Compare the best Ohio movers for your trip to Chicago. See pricing, company ratings, and what to expect for cost of living, taxes, and weather.
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If you're moving from Ohio to Chicago, you're looking at a 314-mile haul with some real differences in cost of living and weather. I've pulled together the top-rated local operators who handle this route regularly, plus what you'll actually pay and what changes when you land in Chicago.
Out of dozens of Ohio-based movers that handle interstate moves, here are the five operators with the strongest track records for this specific route.
4.76 / 5 stars (34 Yelp reviews, 681 Google reviews)
3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH 43026
BBB Grade: A+
MVM's customers consistently report smooth, efficient moves. Out of 257 reviews, 96.9% are positive. What stands out: staff treats your stuff carefully, communication is clear from booking through delivery, and jobs stay on schedule. The handful of complaints mention damaged items or inaccurate estimates—outliers compared to the praise for speed and professionalism.
License: 156647 | DOT: 1444491 | In business: 19 years
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, crating, storage, fragile-only packing, safes.
Get a quote: (614) 230-0667
4.72 / 5 stars (27 Yelp reviews, 561 Google reviews)
2050 Corvair Blvd, Columbus, OH 43207
BBB Grade: A+
Integrity earns high marks for fast, reliable service. From 252 customer reviews, 93% highlight efficient movers, courteous staff, and careful handling. Customers often report final costs coming in below the estimate. Rare complaints touch on damage claims or scheduling hiccups, but most describe moves as genuinely pleasant—not just tolerable.
License: 00151315 | DOT: 1343775 | In business: 20 years
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano moving, hot tubs, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Get a quote: (614) 484-0049
4.70 / 5 stars (29 Yelp reviews, 1,295 Google reviews)
4517 Industrial Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44135
BBB Grade: A+
Leaders wins points for speed and value. Analyzing 246 reviews, 95% report positive experiences, especially around fast turnaround, careful handling, and competitive pricing. The company often beats competing quotes. A small segment of feedback mentions late arrivals, property damage, or unprofessional moments—rare enough that most clients would hire them again for local or long-distance work.
License: 136562 | DOT: 1237577 | In business: 30 years
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage.
Get a quote: (614) 885-6683
4.66 / 5 stars (5 Yelp reviews, 1,236 Google reviews)
7780 Northfield Road, Walton Hills, OH 44146
BBB Grade: A+
Berger Allied stands out for professionalism and attention to detail. Of 226 reviews, 95% highlight courteous staff, careful handling, efficient moves, and strong communication. Rare negative reports center on item damage or confusion over insurance—issues so infrequent they don't dent the company's overall reputation. At 115 years in business, they've earned trust through consistent execution.
License: 144651-HG | DOT: 125665 | In business: 115 years
Services: Local, interstate & international moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, shipment tracking.
Get a quote: (651) 639-2640
4.64 / 5 stars (34 Yelp reviews, 216 Google reviews)
4500 Lee Road, Cleveland, OH 44128
BBB Grade: A
Word spreads when movers make life easier. From 253 reviews, 91% gave top marks. Customers highlight efficiency, affordability, and polite staff who finish ahead of schedule. Pricing often undercuts competitors. Negative feedback—8%—centers on item damage, missed appointment windows, or communication gaps. Still, the overwhelming majority would hire them again for a stress-free move.
License: 653905 | DOT: 2378173 | In business: 7 years
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, storage.
Get a quote: (336) 810-1801
Here's what you'll pay based on home size and moving method. These are averages for a 314-mile move and fluctuate by season, truck availability, and your specific needs.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $923–$3,001 | $590–$1,355 | $297–$540 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,552–$4,328 | $1,049–$2,095 | $323–$653 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,348–$5,935 | $1,428–$2,429 | $415–$749 |
Estimates are based on 314-mile distance and compiled from thousands of authenticated quotes. Actual costs vary by shipment weight, services, parking access, fuel, and timing. Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes.
For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $923–$3,001. A two- to three-bedroom typically runs $1,552–$4,328. Larger homes (four+ bedrooms) land in the $2,348–$5,935 range. Compare quotes from multiple movers to lock in the best rate.
Moving containers range from $590–$1,355 for a small move, $1,049–$2,095 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,428–$2,429 for four bedrooms or larger. This option gives you flexibility—you pack at your own pace, and the container is delivered to your new home.
Rental trucks are the cheapest upfront but require you to do all the labor. Budget $297–$540 for a studio, $323–$653 for two to three bedrooms, and $415–$749 for larger homes. These figures include average fuel costs for the 314-mile trip.
Here's how the top five movers stack up on extras and discounts:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVM Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrity Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Berger Allied Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | — | — | — |
Stacking Ohio movers against the national average: 97% of Ohio movers offer full service (vs. 96% nationwide), 37% handle antiques (vs. 46% nationwide), 10% provide military discounts (vs. 4% nationwide), and 12% offer senior discounts (vs. 4% nationwide). Ohio punches above its weight on military and senior benefits.
Before you pack, know what changes financially and day-to-day.
| Ohio | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $945 | $2,045 |
| Average home price | $230,798 | $295,743 |
| Per-capita income | $66,990 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
Key takeaways:
| Chicago | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 11,785,935 |
| Political lean | 74% Democrat, 24% Republican | 55% Republican, 45% Democrat |
| Summer high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 20.76 |
What to expect:
Chicago has enough going on to justify the move—even with higher costs.
Don't get surprised by rules or regulations unique to Chicago or Illinois.
Building & Parking:
State Licensing & Regulations: Illinois moving companies must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission to move household goods locally and intrastate. Confirm your mover is fully licensed and current before booking. Check IL moving licenses on the state regulator's site.
Address & Mail: Submit your USPS change of address at least one week before moving day. Set your official move date on the form so mail forwards properly to Illinois. Start here.
Insurance: Most movers include Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound) at no cost—basic coverage only. For full-value protection matching your items' actual worth, ask your mover about additional options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Moving Checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Depends on where in Ohio you're starting and whether you hire movers or rent a truck.
If you're renting a truck from northern Ohio, budget one to two days for driving, depending on stops and route. With movers or a moving container, expect anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
Book as soon as you know your moving details. For a 314-mile move, aim for two to three months in advance—especially if you're moving during peak season (spring or summer). This locks in better availability and rates.
Summer (peak season) and winter are pricier because demand drives rates up. Spring and fall offer a middle ground. If you want the absolute lowest rates, move in winter or late summer when fewer people relocate. You'll also avoid crowded moving days and get faster service.
Related resources:
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Ready to get started? Compare moving quotes from top Ohio movers and lock in your best rate today.
