Top-rated movers to make your Grand Rapids to San Diego move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Grand Rapids that offers long-distance services to San Diego can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 13 top local movers in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to San Diego.
- 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 San Diego?
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 | $1,300 – $5,283 | $1,253 – $2,989 | $1,191 – $2,495 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,687 – $7,779 | $2,208 – $4,387 | $1,411 – $2,826 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,126 – $11,745 | $3,121 – $5,940 | $1,680 – $3,393 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to San Diego
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Diego from Grand Rapids, you can expect prices to land between $1,300 and $5,283. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,687 to $7,779 for the trip from Grand Rapids to San Diego. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,126 and $11,745.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to San Diego
Moving containers from Grand Rapids to San Diego will cost you $1,253 to $2,989 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,208 to $4,387. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,121 to $5,940. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Grand Rapids to San Diego typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,191 and $2,495 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,411 to $2,826. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,680 to $3,393.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Grand Rapids to San Diego move
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,722 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,987 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Grand Rapids.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,191 to $3,225, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about -37% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Grand Rapids.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Grand Rapids versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids; families pay $7,719 compared with $7,160.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Grand Rapids | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Diego? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 74% higher than in Grand Rapids, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Diego are about 206% higher than those in Grand Rapids.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 15% higher in San Diego compared to Grand Rapids, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in San Diego, as the cost of living for a single person is 37% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
- If you’re moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 8% higher than in Grand Rapids.
- San Diego shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Grand Rapids by around 53%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in San Diego are 29% more than in Grand Rapids, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 213% above those in Michigan. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Grand Rapids and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in San Diego.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. San Diego
| Grand Rapids | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 43 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 597% greater than Grand Rapids.
- San Diego’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Grand Rapids, making them very similar.
- San Diego and Grand Rapids are similarly walkable.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 39.83 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 60.17 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to San Diego 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California 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 San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
Planning your move to America’s Finest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to San Diego?
Planning your move from Grand Rapids to San Diego? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids to San Diego 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 Grand Rapids to San Diego take?
The 2,238-mile journey from Grand Rapids, MI to San Diego, , typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Grand Rapids offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Diego.
Are there special savings available from movers in Grand Rapids?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members.
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 Grand Rapids?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Grand Rapids, 10 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 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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