COTTER review 2026 (Akron, OH)
In business since 1968 · Updated
COTTER, an Akron, OH moving company, ranks #89 of 282 movers in Ohio, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.14/5.
61% of COTTER's 28 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 1968, COTTER holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #124001) and operates 3 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How COTTER measures up
Across 28 reviews, COTTER in Akron, OH is rated 1/5 on Yelp (3 reviews) and 5/5 on Google (2 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
COTTER ranks #89 out of 282 movers in Ohio with a moveBuddha Score of 4.14 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.14.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 3.8
- Customer service
- 3.6
Google rating
Based on 2 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 3 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is COTTER moveBuddha Certified?
COTTER is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. COTTER hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about COTTER?
Out of 28 verified reviews, 61% of customers left a positive review about COTTER in Akron, OH. 35.7% of reviews are negative and 3.6% are neutral. COTTER has a 29% lower positive review percentage than the average Ohio moving company (61% vs the Ohio state average of 90%).
- Positive60.7%(17)
- Neutral3.6%(1)
- Negative35.7%(10)
Based on 28 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about COTTER
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found COTTER to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that COTTER stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at COTTER.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to COTTER's attention to detail.
Efficient service
Many customers praise COTTER for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
What positive reviewers say
“We are so happy we chose Cotter. Jeff and Eric were professional, pleasant, and kind. The cost was low, and they made our move easy.”
Judith VagoVerified ReviewerGoogle“The estimate was precise, the move was professional, and the six-person team worked hard for three days as recommended. We moved with Cotter 23 years ago and were just as satisfied.”
Joy SederVerified ReviewerGoogle“The crew quickly analyzed a difficult job involving heavy equipment and steep steps, completing it flawlessly. Steve provided frequent arrival updates, and everyone was professional and friendly.”
Patti PerrineVerified ReviewerGoogle“The Cotter team was efficient, friendly, professional, and flexible with last-minute adjustments. I highly recommend them.”
Kathy PiazzaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Their quote was spot on, and they quoted me twice to confirm it. All our furniture and artwork were transported safely.”
Tam BVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“Recently used Cotter for a local move. Upfront pricing and scheduling were very good, but mover quality was mixed: two dropped chairs and dinged cabinets.”
Michael OpatrnyVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about COTTER
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from COTTER were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
What negative reviewers say
“Quoted one price, charged three times that amount, and moved at a snail's pace. Would never recommend!”
JoAnne CottonVerified ReviewerGoogle“Almost every item they moved was scratched, dented, nicked, chipped, scraped or broken. The price was good, but next time I will pay more for quality movers.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They charge exorbitant labor prices for the simplest of tasks, while other competitors charge transparent fees that are reasonable and don't gouge customers. Their customer service is non-existent, until it's time for the bill.”
Joe S.Verified ReviewerGoogle
COTTER
4.14Akron, OHSince 1968
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
COTTER
4.14
Akron, OH · Since 1968
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from COTTER, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Akron.
Compare prices side by side
See where COTTER lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does COTTER offer?
COTTER offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides international moves, commercial moves, and packing.
Services offered
Is COTTER licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 124001 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, COTTER is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 124001, as THE COTTER MOVING & STORAGE COMPANY, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Ohio intrastate license, number 376HG.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover COTTER holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 376HGIssued by Ohio. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- THE COTTER MOVING & STORAGE COMPANYThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- ConditionalAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 3Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 7,600Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does COTTER cost?
COTTER does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Ohio, you can expect to pay approximately $130/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Ohio moving companies similar to COTTER typically bill the amounts below using a $130/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
COTTER is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Ohio moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does COTTER offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
COTTER does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How COTTER compares with the top 6 Akron movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.14 out of 5, COTTER trails the six highest-scoring Akron moving companies, 0.20 points behind The Armstrong Company. COTTER's score rests on 28 reviews, fewer than any of the six. Where COTTER falls behind is quote accuracy, with the lowest quote accuracy score in the group.
The six highest-scoring local movers near Akron, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Move It NowCuyahoga Falls | 4.62 | 566 | 4.8 | 3.5 | A+ |
| 2 | Summit Moving & StorageAkron | 4.50 | 1,345 | 4.8 | 2.2 | A+ |
| 3 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKAkron | 4.44 | 509 | 4.6 | 2.3 | D- |
| 4 | Ace Relocation Systems Inc.Strongsville | 4.36 | 74 | 4.5 | 2.0 | A- |
| 5 | Blue Men Moving LLCAkron | 4.34 | 792 | 5.0 | 4.2 | A+ |
| 6 | The Armstrong CompanyAkron | 4.34 | 33 | 4.7 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 7 | COTTERThis mover · ranks #7 | 4.14 | 28 | 5.0 | 1.0 | A+ |
How does COTTER compare to other Ohio movers?
- moveBuddha score#89 of 282(better than average)
4.14vs 3.72 avg
COTTER scores 4.14, above the Ohio average of 3.72, and ranks #89 of 282 Ohio movers.
- Positive reviews#194 of 282(worse than average)
61%vs 90% avg
COTTER has 61% positive reviews, below the Ohio average of 90%, and ranks #194 of 282 Ohio movers.
- Negative reviews#193 of 282(worse than average)
36%vs 10% avg
COTTER has 36% negative reviews, above the Ohio average of 10%, and ranks #193 of 282 Ohio movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#164 of 282(worse than average)
28vs 403 avg
COTTER has 28 reviews analyzed, below the Ohio average of 403, and ranks #164 of 282 Ohio movers.
- Yelp rating#93 of 282(worse than average)
1.0vs 3.3 avg
COTTER has a Yelp rating of 1.0, below the Ohio average of 3.3, and ranks #93 of 282 Ohio movers.
- Years in business#25 of 282(better than average)
58 yearsvs 34 years avg
COTTER has been in business for 58 years, above the Ohio average of 34 years, and ranks #25 of 282 Ohio movers.
| Metric | This moverCOTTER | Ohio avg | Ohio rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#89 of 282 in Ohio | 4.14 | 3.72 | #89 of 282 | +0.42(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#194 of 282 in Ohio | 61% | 90% | #194 of 282 | −29 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#193 of 282 in Ohio | 36% | 10% | #193 of 282 | +26 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#164 of 282 in Ohio | 28 | 403 | #164 of 282 | −375(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 3 reviews#93 of 282 in Ohio | 1.0 | 3.3 | #93 of 282 | −2.3(worse than average) |
| Years in business#25 of 282 in Ohio | 58 years | 34 years | #25 of 282 | +24(better than average) |
Compared with 282 Ohio movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Ohio.
COTTER
4.14Akron, OHSince 1968
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from COTTER, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Akron.
Compare prices side by side
See where COTTER lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
COTTER
4.14
Akron, OH · Since 1968
Final verdict: COTTER
COTTER earns a 4.14/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #7 among Akron movers, with 61% positive feedback across 28 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 3 trucks and a track record dating to 1968, it has more history than the average Ohio mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
COTTER
4.14
Akron, OH · Since 1968
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Ohio moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact COTTER
- Phone
- (330) 535-5115
- Website
- cottermoving.com
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.