The BEST Moving Companies in Detroit, MI
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Detroit, MI, is Palmer Moving Services, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of Michigan to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Detroit-based mover: Palmer Moving Services
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in Detroit, MI
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (29%)
- Professional and polite staff (26%)
- Good communication (25%)
- Damage to items (31%)
- Lack of communication (22%)
- Unfriendly or rude staff (19%)
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Palmer Moving Services has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Warren, MI since 1911. With over a century of experience, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and piano moving, setting them apart from many nearby competitors. While their Yelp profile shows mixed feedback with an average rating of 2.5 from 28 reviews, their Google My Business profile tells a different story, boasting an impressive 4.5 average rating from 178 reviews. Additionally, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau further solidifies their reputation. Customers can also take advantage of convenient features like credit card payments and no required deposit.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (38%)
- Professional and polite staff (31%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Damage to items (24%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
- Lack of communication (18%)
Company Info
DOT #: 279708
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Detroit, MI. Established in 2024, they have quickly built a reputation for quality service with excellent consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.7 on Google from 84 reviews and a solid 3.9 average on Yelp. Unlike many nearby competitors, they provide comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they don't require a deposit. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they are an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable local mover.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (27%)
- Efficient service (25%)
- Careful handling (23%)
- Damage to items (30%)
- Unexpected charges (24%)
- Lack of communication (21%)
Company Info
State license #: 37363
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Detroit, MI, making them a convenient choice for those staying within the area. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also provide labor-only services, packing and unpacking options, and can handle specialty items like pianos and safes, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. The company boasts a solid reputation on Google with an average rating of 4.4 based on 254 reviews, though Yelp reviews show a mixed response with an average rating of 2.4 from 34 reviews. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit further enhances their appeal for hassle-free transactions.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Efficient service (27%)
- Good communication (23%)
- Damage to items (35%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (31%)
- Lack of communication (29%)
Company Info
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving specializes in local residential moves in and around Detroit, MI, offering a range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Bellhop stands out by accepting credit cards, though a deposit is required. Customer reviews paint a mixed picture; while their Yelp profile shows an average rating of 2.1 from 14 reviews, their Google My Business profile is notably higher with an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 216 reviews. This suggests that experiences can vary, but many clients have found their services exceptional.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Best movers for those moving out of Michigan
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving Michigan for a new state:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Best moving containers in Detroit, MI
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Detroit vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best rental trucks for your Detroit, MI move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Detroit, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in Michigan costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.59–$0.79 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Labor-only movers in Detroit, MI
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Detroit:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Detroit
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Michigan movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How do I find a reputable Detroit mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Detroit, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Detroit or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Michigan, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Detroit has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Detroit may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Detroit movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Detroit movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Michigan.
Average cost of movers in Detroit, Michigan
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Detroit area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Michigan for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Detroit
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Detroit, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Detroit, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.59 per mile to $0.79 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Detroit is $100 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $376 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $516 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $824 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,880 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,154 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,308 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Detroit
The cost to move from Detroit to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Michigan. Here are a few examples:
- Detroit to California Movers: $1,421 to $8,128
- Detroit to New York Movers: $519 to $5,582
- Detroit to Illinois Movers: $396 to $4,819
- Detroit to New York Movers: $519 to $5,582
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Detroit will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Detroit will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across Michigan state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Detroit, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Detroit?
Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
For more info on parking permits in Detroit, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Detroit moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Detroit mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Detroit movers offer storage?
Yes, many Detroit movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Detroit mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in Michigan?
You can see all moving companies in Michigan by taking a look at our full list of Michigan movers.
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