If you're planning a move from Winston-Salem to Ohio, you've got a roughly 417-mile haul ahead — long enough that who you hire and how you move will have a real impact on both your budget and your experience. Below I've laid out the realistic cost ranges for this route and the Winston-Salem movers worth considering, plus what to expect when you swap North Carolina for the Midwest.
Ohio is a bigger lifestyle shift than most people anticipate. I'll break down what moving to Ohio actually means for your cost of living, your winters, and your wallet before you commit to anything.
Local Moving Companies in Winston-Salem for Your Move to Ohio
Out of 20 Winston-Salem movers capable of handling interstate moves, here are the five I'd look at first for this route:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.62 / 5
- American Moving & Hauling, Inc. — 4.58 / 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.58 / 5
- Todd's Easy Moves — 4.34 / 5
- Excel Moving and Storage — 4.56 / 5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
130 Stratford Ct, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 88% positive | 11% negative | Yelp (19 reviews) | Google (217 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
Across 239 reviews, the pattern at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is remarkably consistent: professional crews, efficient timelines, and careful handling. Nearly 88% of customers describe positive experiences, with friendliness and clear communication mentioned more than almost anything else. Rates are generally considered fair. The complaints that do appear tend to center on phone staff rather than the actual moving crews, along with occasional damage claims and slower-than-ideal resolution. For a national franchise, an 88% positive rate is genuinely solid on this route.
Phone: (336) 310-0235 | DOT #: 2527384 | In business: 30 years | State license #: 126
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Accepts credit cards.
American Moving & Hauling, Inc.
535 Clemmonsville Rd D, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 91% positive | 8% negative | Yelp (72 reviews) | Google (983 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
A 91% positive rate across a large sample isn't luck — it reflects genuine reliability. Customers consistently describe professional crews, transparent pricing, and responsive office staff, including for cross-country moves. The thing worth knowing upfront: their claims process runs slower than at top-tier competitors. Damage complaints exist, and a handful of customers describe difficulty getting follow-through after out-of-state delivery. For a standard move where you're not shipping irreplaceable items, American Moving & Hauling is a strong local choice. If you have high-value goods, clarify liability coverage before you commit.
Phone: (336) 765-3499 | DOT #: 2007351 | In business: 19 years | State license #: 2411
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing, storage, safes. Accepts credit cards. Deposit required.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
7345 West Friendly Ave, Suite E, Greensboro, NC 27410 43% positive | 54% negative | Yelp (42 reviews) | Google (533 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
A 54% negative review rate is a number I can't talk around. The positives are real — fast crews, generally courteous service, and rates that aren't outrageous. But the complaints cluster around damaged furniture, surprise charges, and a claims process that routinely frustrates customers. The pattern of unexpected fees is the part that concerns me most. If you're clearing out a space and cost is the overriding priority, they might work — but get every line item confirmed in writing before anything is loaded. If you're moving furniture you actually care about, I'd look at the other options on this list first.
Phone: (336) 810-1801 | DOT #: 2378173 | In business: 13 years | State license #: 2525
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage. Accepts credit cards.
Todd's Easy Moves
1080 Small Creek Way, Westfield, NC 27053 69% positive | 30% negative | Yelp (16 reviews) | Google (38 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
Thirty-nine years in business is the detail that stands out here. Most customers describe efficient crews who handle belongings carefully and maintain a professional attitude even when things get complicated. Pricing transparency gets called out specifically in reviews more often than you'd expect for a mover of this size — that's a good sign. The 30% negative rate is where it gets complicated: some customers ran into final costs significantly higher than their quote, scheduling problems, or abrupt cancellations. Not disqualifying, but worth taking seriously. Get a detailed written estimate and confirm your move date explicitly before putting down any deposit.
Phone: (336) 998-6683 | DOT #: 2390090 | In business: 39 years | State license #: 2276
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes. Accepts cash and credit cards. Deposit required.
