Best Moving Companies in Sacramento for Out-of-State Moves
If you're packing up in Sacramento and heading to Ohio, you'll want movers who know how to handle the 2,343-mile haul. I've looked at Sacramento's moving landscape, and here are the five companies that consistently deliver on long-distance moves to Ohio.
Top 5 Sacramento Movers for Ohio Relocations:
- Two Men and a Truck — 4.62 / 5
- Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. — 4.42 / 5
- A Better Moving — 4.48 / 5
- Sierra Valley Moving & Storage — 4.42 / 5
- Yolo Transfer Moving & Storage — 4.52 / 5
Two Men and a Truck
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Reviews: 374 on Yelp, 815 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
Two Men and a Truck dominates Sacramento's local scene, and for good reason. About 72% of customers report smooth, efficient moves. The crews work fast, handle your stuff with care, and communicate clearly—exactly what you want on a cross-country job.
The downside: roughly 27% of reviews flag issues with damage claims and unexpected cost overages. If something breaks, getting the company to actually resolve it can be frustrating. Still, for most moves, you're looking at quick, professional service. Just nail down all costs in writing beforehand and document your belongings on move day.
Company Details
- State License: 0190058
- Years in Business: 20
- DOT #: 2527384
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payment
Get a Quote: (916) 596-9374
Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.
333 University Ave #200, Sacramento, CA 95825
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: 44 on Yelp, 77 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
Mother Lode stands out for professionalism and careful handling. Of 124 reviews, 83% were positive—customers praise fast, efficient work and crews that actually respect your home and furniture. Staff are consistently described as polite and responsive.
The trade-off: about 15% report damaged items or delivery costs that balloon above estimates. And if damage does happen, getting a claims resolution can drag. But Mother Lode's strong positive ratio and track record with interstate moves make them a solid choice if you prioritize reliability over absolute cost certainty.
Company Details
- State License: 189243
- Years in Business: 69
- DOT #: 070851
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit card payment, deposit required
Get a Quote: (916) 461-8495
A Better Moving
6640 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95606
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: 95 on Yelp, 67 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
A Better Moving impresses with energetic, professional crews and solid care for your belongings. Of 156 reviews, 81% are positive. Customers highlight efficient service, careful handling, and honest, upfront pricing—refreshing in an industry prone to surprises.
About 19% report damage, higher-than-quoted costs, or occasionally unprofessional encounters. Not ideal, but the ratio of praise to complaints is genuinely better than industry average. If you're moving a mix of standard and specialty items, this is a reasonable bet.
Company Details
- State License: 0170373
- Years in Business: 43
- DOT #: 528679
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, offices, pianos, hot tubs, crating, storage, safes, credit card payment
Get a Quote: (916) 489-3322
Sierra Valley Moving & Storage
5071 Kelton Way #200, Sacramento, CA 95838
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: 16 on Yelp, 20 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
Sierra Valley delivers smooth moves and attentive service. With 82% positive feedback out of 45 reviews, customers consistently mention professionalism, quick work, and respectful treatment of property. The team is polite and organized—movers who make a stressful process feel manageable.
Negative feedback (9%) centers on pricing surprises and occasional cost overruns. Smaller review volume means less data overall, but the trend is solid. A good option if you want reliability without the largest household name.
Company Details
- State License: 0190332
- Years in Business: 26
- DOT #: 786470
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, storage, credit card payment
Get a Quote: (916) 649-3400
Yolo Transfer Moving & Storage
1680 Tide Ct, Woodland, CA 95776
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Reviews: 38 on Yelp, 51 on Google | BBB Grade: A+
Yolo Transfer stands out for crew professionalism and speed. Of 94 reviews, 77% are positive. Customers praise efficient service, excellent communication, and quotes that often come in lower than expected. The staff's politeness and attention to detail earn consistent mentions.
The catch: 23% report damaged or missing items and slow claims handling. It's a trade-off—excellent service pace and friendliness, but property protection could be tighter. If speed and communication matter most, Yolo Transfer is competitive.
Company Details
- State License: 0189819
- Years in Business: 13
- DOT #: 2256609
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, payment options include money order, cash, and credit card, deposit required
Get a Quote: (530) 668-1007
What Specialty Services Are Available in Sacramento?
Sacramento movers come loaded with add-ons. Here's what's available among local operators:
- Interstate coverage: 84.62% (22 movers)
- Piano moving: 84.62% (22 movers)
- Antiques: 65.38% (17 movers)
- Art handling: 57.69% (15 movers)
- Small moves: 38.46% (10 movers)
- Fragile-only packing: 15.38% (4 movers)
If you're moving specialty items—artwork, instruments, heirlooms—Sacramento has solid options. Just confirm the mover's experience with your specific pieces before booking.
Moving Cost Breakdown: Sacramento to Ohio
Here's what you'll actually spend on this 2,343-mile move, depending on home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,247 – $5,224 | $1,180 – $3,079 | $1,193 – $2,355 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,556 – $7,562 | $2,119 – $4,657 | $1,400 – $3,034 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,293 – $11,582 | $2,795 – $5,834 | $1,648 – $3,720 |
These are approximate estimates based on 2,343 miles using pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move size, added services, parking access, fuel, and timing. Get quotes from multiple movers for accuracy.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
A studio or one-bedroom move runs $1,247–$5,224. Two to three bedrooms typically land between $3,556–$7,562. A four- or five-bedroom home usually costs $6,293–$11,582. These are for professional movers handling the entire job—packing, loading, transport, unloading.
