ryan carrigan moving expert
Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Royal Oak, MI movers

Hiring a moving company in Royal Oak is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Royal Oak:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $398 $134 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $545 $133 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $841 $194 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,857 $263 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,145 $271 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,209 $369 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: Hiring movers in Royal Oak for a studio will run you about $134 per hour. Plan for three hours with a two-person team.
  • One bedroom: A typical one-bedroom move in Royal Oak costs around $133 an hour and takes four hours with two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: For a two-bedroom apartment or house, you'll likely pay $194 per hour. These moves often take five hours with three people.
  • Three bedrooms: The average cost to move a three-bedroom home in Royal Oak is $263 per hour. You’ll need four movers for about eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom home in Royal Oak usually means paying $271 hourly, with four movers working nine hours.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Expect hourly costs of about $369 for large homes in Royal Oak, requiring ten hours from a five-person crew.

Compare multiple moving quotes tailored to your Royal Oak move with our free, fast cost calculator tool.

Best local movers in Royal Oak, MI

If you're moving within Royal Oak or just a short distance away, these local moving companies come highly recommended:

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Bos Moving & Services, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/bellhopmoving?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Helpful movers
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clients’ belongings, with 72% of the 104 customer submissions giving favorable input. Feedback often describes smooth, speedy moves and polite staff who go out of their way to help. Teams consistently arrive on time, work quickly, and keep items protected, which distinguishes Bellhop from other moving companies. Yet a quarter of feedback highlights issues, with most complaints centered around damaged items, late or missing crews, and poor communication. Some users faced delays, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected extra costs, mentioning trouble reaching support and problems with resolving claims. Compared to typical movers, Bellhop stands out for its courteous teams and quick jobs but should address reliability and claims handling for a more consistent service experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

DOT #: 2878240


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksHaulingJunk/, https://twitter.com/CollegeHunks
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unprofessional behavior
Review Analysis
Customers rave about College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving for their efficient service, polite and professional staff, and speedy moving process. Movers consistently handle belongings with care while maintaining clear communication, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Most clients say workers are reliable, prompt, and attentive. People also mention transparent pricing and easy scheduling as standout features. On the flip side, a small number of clients report damages to furniture or property and say that the company is slow to address such issues. A few mention challenges reaching customer service or experiencing rude behavior. With 298 customer reviews analyzed—93% positive—College Hunks stands out as a top performer compared to many moving services, excelling in speed, professionalism, and efficiency, but occasional mishandling and follow-up hassles mean attention to claims can be improved.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/palmermoving/, https://x.com/PalmerMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Standout service and attention define customer feedback for Palmer Moving Services. With 250 reviews analyzed, 81% report positive experiences highlighted by professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient processes, strong communication, and timely moves. Customers often mention courteous crews going out of their way to accommodate needs, as well as accurate quotes and seamless execution—attributes that place Palmer ahead of many competitors. Feedback often credits Palmer for reducing moving day stress and protecting property. On the downside, a smaller portion of customers report major concerns such as items damaged during moves, difficulties in reaching staff, and final invoices higher than expected. Lost or mishandled belongings and slow claims resolution also receive criticism, matching common complaints faced by most moving companies. Most customers cite friendly, skilled crews as a strong reason for recommending Palmer, but those experiencing issues see communication gaps and claims processes as areas for improvement.
Get a Quote (586) 834-3400

Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 511993


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/bosmoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving days feel easier for most customers of Bos Moving & Services, Inc. The majority of feedback praises their efficient service, careful handling of items, professionalism, quick process, and solid communication. Many highlight friendly movers and accurate, stress-free execution, which stand out compared to typical moving companies. About 76% of input is positive, drawn from 214 customer comments. Still, nearly one in four customers report issues, mostly with damaged belongings, cost overruns, or unprofessional attitudes. These negative comments often point to broken items, estimates much lower than the final bill, and rude behavior from some staff. Bos Moving receives strong praise for reliable handling and friendly teams but receives substantial criticism when things go wrong, particularly for unresolved damage and billing disputes, marking a sharper contrast than most local moving services. The review base gives a clear signal: many experience smooth, hassle-free moves, but reported problems, especially with item care and final costs, warrant caution.
Get a Quote (248) 360-6644