Excel Moving and Storage
306 Concord St, Greensboro, NC 27406 90% positive | 8% negative | Yelp (15 reviews) | Google (109 reviews) | BBB: Grade A+
Fifty-five years in the business, and the review numbers reflect that experience: 90% of 171 customers describe a genuinely good move. Professional crews, efficient service, careful handling, and solid communication before and during the move are the consistent themes. The complaints that surface are worth knowing — some customers dealt with property damage, misplaced items, and difficulty reaching staff after out-of-state delivery. Those aren't frequent, but they're specific enough to take seriously. For most moves, Excel delivers consistently. If you're shipping anything irreplaceable, spell out your expectations around handling and post-delivery follow-up before moving day.
Phone: (336) 939-6450 | DOT #: 076235 | In business: 55 years | State license #: 731
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing, storage, safes. Accepts money order, cash, and credit cards. Deposit required.
Local Moving Services in Winston-Salem, NC
Here's how specialty services break down across the 20 Winston-Salem movers I track for this route:
| Service | # of Movers | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 14 | 70% |
| Small moves | 11 | 55% |
| Antiques | 10 | 50% |
| Art | 9 | 45% |
| Pianos | 15 | 75% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 25% |
Pianos are well-covered at 75%. Fragile-only packing is the most limited option — only five movers offer it. If that's a requirement for your move, verify before you book rather than assuming it's included.
Cost to Move from Winston-Salem, NC to Ohio
At roughly 417 miles, this qualifies as a long-distance move in both logistics and pricing terms. Use the moving cost calculator to plug in your specific inventory and get a sharper number, but here's what verified rate data shows for this route:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $963–$2,843 | $585–$1,418 | $362–$671 |
| 2–3 BR | $1,649–$4,517 | $1,093–$2,179 | $374–$795 |
| 4+ BR | $2,660–$6,267 | $1,522–$2,621 | $451–$918 |
Estimates based on a 417-mile move using verified rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on timing, access conditions, add-on services, and move scope. Compare multiple quotes before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Winston-Salem to Ohio
Studio and one-bedroom moves run $963–$2,843. Two- and three-bedroom homes typically land at $1,649–$4,517. Larger households — four bedrooms and up — generally run $2,660–$6,267. The spread within each range reflects real variables: summer surcharges, crew size, packing services, and elevator or stair fees. If you're near the high end of a size bracket, get quotes that reflect your actual inventory rather than just the bedroom count.
Cost of Moving Containers from Winston-Salem to Ohio
Moving containers sit in the middle ground between full-service movers and a fully DIY approach. You handle loading and unloading; the company handles transportation and storage if needed. For small loads, expect $585–$1,418. Two- to three-bedroom homes run $1,093–$2,179. Larger households should budget $1,522–$2,621. If you want pricing flexibility and the option to take your time packing, containers are worth comparing seriously against full-service quotes.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Winston-Salem to Ohio
A rental truck is the cheapest option on paper — studio and one-bedroom moves run $362–$671, two-to-three bedroom moves land at $374–$795, and four-plus bedrooms hit $451–$918. Those figures already include estimated fuel costs. The real trade-off is your own time and labor: you're driving a large vehicle across 417 miles after spending a day loading it yourself. Run that math honestly before you commit to DIY on a move this long.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost from Winston-Salem to Ohio
- Move size. More stuff means more truck space, more labor, and a higher bill. If you've been on the fence about what to keep, this is the time to declutter.
- Time of year. Summer — roughly May through August — is peak season. Rates go up and availability tightens. Moving in fall or winter typically saves money.
- How much you handle yourself. Packing your own boxes, loading the truck, or driving it yourself all cut costs. Full-service handling eliminates effort but carries a real premium. Most people find their sweet spot somewhere in between.
What to Know Before Moving from Winston-Salem to Ohio
Compare Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs. Ohio
| Winston-Salem, NC | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,300 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $248,806 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $62,431 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers actually mean:
- Rent is about 27% cheaper in Ohio. That's meaningful monthly relief, especially outside Columbus and Cleveland.
- Home values run roughly 7% lower in Ohio than in Winston-Salem, which matters if you're planning to buy.
- Per capita income in Ohio is about 7% higher — enough to offset some of the higher cost of living.
- Ohio's cost of living index (94) is 12% higher than Winston-Salem's (84). Budget for the gap; everyday goods and services will cost more.
- Unemployment in Ohio is about 31% lower, which matters if you're relocating without a firm job offer.
- Ohio's income tax rate (3.5%) beats North Carolina's (4.5%), so your paycheck goes slightly further once you're there.
