a dealbreaker for most, but worth asking about their damage waiver upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, art, antiques), crating, storage
Contact: (407) 251-4770
License: 2303737 (13 years in business)
2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
4.64 / 5 stars | 77% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
College Hunks moves fast and keeps customers in the loop. Of 402 reviews, 77% were positive, with customers praising friendly crews, quick work, and careful handling. The team communicates well, and jobs typically wrap faster than the estimate.
Complaints center on damaged items (about 22% of feedback) and final costs higher than quotes. Some customers felt blindsided by add-on fees. It's a pattern worth watching—get the full-service breakdown in writing before moving day.
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
Contact: (336) 810-1801
License: 2631 (14 years in business)
3. Cento Family Moving & Storage
4.64 / 5 stars | 68% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
Cento's crews are professional and efficient. From 40 customer reviews, 68% gave thumbs-up for polite movers, careful handling, and quick turnarounds. Most jobs finish ahead of schedule.
The gap: about 33% reported damage or lost items, and follow-up on claims was sometimes slow. If you go with Cento, photograph everything and document coverage options before you sign.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques), crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
Contact: (407) 265-6683
License: 2436294 (11 years in business)
4. Flex Moving & Storage
4.56 / 5 stars | 93% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB Grade B
Flex's strongest suit is consistency and friendliness. Out of 255 reviews, 93% were positive. Customers highlight courteous teams, damage-free arrivals, and transparent communication. Most moves feel genuinely effortless.
The weakness: when something does go wrong—damage, billing overages, communication breakdowns—resolution can stall. A small slice of negative feedback, but focused on real issues. Make sure your insurance terms are crystal clear.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage
Contact: (786) 738-9516
License: 3610638 (2 years in business)
5. 1st Class Moving and Storage
4.58 / 5 stars | 91% positive reviews | Yelp | Google reviews | BBB Grade A+
1st Class lives up to its name for reliable, polite service. Of 193 reviews, 91% were positive. Customers praise efficient execution, attentive staff, and smooth booking. The company is affordable and easy to work with.
Occasional damage reports and sluggish claims processing are the friction points. It's not endemic—most people sail through—but if damage happens, expect some back-and-forth.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, grandfather clocks, art, antiques), crating, storage
Contact: (407) 338-3524
License: IM2357 (10 years in business)
Orlando Movers: Local Services Snapshot
A quick reality check on what Orlando movers actually offer:
- Interstate moves: 82.93% of operators (34 companies)
- Small moves: 53.66% (22 companies)
- Specialty services: Pianos (80%), antiques (49%), art (49%), crating (71%)
- Fragile-only packing: Just 17% (7 companies)
Translation: finding someone to move you across state lines is easy. Finding someone who'll crate your grandmother's piano without complaints is harder.
Cost to Move from Orlando, FL to Ohio
Here's what you'll actually pay for a 987-mile move to Ohio, depending on home size and service type:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $959 – $3,961 | $779 – $1,976 | $618 – $1,126 |
| 2–3 beds | $2,079 – $5,057 | $1,456 – $2,808 | $702 – $1,353 |
| 4+ beds | $3,527 – $6,867 | $1,810 – $3,766 | $855 – $1,747 |
Get free quotes from multiple movers to see real numbers for your specific situation.
Moving Company Costs
A studio or one-bedroom from Orlando to Ohio runs $959–$3,961. Two or three bedrooms? Expect $2,079–$5,057. Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) typically range $3,527–$6,867.
These are estimates based on verified quotes across the industry. Your final bill depends on exact home size, add-on services, parking challenges, and fuel rates at move time.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers are a good middle ground if you don't need a full-service crew but want flexibility. Studio or one-bedroom: $779–$1,976. Two or three bedrooms: $1,456–$2,808. Large homes: $1,810–$3,766.
Rental Truck Costs
DIY truck rentals are the cheapest upfront, but you're doing the driving and unloading. Studio or one-bedroom: $618–$1,126 (including fuel). Two to three bedrooms: $702–$1,353. Four or more bedrooms: $855–$1,747.
What Drives Moving Costs from Orlando to Ohio
Three big factors move the needle on price:
Move size. A studio move costs a fraction of relocating a five-bedroom house. More stuff = more labor and truck space.
Time of year. Summer (June–August) is peak moving season. Demand is high, and movers charge premium rates. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll save 10–20%.
