Highly rated local moving companies for Grand Rapids to Durham moves
Organizing a move from Grand Rapids to Durham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Durham.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC , Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 261884
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 261884
Alternate Names: Powell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2956991
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: MTC Learning Technologies, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3328141
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Durham?
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 | $1,204 – $4,314 | $737 – $1,877 | $511 – $1,020 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,440 – $5,531 | $1,367 – $2,659 | $551 – $1,140 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,237 – $7,797 | $1,887 – $3,359 | $740 – $1,426 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Durham
When planning a move to Durham from Grand Rapids, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,204 and $4,314. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,440 and $5,531 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,237 to $7,797.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Durham
When you’re heading from Grand Rapids to Durham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $737 and $1,877. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,367 and $2,659. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,887 to $3,359. 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 Grand Rapids to Durham
A moving rental truck from Grand Rapids to Durham 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 $511 to $1,020. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $551 to $1,140, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Durham costs around $740 to $1,426.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Grand Rapids to Durham
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Durham may only cost $2,019, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,242.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Grand Rapids.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($511–$1,346), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 47% less for singles and 17% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $5,945 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.5% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Durham from Grand Rapids with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 19% steeper in Durham compared to Grand Rapids.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 9% greater in Durham than in Grand Rapids, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Durham. The cost of living for a single person there is 47% below that of Grand Rapids.
- A move to Durham 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 17% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
- Durham and Grand Rapids have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes in Durham surpass those in Grand Rapids by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 6% more in North Carolina than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Grand Rapids versus Durham:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Durham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Durham.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Durham
| Grand Rapids | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 38 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 43% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Durham is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 54.72 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 45.28 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Durham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Grand Rapids and Durham 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, 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 Durham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Durham
With your sights set on City of The Viper, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Durham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — 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 Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Durham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Durham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Durham?
Want to save on your move from Grand Rapids to Durham? 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 Grand Rapids to Durham take?
The 773-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Durham, , takes two to seven days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.
What kinds of discounts do Grand Rapids movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Grand Rapids, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Grand Rapids?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Grand Rapids provide piano moving services. 4 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
Grand Rapids moving services
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