How Life Is Different in Winston-Salem vs. Ohio
| Winston-Salem, NC | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51–49 | Republican 55–45 |
| Summer high | 88°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 28°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 45″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 6″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 20.76 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Both areas lean Republican, so politically it won't feel like a foreign country.
- Summers run a few degrees cooler in Ohio — 84°F vs. 88°F. The bigger difference is humidity, which varies across Ohio's regions.
- Ohio winters are meaningfully colder. A low of 20°F paired with 28 inches of annual snow — compared to Winston-Salem's 6 — is a real lifestyle change. Budget for heating costs, winter tires, and cold-weather gear before you move.
- Rainfall is nearly identical — 40 vs. 45 inches per year. That part of the weather rhythm won't feel dramatically different.
- Ohio's crime index (20.76) is significantly lower than Winston-Salem's (32.67), which generally translates to safer neighborhoods across the state.
Comparing the Pros of Winston-Salem vs. Ohio
Reasons people like Winston-Salem:
- Manageable traffic
- Friendly community feel
- Low cost of living
- Access to Blue Ridge foothills and scenery
- Quality educational institutions
Reasons people like Ohio:
- Strong economic opportunity
- Low cost of living, especially outside major metros
- Bountiful recreational options
- Famously good craft beer scene and food culture
- Well-regarded universities
Comparing the Cons of Winston-Salem vs. Ohio
Common complaints about Winston-Salem:
- Summertime humidity and pollen
- Limited public transportation
- Small regional airport
- Quiet nightlife
Common complaints about Ohio:
- Harsh winter weather
- Political division in some communities
- Limited diversity in smaller cities
- Lower-than-average happiness rankings in national surveys
Other Considerations When Moving to Ohio
A few practical things to address before moving day:
- HOA rules: Check your new neighborhood's moving policies early — some communities have time windows or require advance notice.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it ahead of time.
- Truck parking permits: Some Ohio cities require permits for large moving vehicles. Check with local offices before your move date.
- Mover licensing: Ohio doesn't require a separate state moving license, but your mover must be USDOT-registered. Ask for their DOT number and verify it through the FMCSA before booking.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move so mail forwarding starts on time.
- Moving insurance: Released value protection — the free option — covers only $0.60 per pound per item. That's not enough if something gets damaged. Ask your mover about full-valuation coverage or look into third-party insurance separately.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized from booking through your first week in Ohio.
Things to Do in Ohio
Ohio has more going on than its reputation suggests. Whether you end up in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or somewhere in between, here's a sample of what's nearby.
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
- National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
- A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
Parks in Ohio
- 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 in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- 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 Winston-Salem to Ohio take?
Plan for one to four days depending on your service type and the company's delivery schedule. Summer moves tend to push toward the longer end of that window. Before you book, ask for a specific delivery timeframe in writing — don't assume a general estimate is a guarantee.
What's the availability of custom crating among Winston-Salem movers?
I track 11 movers in Winston-Salem that build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. That's more than half of the local interstate movers on my radar. Before booking, confirm that dimensions and materials match your specific items — don't take "we do crating" as a complete answer.
What's the best way to ship a car from Winston-Salem to Ohio?
If you're not driving it yourself, auto transport is the right call. Use the car shipping calculator to get an estimate, then compare a few licensed carriers. Verify FMCSA registration before handing over any keys.
Why are people moving from Winston-Salem to Ohio?
Ohio's main draws are economic opportunity and lower housing costs, particularly outside Columbus and Cleveland. People leaving Winston-Salem most commonly cite the summer humidity and pollen as the primary push factors.
Where can I find long-distance movers for the Winston-Salem to Ohio route?
Our guide to long-distance movers covers vetted interstate options worth comparing. If you want a broker-coordinated approach for a longer haul like this one, SafeShip Moving is an operator I've found reliable — worth getting a quote from alongside your direct carrier options.
Can I pay a Winston-Salem mover with cash?
Currently five movers in Winston-Salem accept cash. That said, most of the industry prefers traceable payment methods and clear receipts. Expect to put down a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the exact payment schedule before you sign anything.
Ready to get this move locked in? Compare quotes from Winston-Salem to Ohio movers and find the right fit for your budget and timeline.