Moving Container Costs
Containers from Sacramento to Ohio cost $1,180–$3,079 for a small move. A two- to three-bedroom runs $2,119–$4,657. Four bedrooms and up: $2,795–$5,834. Containers let you load at your own pace, which appeals to people who want flexibility without full-service pricing.
Rental Truck Costs
The cheapest option if you're willing to do the heavy lifting. Studio or one-bedroom: $1,193–$2,355. Two to three bedrooms: $1,400–$3,034. Four bedrooms or larger: $1,648–$3,720. These estimates include average fuel costs for the route. You're responsible for driving, packing, loading—everything.
What Drives Sacramento-to-Ohio Moving Costs?
Move size is the primary cost lever. More rooms and belongings mean a bigger truck, more labor, and higher fuel burn.
Time of year matters significantly. Summer is peak season in Sacramento, which pushes prices up. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll typically see lower rates.
DIY vs. professional is your biggest control point. DIY rentals are cheaper but physically demanding and stressful. Professional movers cost more but remove the burden—worth it for most people on a 2,300-mile haul.
Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your specific move based on your exact inventory and move date.
Before You Move: Sacramento vs. Ohio Reality Check
Sacramento's cost of living is steep. Ohio is measurably cheaper. Here's the breakdown:
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,899 | $945 | 50% lower in Ohio |
| Average Home Cost | $476,699 | $230,798 | 52% lower in Ohio |
| Per Capita Income | $78,954 | $66,990 | 15% lower in Ohio |
| Cost of Living Index | 127 | 94 | 26% lower in Ohio |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.7% | 3.6% | 53% lower in Ohio |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 3.5% | 74% lower in Ohio |
The headline: You're moving to a state where rent runs roughly half what you're paying now, home prices are around half, and your state income tax drops dramatically. Ohio's job market is also stronger. The trade-off is slightly lower average incomes, but the cost savings are real and significant.
How Life Changes: Sacramento to Ohio
Beyond dollars, here's what shifts when you move from California to the Midwest.
| Factor | Sacramento, CA | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 11,785,935 |
| Political Lean | Democratic (51-46) | Republican (55-45) |
| Summer High | 93°F | 84°F |
| Winter Low | 39°F | 20°F |
| Annual Rain | 20" | 40" |
| Annual Snow | 0" | 28" |
| Crime Index | 49.21 | 20.76 |
Weather: Ohio summers are cooler (84°F vs. 93°F), meaning lower AC bills and more comfortable outdoor activity. Winters are genuinely cold—20°F vs. Sacramento's mild 39°F—so expect heating costs and snow gear. Ohio gets about 40 inches of rain annually compared to Sacramento's 20 inches. Plan for greener springs and muddier autumns.
Political climate: Ohio leans Republican; Sacramento leans Democratic. If politics shape your community vibe, this is a notable shift.
Safety: Ohio's crime index (20.76) is substantially lower than Sacramento's (49.21). You're moving to a measurably safer state.
Logistics to Handle Before Moving to Ohio
Moving logistics go beyond hiring movers. Get these details straight:
HOA and building rules. Check any community restrictions or requirements at your new Ohio address. Some condos or neighborhoods have move-in windows or deposit requirements.
Elevator reservation. If you're moving into a multi-unit building, reserve the elevator ahead of time.
Truck parking permits. Some Ohio cities require permits for large vehicles. Call your new city's parking department to confirm requirements.
Mover licensing. Ohio doesn't require a state mover license, but your moving company must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it before booking.
Moving permits. Ohio doesn't require moving permits, but always check local parking rules for your specific neighborhood.
Address change. File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can backdate your official move date and have mail forwarded immediately.
Moving insurance. Moving companies offer Released Value Protection (minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per item) for free. For fuller coverage, ask your mover about additional options or consider third-party movers' insurance.
Moving checklist. Use a comprehensive moving checklist to stay organized and avoid forgotten details.
What to Do in Ohio
Ohio has real attractions beyond the flat-earth jokes.
Museums
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Parks
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- 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
FAQs: Sacramento to Ohio Moves
How long does the move take?
Most movers take seven to eighteen days on this route, depending on truck availability and traffic. Summer can bring delays due to peak-season congestion. Ask your mover for their expected timeline before you book.
How many movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
About 21 Sacramento movers provide custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items like artwork and antiques. If you have pieces requiring special handling, confirm the capability before hiring.
What's the best way to ship a car from Sacramento to Ohio?
Use a car shipping company with strong safety records and vehicle handling experience. Get quotes from at least three shippers and verify their insurance coverage.
Why are people moving from Sacramento to Ohio?
Lower cost of living, stronger job markets, and more affordable housing are the primary draws. Ohio's economic opportunity combined with Sacramento's expense makes the trade-off attractive for many.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Sacramento?
You're reading a curated list. For broader options, browse our long-distance movers resource or compare quotes directly.
Can I pay cash?
Seven Sacramento movers accept cash, but it's uncommon in the industry. Expect to pay a deposit upfront (via check or card) to lock in your move date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery.
Resources for Your California to Ohio Move
California Moving Services
Popular Routes from California
Tools & Resources
Ready to move? Get quotes from Sacramento movers right now using our calculator. Compare rates, read reviews, and lock in pricing before the market shifts.