Indiana has been a consistent net inbound migration state, appearing on United Van Lines’ inbound list in recent years and ranking among the top winners in both U-Haul and United Van Lines data for 2024. Indianapolis was one of the top metro areas for net inbound moves among the 50 largest U.S. metros. The state’s position on major interstate corridors matters: I-65 runs north-south connecting Chicago to Louisville, I-70 runs east-west linking Columbus to Indianapolis to St. Louis, and I-74 cuts diagonally toward Cincinnati. These routes make Indiana a natural destination for people leaving Illinois (the top per-capita outbound state in the Midwest), Ohio, and Michigan. Move volume concentrates in Indianapolis (Marion County) and its suburbs, with secondary markets in Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Moves in Indiana are predominantly suburban single-family, which simplifies logistics compared to Chicago’s high-rise market, but long intrastate distances (Indianapolis to Evansville is 165 miles) can require full-service carriers. Average cost of a move in Indiana is approximately $2,548 based on published survey data, with local hourly rates averaging around $140 per hour. Peak season is summer (June-August), when school-year transitions and the end of apartment leases drive demand. Indiana’s climate brings tornado risk in spring and ice in winter, with winter being the cheapest time to move due to lower demand. Intrastate movers must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Carrier Services Division under Indiana Code 8-2.1-22. Verify a company’s Indiana operating authority through the DOR before booking. File consumer complaints with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Top-Rated Movers in Indiana
Leaders Moving & Storage Co.
Address: 7695 E 21st St, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Website: leadersmoving.com
USDOT: #1237577
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. has been in business since 1994 and has completed over 180,000 moves across its Indiana and Ohio locations. The company’s defining feature is guaranteed pricing: the quoted amount is the amount charged, with no hidden fees for mileage, tolls, or drive time. Staff includes many “Master Movers” with over 1,000 completed moves each. Services include local residential and commercial moves, long-distance moves within the Midwest (Indiana, Ohio, and neighboring states), packing, unpacking, storage, and piano moving. More than 80% of the company’s business comes from repeat customers and referrals. In addition to Indianapolis, Leaders operates locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus.
Planes Companies (Indianapolis)
Address: 6750 E 30th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Website: teamplanes.com
Planes Companies is a full-service mover operating in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus, with the Indianapolis location serving the greater metro area and surrounding Indiana markets. Services include local residential moves, long-distance and interstate relocation, specialty crating for antiques and fine art, vehicle transport, junk removal (in partnership with local charities), portable container storage, and senior move management. The company is particularly noted for its corporate relocation capabilities and commercial office moves. Packing is done to full-service standards with complete inventory documentation.
Two Men and a Truck (Indianapolis)
Address: 8604 Allisonville Rd, Suite 186, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Website: twomenandatruck.com
Two Men and a Truck is a national franchise with Indiana locations including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. (National chain with Indiana operations.) The Indianapolis franchise offers local residential and commercial moves, packing and unpacking, junk removal, and short- and long-term storage. The company’s franchise model standardizes crew training and background check requirements across locations. Customers seeking moving companies familiar with both Indianapolis metro neighborhoods and cross-state routes into Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan will find the company’s interstate authority useful.
Moving Companies in Indiana: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in Indiana?
Yes. Any company transporting household goods for hire within Indiana must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Carrier Services Division under Indiana Code 8-2.1-22. Companies must also file a tariff and maintain proof of insurance. You can verify a company’s intrastate operating authority through the Indiana DOR. For interstate moves, verify the company’s USDOT number through FMCSA at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in Indiana?
The average cost of a move in Indiana is approximately $2,548 based on survey data that includes local and long-distance quotes. Local hourly rates average around $140 per hour for a crew, though individual company rates vary. The cheapest months to move are January and February, when demand drops significantly and movers may offer better availability and pricing. Summer (June-August) is the most expensive and competitive period for Indiana movers.
How does Indiana’s geography affect moving logistics?
Most Indiana moves are suburban single-family relocations, which are logistically simpler than the high-rise and dense urban environments common in neighboring Chicago. However, Indiana’s major metros are spread across the state: Indianapolis to Fort Wayne is 120 miles, and Indianapolis to Evansville is 165 miles, meaning intrastate long-distance moves often require full-service interstate-authorized carriers rather than local labor-only crews. Planning for I-65, I-70, and I-74 corridor travel times is important when scheduling delivery windows.
What should I know about Indiana’s peak moving season?
Summer (June-August) is the busiest season for Indiana movers, driven by school-year transitions and apartment lease cycles. Moving during this period typically means higher prices, longer lead times, and less scheduling flexibility. Winter is the least expensive period but carries weather risk: Indiana averages significant ice storms and occasional heavy snow that can complicate large truck access to residential streets. Spring brings tornado season, particularly in southern Indiana, and thunderstorms can delay outdoor moves in May and June.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Indiana?
For intrastate moves (within Indiana), submit a complaint through the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at in.gov/attorneygeneral, which handles deceptive or unfair business practices by movers. The Indiana DOR can also be contacted regarding carriers operating without proper authority. For interstate moves, file with the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Keep all written estimates, signed contracts, and payment documentation.