DIY vs. professional. Renting a truck and hauling it yourself cuts costs but puts all the physical work on you. Professional movers cost more but handle logistics, packing, and liability.
Orlando to Ohio: Cost of Living & Lifestyle Comparison
If you're moving to save money, Ohio wins on multiple fronts. Here's the real breakdown:
Rent and Housing
| Metric | Orlando | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $1,943 | $945 | 51% cheaper in Ohio |
| Avg. home price | $377,005 | $230,798 | 39% cheaper in Ohio |
Your wallet: Rent is nearly half in Ohio. If you own, your mortgage payment drops significantly.
Income and Employment
| Metric | Orlando | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per capita income | $58,968 | $66,990 | 14% higher in Ohio |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.6% | 38% lower in Ohio |
Your wallet: Job market is tighter in Ohio, and salaries run higher. If you land work, you'll earn more.
Taxes
| Metric | Orlando | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 0% | 3.5% |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 94 |
Your wallet: Florida has no income tax—Ohio does. Expect to pay 3.5% state income tax on earnings, which eats into that salary bump.
Overall Cost of Living
Ohio's cost of living is roughly 11% cheaper than Orlando across groceries, utilities, transportation, and services.
Climate and Quality of Life Differences
Moving from Orlando to Ohio means real lifestyle changes. Here's what to expect:
Weather
| Metric | Orlando | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 92°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 49°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 52 inches | 40 inches |
| Annual snow | 0 inches | 28 inches |
Reality check: Ohio winters are real. You'll see snow, ice, and cold that requires snow shovels, winter tires, and heating bills. Summer is cooler and less humid—a plus for many. Expect less rain overall and more seasonal variation.
Safety and Community
Crime index: Ohio (20.76) vs. Orlando (49.57)
Moving to Ohio means moving to a statistically safer environment. Orlando has roughly 2.4x the violent crime rate.
Population and Politics
| Metric | Orlando | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,573 | 11.8 million |
| Political lean | Democratic (49.8-48.3) | Republican (55-45) |
Ohio is significantly larger and leans conservative; Orlando is smaller and leans liberal. If politics matter to you, this is a real difference.
Practical Considerations Before You Move
Moving logistics go beyond hiring a truck. Here's what to handle before moving day:
HOA and building rules. Some communities restrict move-in times or require HOA approval. Check your lease or HOA agreement.
Elevator reservations. Apartment buildings often require advance booking. Call your building's management at least two weeks out.
Truck parking permits. Some cities require permits for parking a moving truck on the street. Check Ohio's local ordinances for your specific city.
Moving company licensing. Ohio doesn't require a state moving license, but your mover must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Ask for their USDOT number and verify it before booking.
Moving permits. You don't need a moving permit in Ohio itself, but confirm local parking regulations in your new neighborhood.
Change of address. File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwarding starts smoothly.
Moving insurance. Standard movers' liability covers 60 cents per pound per item—basically nothing. Ask about full-value coverage or consider third-party moving insurance for high-value items.
Moving checklist. Use our complete moving checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What to Do in Ohio
Ohio isn't a fly-over state—it has real culture, outdoor space, and sports.
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 and outdoors:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports:
- Cincinnati Reds and Bengals
- Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers
- Major college football (Ohio State, Cincinnati)
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 Orlando to Ohio take?
Typically two to seven days, depending on your service level. Full-service movers usually take 4–7 days for a 987-mile move. Summer moves may take longer due to high demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Can I find movers that build custom crates in Orlando?
Yes. 29 Orlando movers offer custom crating for art, antiques, and fragile items. Request a crating quote specifically when calling for estimates—it adds lead time and cost, but protects high-value pieces.
What's the best way to ship a car from Orlando to Ohio?
Hire a professional auto transport company. It's safer and cheaper than driving yourself (or having someone else drive) across 987 miles. See our guide to car shipping from Florida.
Why are people moving from Orlando to Ohio?
Lower cost of living, better job market, safer communities, and cooler summers. The trade-off is harsh winters and state income tax.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Orlando?
Right here. Use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes from vetted long-distance movers in a few minutes.
Can I pay cash for my move?
Some movers accept cash—13 in the Orlando area. But most prefer card or ACH transfer for record-keeping. Expect to pay a deposit (usually 20–30% of the estimate) to secure your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and timing before signing.
Related Moving Resources
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- Cost guide for Florida moves
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