Local moving companies in Detroit

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
  2. Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  4. White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. Men on the Move: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.14 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

1001 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 US

Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clientsโ€™ 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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Palmer Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 511993

Years in Business: 114

24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 US

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 executionโ€”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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 1673815

Years in Business: 17

1806 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192 US

Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC receives standout marks for professionalism, careful handling, speed, and value according to 280 pieces of customer feedback. About three-quarters of the input is positive, highlighting the staffโ€™s courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiencyโ€”traits that set Royal Movers apart from larger competitors, who customers sometimes cite as less careful or more expensive. Yet, a quarter of reviewers describe troubling experiences, with multiple reports of rude or unprofessional behavior, pricing disputes, and lack of clear updates or responsiveness. Unprofessional conduct, surprise cost increases, and breakdowns in communication form the backbone of these complaints. Royal Movers stands out for affordable, careful, and efficient service, but potential clients should be aware that some have encountered significant issues with customer service and billing transparency.

Get a Quote (313) 483-2250

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 1673815

Alternative Business Names

  • Royal Movers
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White Star Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 624288

Years in Business: 39

35956 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 US

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 companyโ€™s strong pointsโ€”speed, care, and politenessโ€”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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Whitestar Movers, Inc.
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Men on the Move

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 760250

Years in Business: 33

12400 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 US

Men on the Move earns high marks from its customers, with 81% of 117 feedback entries praising fast service, skilled and courteous staff, excellent care for possessions, affordability, and speedy moves. Positive accounts highlight on-time teams, thorough communication, and belongings arriving safe and sound, placing Men on the Move ahead of many other movers in professionalism and value. Problems are less frequent, but a small number of reviews note item damage, late arrivals, and occasionally unfriendly encounters. Most critics experienced issues with damages or delays, but some also described poor attitudes. Only 3% of feedback was neutral, typically from clients wishing for more service options or precise timing. Men on the Move stands out for efficiency, polite workers, and competitive pricing, with few negative experiences compared to industry averages.

Get a Quote (734) 744-9547

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Oakland movetoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Detroit to Oakland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,590, while larger moves may reach $14,089 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Detroit.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,696 to $4,076, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Oakland

Moving from Detroit to Oakland comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Oakland is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Detroit Oakland
Average rent cost $1,250 $2,200
Average home value $73,156 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $8,584
Unemployment rate 9.06% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.25%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 76% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in Oakland are 906.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Oakland is 150.0% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 25.8% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Oakland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 28.4% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 50.33% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,775.20 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Oakland

Oakland Detroit
Population 440,646 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 7
Walkability score 75 51
Bike friendliness score 65 52
Crime Index 68.62 72.92
Safety Index 31.38 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oakland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 31% less than Detroit.
  • Oakland offers better access to buses and trains than Detroit, based on public transportation ratings. Oakland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Detroit. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Oakland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Detroit. Oakland is considered more walkable than Detroit, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Detroit. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Oakland is considered more bike-friendly than Detroit in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, while Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
  • Oakland has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 68.62 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Oakland than in Detroit, based on Oaklandโ€™s safety index of 31.38 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Oakland and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Oakland move

  • Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Oakland

Ready to relocate to "Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Grand Lake
  • Piedmont Avenue
  • Rockridge
  • Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Fairview Park
  • Rockridge
  • Bushrod
  • Upper Rockridge
  • Lakeshore

Things to do in Oakland

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Oakland has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, Oakland Aviation Museum, and African American Museum and Library.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Oakland?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Oakland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Oakland?

With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Detroit to Oakland take?

Moving from Detroit, MI to Oakland, CA covers 2,392 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources