Best overall value
Local moving companies in Dayton
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All American Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Way Van & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
MVM Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1444491
Years in Business: 19
3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH 43026 USMoving made simple — that’s what customers consistently report after hiring MVM Moving & Storage. Out of 257 customer reviews, an impressive 96.9% express satisfaction. MVM’s team stands out for being efficient, professional, and attentive, with many mentioning careful treatment of their belongings and quick, well-organized moves. Communication is seamless at every step, from booking to delivery. Feedback sharply contrasts these strengths with a handful of dissatisfied customers. The most significant complaints center around damaged items, inaccurate estimates, and rare instances of unprofessional or rude staff. Despite isolated issues, MVM earns more praise for speed, staff demeanor, and the care taken with property than nearly any competitor in the industry. Their approach creates a noticeably smooth and stress-free moving experience that sets a high bar for local moving companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1444491
- State license #: 156647
Alternative Business Names
- MVM Columbus
- MVM Columbus Incorporated.
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1222904
Years in Business: 143
2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH 43123 USE.E. Ward Moving & Storage stands out for its remarkable record with customers, earning 92% positive feedback from 256 reviews. Many praised the professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient service, excellent communication, and the speed of the moving process. Customers also highlighted how team members accommodated last-minute changes and consistently treated property with respect. In contrast, some highlighted concerns mainly about damage to items, misplacement or loss during moves, and difficulties with after-move communication or claims resolution. Issues like denied insurance claims or delayed responses were the chief negatives, though these were comparatively rare. In terms of reliability, professionalism, and customer care, E.E. Ward ranks among the best in the industry, with significantly fewer negative experiences than typical moving companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1222904
- State license #: 11470
Alternative Business Names
- E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC
- E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Local Associations
All American Moving and Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1239401
Years in Business: 21
2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH 43204 USChoosing the right moving company matters, and customers say All American Moving and Storage rises above most. Analysis of 251 pieces of feedback shows that 90% of customers praised courteous, professional movers, efficient service, careful handling, and good communication. Many highlighted how quickly and safely their belongings were moved, often noting better experiences compared to other moving companies in the area. Customers especially valued staff professionalism and the care shown to fragile or valuable items. About 9% voiced major concerns, pointing to damage to items during moves, final costs far higher than original quotes, and infrequent complaints about delays or missed appointments. Only two neutral reviews were found, indicating rare middle-ground input and suggesting most customers felt strongly about their experiences. Positive feedback outpaces negative by a significant margin, placing All American well ahead of many competitors in satisfaction, but those considering their services should pay close attention to estimate details and clarify expectations to avoid the main downsides experienced by some.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1239401
- State license #: 147426
Alternative Business Names
- American Moving & Storage, Ltd.
- All American Moving & Storage of Columbus
- All American Moving and Storage
- All American Delivery
- Daniel R Dragin All American Moving, Storage and Delivery Prime Agent for Arpin Van Lines
American Way Van & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 76628
Years in Business: 35
1001 S. Brown School Rd. Ste. A, Vandalia, OH 45377 USCustomers rave about the professionalism, careful handling, and consistently strong communication from American Way Van & Storage, with 77% of all input showing high satisfaction. Many praise the friendly teams for efficient moves and attention to detail, especially around fragile items. Quotes are typically accurate, and staff go out of their way to make the process smooth and stress-free. Some even highlight the company’s reliability as a deciding factor over competitors. A number of clients return for additional moves after positive past experiences. Negative feedback, accounting for 22% of responses, centers on damaged belongings, surprise charges, and slow or unresponsive communication when resolving issues. Claims over damaged goods or missing items sometimes take weeks or months to resolve and may end with unsatisfactory compensation. Compared to others in the moving industry, American Way stands out for customer service and staff courtesy but shares the common pitfalls of moving companies: disputes about damage and billing. 145 reviews were analyzed, showing most people feel their property is respected and the process is handled by a professional team, yet the risk of damage and unexpected costs remains.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 76628
- State license #: 00139517
- DOD certified
Local Associations
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 1237577
Years in Business: 30
10836 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 USLeaders Moving & Storage Co. consistently earns strong praise, with 88% of feedback highlighting professional, polite teams who handle possessions responsibly and efficiently. Clients appreciate the company’s transparent rates and rapid, careful moving process, noting affordable prices compared to other movers. Customers frequently mention staff courtesy, attention to detail, and proactive communication before and during moves. Some input highlights careful treatment of belongings, even during complex or large jobs, and a straightforward booking process. By contrast, 10% of feedback details significant concerns—primarily damaged or lost items, inaccurate or increasing estimates, and slow or ineffective complaint resolution. A few point out that resolving damages or getting claims addressed proves complicated, occasionally leaving repairs incomplete or compensation lacking. In comparison to its competitors, Leaders stands out for speed, fair upfront pricing, and staff professionalism, though it could invest more in accountability and claims support to further enhance reliability.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1237577
- State license #: 136562
Factors influencing moving costs from Dayton to Chicago
The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Dayton to Chicago can be as low as $1,086 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,499.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $353 to $842. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Dayton to Chicago
Moving from Dayton to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Dayton, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Dayton | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $2,045 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 121% higher than in Dayton, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
Home prices in Chicago are 117.8% higher than in Dayton. - Income in Chicago is 14.2% higher than in Dayton, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 129.0% higher than in Dayton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 144.6% higher than in Dayton.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 32.35% higher than in Dayton.
- You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the city’s sales taxes in Chicago are 36.67% higher than in Dayton.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 41.43% higher than in Dayton.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,870.06 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Chicago
| Chicago | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 137,644 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 47 |
| Crime Index | 35.19 | 4.0 |
| Safety Index | 33.87 | 40.68 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 1,895% greater than Dayton.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Dayton's lower score of 6.
- Chicago is more walkable than Dayton with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Dayton, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 35.19 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Dayton with a score of 33.87 vs Dayton's 40.68.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toChicago Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you’ve chosen "Chi-Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Chicago?
The best time to move from Dayton to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Dayton to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Dayton to Chicago take?
The 297-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Chicago, IL, takes one to four days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
