Top-rated movers to make your Detroit to Harrisburg move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Detroit that offers long-distance services to Harrisburg can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 36 top local movers in Detroit who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Detroit to Harrisburg.
- 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 Harrisburg?
In Michigan, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,202 – $3,062 | $657 – $1,516 | $417 – $705 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,151 – $5,549 | $1,186 – $2,311 | $411 – $854 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,836 – $8,198 | $1,594 – $2,879 | $512 – $1,092 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Harrisburg
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Harrisburg from Detroit, you can expect prices to land between $1,202 and $3,062. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,151 to $5,549 for the trip from Detroit to Harrisburg. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,836 and $8,198.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Harrisburg
Moving containers from Detroit to Harrisburg will cost you $657 to $1,516 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,186 to $2,311. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,594 to $2,879. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Harrisburg
Renting a moving truck from Detroit to Harrisburg typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $417 and $705 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $411 to $854. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $512 to $1,092.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Harrisburg move
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,620 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,006 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Detroit.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $417 to $946, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Harrisburg
Many movers find Harrisburg easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 26% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,849 for one person in Harrisburg versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $3,612 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,550 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $1,946 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $230,038 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $73,256 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $1,849 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $3,612 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 13.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.07% |
- Moving to Harrisburg from Detroit won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Harrisburg are about 214% higher than those in Detroit.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 94% higher in Harrisburg compared to Detroit, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Harrisburg, as the cost of living for a single person is 26% lower compared to Detroit.
- A move to Harrisburg can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 46% less than what it costs in Detroit.
- Harrisburg shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Detroit by around 48%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Harrisburg and Detroit (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 28% below those in Michigan. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Detroit and Harrisburg:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Harrisburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $160.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.72 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $27.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Harrisburg
| Detroit | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 50,099 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 68 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 57 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 64.18 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 35.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Harrisburg’s population is about 92% less than Detroit.
- Harrisburg’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Harrisburg is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Harrisburg’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 64.18 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 35.82 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is Moderate, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Harrisburg move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Harrisburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Harrisburg
Planning your move to Harrisburg? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Harrisburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- SoMa
- Capitol District
- Downtown Harrisburg
- Allison Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue Park
- Uptown
- Olde Uptown
- Riverside
- Camp Curtin
Things to do in Harrisburg
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Harrisburg has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Harrisburg features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Harrisburg?
Planning your move from Detroit to Harrisburg? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Harrisburg?
Because most people are moving from Detroit to Harrisburg in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Detroit to Harrisburg take?
The 482-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Harrisburg, , 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 Harrisburg.
Are there special savings available from movers in Detroit?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Detroit?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Detroit, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 8 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Michigan has 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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