Company Info

State license #: 22006

Years in Business: 43

DOT #: 1672903


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/whitestarmovers/, https://x.com/whitestarusa
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Inaccurate estimates
Review Analysis
Customers repeatedly describe White Star Movers as fast, professional, and genuinely careful with belongings, giving them a much higher satisfaction rate than most moving companies. Out of 290 reviews analyzed, 89% gave positive feedback. Movers are frequently praised for efficiency, careful handling, courteous behavior, prompt arrivals, and effective communication, making moves less stressful. Many clients found the booking process and pricing straightforward, with teams flexibly accommodating last-minute changes and treating homes and possessions respectfully. In contrast, a small number of negative experiences mention breakage, missing items, and issues around pricing or item estimates. Complaints often center on goods being lost or damaged, with a handful citing unexpected fees or miscalculated estimates. Compared to typical industry standards, White Star attracts more consistent praise for professionalism and reliability but, like any moving service, occasional claims about item damage surface. The company’s strong points—speed, care, and politeness—set it apart, though customers moving valuable or irreplaceable objects should review best practices for inventory and insurance. Most feedback confirms White Star provides a dependable, customer-focused move.
Get a Quote (586) 977-0400

Company Info

Years in Business: 39

DOT #: 624288

Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified

Moving costs in other nearby Michigan citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Royal Oak movers

The cost of moving out of Michigan depends heavily on where you’re headed. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve included a few sample price points below. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific moving route from Michigan or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Royal Oak

When moving a one-bedroom home from Royal Oak and out of Michigan, the overall cost will mostly come down to distance, move size, and how you decide to move.

Still, to give you a rough idea, here are some sample cost ranges for long-distance moves from Michigan:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Royal Oak

Out-of-state moving costs from Royal Oak for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Royal Oak:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Royal Oak

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Royal Oak. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you're moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Royal Oak of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Royal Oak

Understanding the potential cost of your move from Michigan is a great starting point. From here, you’ll want to connect with the top-rated long-distance movers in Royal Oak to get things rolling.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Royal Oak, MI

In Royal Oak, moving container prices usually start around $530 for local moves and can run as high as $2,950 for longer hauls. Cross-country relocations tend to be more expensive, with some topping out near $6,950 or more. The final price depends heavily on the distance and size of the container you go with.

Our favorite container mover in Royal Oak is PODS, largely because they offer a versatile range of container sizes — eight, 12, and 16 feet — along with reasonable pricing and consistently positive feedback from customers. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

You can always start by checking out these other top-rated moving container companies.

Best moving container companies in Royal Oak

Choosing a moving container company is a smart option if you’re comfortable packing and loading on your own but would rather leave the driving to a pro. We recommend these dependable container companies In Royal Oak:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Royal Oak, MI

Renting a moving truck in Royal Oak usually costs about $60 per day, but prices can range from $19 to $36.5 daily. You'll also pay a per-mile fee of $0.6525–$0.84, depending on your move’s distance and the truck size. While this is the most affordable moving method, just know it also means doing all the heavy lifting — and driving — yourself.

Best moving truck rentals in Royal Oak

A full DIY move with a rental truck is almost always the lowest-cost option. In Royal Oak, you’ll find lots of moving truck rental companies ready to help you get on the road. If you're ready to do the heavy lifting — literally — these are some of the top companies to check out:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Royal Oak, MI

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Royal Oak. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Royal Oak

If you're looking for labor assistance in Royal Oak, you'll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.14 / 5
  • Years in Business: 2025
  • Yelp: 1.9 / 5
  • BBB:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.86 / 5
  • Years in Business: 14
  • Yelp: 4 / 5
  • BBB: B+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.52 / 5
  • Years in Business: 39
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: F

Factors that affect the cost of your Royal Oak move

Since no two moves are exactly the same, neither are the costs. The amount you’ll pay will be based on the exact details of your move. There are some common cost factors to consider with your Royal Oak move, including:

  • How far you’re moving: The cost goes up the farther you’re moving. Local moves are typically less expensive than out-of-state or cross-country moves, which require more time, fuel, and labor.
  • Move size: The more belongings you need to transport, the more it’ll cost. Bigger moves usually require larger trucks and more movers.
  • The type of mover: Going with full-service movers generally costs more than doing it yourself with a moving container company, where you take on the packing and loading yourself.
  • Optional services: Add-ons like packing, unpacking, or high-value insurance will raise your total. Even if you DIY, hiring labor to help load or unload will increase your costs.
  • When you move: Timing matters. Summer, weekends, and month beginnings are in high demand—and more expensive. You can save by scheduling your move for mid-month or mid-week.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can't beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item's value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It's best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover's insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren't scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.

Helpful Royal Oak Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All