Top-rated local movers that handle Irvine to Detroit moves
When planning a move from Irvine to Detroit, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 86 local movers in Irvine who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Irvine to Detroit.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Detroit?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,202 – $4,922 | $1,283 – $2,907 | $1,279 – $2,347 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,510 – $7,142 | $2,258 – $4,766 | $1,370 – $2,911 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,329 – $11,961 | $3,102 – $6,090 | $1,782 – $3,497 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Detroit
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Irvine to Detroit, you can expect to spend between $1,202 and $4,922. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,510 to $7,142 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Irvine to Detroit typically runs between $6,329 and $11,961.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Detroit
When moving from Irvine to Detroit, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,283 and $2,907. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,258 to $4,766. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,102 up to $6,090. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Detroit
Renting a moving truck in Irvine is usually your cheapest option to get to Detroit. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,279 and $2,347. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,370 and $2,911. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,782 and $3,497.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Irvine to Detroit
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,685, but larger homes can run up to $11,060.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Irvine.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,279–$3,159) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Detroit
Many movers find Detroit easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 73% less for singles and 63% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,500 for one person in Detroit versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $6,687 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 69% lower in Detroit than in Irvine, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 95% lower in Detroit than in Irvine.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 67% less in Detroit than in Irvine.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Detroit, where the cost of living for a single person is 73% less than in Irvine.
- Moving to Detroit could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 63% less than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit is 68% higher compared to Irvine, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 23% lower in Detroit than in Irvine. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Detroit can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Michigan compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Irvine with Detroit:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Irvine than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Detroit.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Detroit.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Detroit
| Irvine | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 52 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 108% greater than Irvine.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Detroit is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 72.92 compared to Irvine’s 31.01. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 27.08 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Detroit move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Michigan doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Detroit smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore 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 Detroit
Now that you’ve chosen America’s Comeback City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Detroit to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
After getting comfortable in your new Michigan home, it’s time to see what Detroit is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Detroit offers cultural landmarks like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Detroit?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Irvine to Detroit are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Irvine are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Detroit?
Because spring and fall moves from Irvine to Detroit are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Irvine to Detroit take?
A move of 2,278 miles from Irvine, CA to Detroit, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Irvine sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Detroit is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Irvine?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Irvine offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 66 movers in Irvine have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 55 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Irvine moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Michigan car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!