The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Detroit, MI
Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Detroit, MI. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best Detroit-based company: Palmer Moving Services
- Best for small moves: MiniMoves
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only company: 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 long-distance movers in Detroit for those moving out of state
If you’re moving out of Michigan, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in Detroit:
- 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 long-distance movers in Detroit for those staying in state
Even if you’re just relocating from Detroit to another Michigan city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Detroit:
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Handy Relocations: 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
Palmer Moving Services
DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 113
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USPalmer 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.
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 #: 511993
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage
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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 279708
Handy Relocations
DOT #: 3345697
Years in Business: 5
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor, Detroit, MI 48207Handy Relocations, a reputable local moving company serving Detroit, MI, since 2019, offers comprehensive residential moving services. Unlike other nearby movers, they also provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, making them a versatile choice. Customers consistently praise Handy Relocations, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With acceptance of credit cards and no deposit required, Handy Relocations stands out as a reliable and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3345697
- State license #: 39343
Two Men and a Truck
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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 37363
Bellhop Moving
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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Best long-distance movers in Detroit for small moves
Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.
In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in Detroit that specializes in small moves.
Here are our top suggestions:
- No minimum size
- Top-quality materials
- Full-service packing
- Specializes in small moves
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
- Car shipping services
- Gives back with charitable donations
Moving containers for long-distance moves in Detroit
A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Detroit to another Michigan city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.
Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.
You can start with these two 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
Labor-only moving companies in Detroit
If you don’t mind driving from Detroit but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.
Here’s who we suggest:
- 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
Rental trucks in Detroit for a total DIY long-distance move
While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Detroit costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.59–$0.79.
Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:
- 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
How we chose the best long-distance movers in Detroit, MI
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of long-distance movers in Detroit
The average cost for professional movers in Detroit is $100 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.
Factors that affect the cost of moving from Detroit
- How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from Detroit to another Michigan city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
- The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
- The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of Detroit to reduce your moving expenses.
- Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
- When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.
To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in Detroit.
FAQs
What else should I know about moving out of Michigan?
A moving company helping you move out of Michigan must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all of the Detroit movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.
If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Detroit?
If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Detroit is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of Michigan, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Detroit?
Moving companies in Detroit are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of 19°F, the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Detroit?
DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Detroit. The cheapest options for moving out of the America's Comeback City are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Helpful Detroit resources
Detroit moving services
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