Local moving companies in Detroit
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Men on the Move: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
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.
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
Palmer Moving Services

DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 114
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USStandout 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 executionโattributes 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.
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
Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC

DOT #: 1673815
Years in Business: 17
1806 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192 USRoyal 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 staffโs courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiencyโtraits 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.
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
White Star Movers, Inc.

DOT #: 624288
Years in Business: 39
35956 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 USCustomers 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 companyโs strong pointsโspeed, care, and politenessโset 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 624288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Men on the Move

DOT #: 760250
Years in Business: 33
12400 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI 48150 USMen 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 760250
Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Indianapolis
What to know before moving from Detroit to Indianapolis
Moving from Detroit to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโs 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 | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,399 |
Average home value | $73,156 | $220,467 |
Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $59,110 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $2,804 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $6,667 |
Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Indianapolis are 12% higher than in Detroit, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Indianapolis are 201.4% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Indianapolis is 56.5% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis include Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 12.2% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Indianapolis and Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 38.19% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the cityโs sales taxes in Indianapolis are 16.67% higher than in Detroit.
- One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.88% lower than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,364.80 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Indianapolis
Indianapolis | Detroit | |
---|---|---|
Population | 887,642 | 639,111 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
Walkability score | 31 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 52 |
Crime Index | 60.71 | 72.92 |
Safety Index | 39.29 | 27.08 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis's population is about 39% greater than Detroit.
- Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
- Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Indianapolis's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 60.71 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Indianapolis is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 39.29 vs Detroit's 27.08.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Indianapolis move
- Weather: Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
- 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that itโs up to date.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Indiana doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Indianapolis. 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 budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Indianapolis
Ready to relocate to "Amateur Sports Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Indianapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Broad Ripple Village
- Fountain Square
- Mile Square
- Meridian-Kessler
- Old Northside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avon
- Brownsburg
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Westfield
Things to do in Indianapolis
After settling into your new Indiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Indianapolis has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Indianapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana War Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park 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 Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Indianapolis?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Indianapolis. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Indianapolis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit to Indianapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Detroit to Indianapolis take?
The 286-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Indianapolis.