Best moving companies in Dayton, OH 2025

We compared 3 companies and chose the top movers

    • Colonial Van Lines
      4.3(2,662)
    • Allied Van Lines
      3.2(812)
    • Perennial Van Lines
      4.6(112)
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Best moving companies in Dayton, OH 2025

    Our 3 picks for movers in Dayton

    1. Best overall: Colonial Van Lines
    2. Interstate moves: Allied Van Lines
    3. Custom crating: Perennial Van Lines

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Dayton. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Dayton customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Best overall
    Colonial Van Lines
    Highlight
    Climate-controlled storage options
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Seasonal

    Colonial Van Lines provides moves to and from Dayton. It offers binding quotes, so your price is locked in as long as your initial inventory is accurate.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
    • Storage options: Climate-controlled facilities and modular cubes
    • Packing services: Single items, kitchen, full packing

    Pros

    • Portable moving containers
    • Quick, efficient crews, according to reviewers
    • More than 50 years in the moving industry

    Cons

    • No local or international moves
    • Some reports of communication issues
    • Deposit requirements: Anywhere from one-third of the full price to 40%
    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • “I used Colonial Van lines before on a previous move and I was very satisfied with them. …. The moving coordinator was very good. I had the same guy. He already had my list of what I moved up there. So, he knew what I was moving back. The moving crew was outstanding. The guy was unbelievable. First off, he was extremely professional, extremely careful and thorough and took very good care of loading and packing. I had some very fragile things that we were concerned about and they made it with no issues.” — Bruce in Dayton
    Interstate moves
    Allied Van Lines
    Highlight
    Online shipment tracking
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military
    Discounts available
    Senior

    Allied Van Lines offers commercial, residential and military moves and full-service and partial packing. It’s a broker and carrier that provides moving services to and from Dayton.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: In-home estimates; likely binding
    • Storage options: Storage-in-transit up to 90 days; permanent climate-controlled with security; portable units
    • Packing services: Full-service and partial packing; packing materials provided

    Pros

    • Auto and boat transport
    • Online tracking
    • Efficient, friendly moving crews, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • No 24/7 claims number
    • Some reports of delivery delays
    • Deposit requirements: Varies by carrier
    • Discounts: Senior
    • “Every step was very professional. I seriously had no worries when I had to change my move date almost to almost two weeks earlier. They took particular care of my valuable items. The heat index was 115° in Florida the day of the move. They were troopers. On the delivery end there were a few hiccups that became non issues. The move was Smooth and seamless from Michelle to the moving and packing and delivery people. Great job!” — Pam from Fairborn
    Custom crating
    Perennial Van Lines
    Highlight
    Corporate relocation
    Types of moves
    Residential, commercial and corporate moves; auto transport
    Discounts available
    Not disclosed

    Perennial Van Lines offers residential, commercial and corporate moves to and from Dayton. It provides instant quotes, so you can see at a glance how much you can expect to spend on your move.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker
    • Type(s) of quotes: Instant
    • Storage options: Temporary storage solutions
    • Packing services: Full-service packing

    Pros

    • Instant quotes
    • Efficient and secure moving services, according to reviewers

    Cons

    • Some complaints of poor customer service and difficult communication
    • Deposit requirements: Undisclosed
    • Discounts: Not disclosed
    • “They were extremely quick, early and were professional. Nothing was damaged. They organized everything. Best of all they stuck to the timeline and price in the original quote. Will be using them in the future!” — Arnita from Dayton

    Moving Companies in Dayton Buyers guide

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      What to consider when choosing a mover in Dayton

      Hiring the right movers can make a move significantly smoother. Here are some tips for finding the right type of mover for you:

      1. Determine what kind of mover you need. Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?
      2. Research movers available in your area. Check licensing, insurance and customer reviews. Get multiple quotes in writing to avoid misunderstandings and for easy comparison.
      3. Get details on pricing and insurance. Ask about costs for any extra services you’re interested in (e.g., packing, unpacking, storage). Don’t forget to factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult-to-access areas. Also clarify the details regarding insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Dayton

      Moving expenses can vary significantly — often from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on distance, number of belongings and any additional services you opt for.

      Larger moves require more work from moving crews and higher truck capacity, which generally lead to higher overall costs. Moving during peak seasons (like summer) or over the weekend, when competition is high, may also mean spending more on a mover.

      To get the most accurate idea of your moving costs, contact several moving companies for quotes. Most companies will ask for a detailed list of your possessions in order to offer an accurate estimate.

      Should you tip your movers?

      Tipping your movers isn't required, but it's standard practice — and it’s a way to show your appreciation for their hard work, particularly if they provide excellent service.

      A standard tip for a local move may fall between $20 and $50 per mover. You can adjust this amount based on the difficulty and length of the move. For long-distance moves, a larger tip or a percentage of the total cost is often appropriate. Small gestures like offering cold drinks and snacks are also appreciated.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Dayton

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tips for a successful Dayton move

      Moving to Dayton can be made easier and less expensive by planning ahead, reducing your belongings and using efficient packing strategies.

      1. Develop a moving budget

      Make a moving budget by estimating the costs of hiring movers or renting a truck, taking into account the distance, how many things you have and any extra services you want or need. Include expenses for packing supplies, potential travel costs (such as gas, tolls and lodging) and temporary storage if needed.

      Remember to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research typical moving costs for similar moves to create a realistic budget.

      2. Reduce clutter and sell or donate

      Although it takes time to sort through your possessions, downsizing can simplify your entire move. Consider holding a garage sale to earn money from unwanted items. You might also donate gently used belongings to charity. Many charities offer convenient donation pickup services, allowing you to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Don't forget to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)

      3. Pack efficiently

      Gather sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushioning wrap and markers. Pack one room at a time, and label boxes clearly with their contents and the intended room in your new home. Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider using wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize space by filling gaps with towels or clothing, and pack an "essentials" box or bag with items you'll need immediately at your new home.

      Moving within or to Ohio?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Dayton

      All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. If a mover has to cross state lines, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a mover’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

      Verify current state regulations with Ohio’s transportation authority. The Ohio Public Utilities Commission has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to hire movers?

      When budgeting for your move, remember that local movers generally charge an hourly rate (around $80 to $100 for a two-person crew), while interstate movers calculate costs based on the weight and volume of your belongings. Expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more for long-distance moves. Ultimately, your total moving cost will depend on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you're moving and the time of year.

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      While a DIY move can be budget-friendly, hiring professional movers is often a worthwhile investment. The stress and hassle of DIY moving can be overwhelming, and it’s not always cheap — consider the costs of truck rental, equipment and time off from work. If your budget allows, professional movers can save you time, money and a whole lot of worry.

      How early should I start planning a move?

      To ensure a smooth move, it's generally recommended to begin planning at least two months ahead of your target date. This time frame allows you to gather quotes from multiple movers and efficiently pack your belongings. It also provides a buffer for unexpected issues that may arise.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Dayton, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Dayton. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
      Guide Sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. Ohio Public Utilities Commission, “Know Your Rights When Hiring a Moving Company.” Accessed Nov. 22, 2024.

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