Highly rated local moving companies for Detroit to Memphis moves
Organizing a move from Detroit to Memphis can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 36 local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Detroit to Memphis.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Memphis?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,142 – $4,143 | $736 – $1,838 | $535 – $957 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,322 – $5,724 | $1,273 – $2,497 | $578 – $1,193 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,933 – $7,712 | $1,741 – $3,282 | $680 – $1,446 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Memphis
When planning a move to Memphis from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,142 and $4,143. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,322 and $5,724 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,933 to $7,712.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Memphis
When you’re heading from Detroit to Memphis, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $736 and $1,838. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,273 and $2,497. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,741 to $3,282. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Memphis
A moving rental truck from Detroit to Memphis is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $535 to $957. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $578 to $1,193, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to Memphis costs around $680 to $1,446.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Detroit to Memphis
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Memphis may only cost $2,039, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,685.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Detroit.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($535–$1,275), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 26% less for singles and 34% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $4,402 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Memphis from Detroit with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 96% steeper in Memphis compared to Detroit.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 27% greater in Memphis than in Detroit, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Memphis. The cost of living for a single person there is 26% below that of Detroit.
- A move to Memphis can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 34% lower compared to Detroit.
- Memphis has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 12%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Memphis surpass those in Detroit by 63%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Detroit versus Memphis:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Memphis.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Detroit than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Detroit than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Memphis.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Memphis
| Detroit | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 41 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis’s population is within about 5% of Detroit, so they’re very similar in size.
- Memphis’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Memphis is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52.
- Memphis’s crime rate is higher than Detroit with a score of 77.49 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Detroit with a score of 22.51 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Memphis move
- HOA rules: Costs across Detroit and Memphis are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Tennessee, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Memphis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Memphis
With your sights set on Bluff City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Memphis. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Memphis?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Memphis. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Memphis?
Want to save on your move from Detroit to Memphis? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Memphis take?
The 743-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Memphis, , takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Memphis.
What kinds of discounts do Detroit movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Detroit?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Detroit provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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