Top-rated local movers that handle Lansing to San Francisco moves
When planning a move from Lansing to San Francisco, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 11 local movers in Lansing 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 Lansing to San Francisco.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- Helper Moving LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Hunky Monkey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2475734
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to San Francisco?
Movers in Michigan charge 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 | $1,278 – $5,471 | $1,237 – $3,257 | $1,277 – $2,393 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,723 – $7,610 | $2,265 – $4,832 | $1,467 – $2,968 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,647 – $12,248 | $2,930 – $6,178 | $1,692 – $3,676 |
Cost to hire movers from Lansing to San Francisco
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lansing to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,278 and $5,471. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,723 to $7,610 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Lansing to San Francisco typically runs between $6,647 and $12,248.
Cost of moving containers from Lansing to San Francisco
When moving from Lansing to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,237 and $3,257. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,265 to $4,832. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,930 up to $6,178. 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 Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lansing to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck in Lansing is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. 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 $1,277 and $2,393. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,467 and $2,968. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,692 and $3,676.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Lansing to San Francisco
The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,667, but larger homes can run up to $11,424.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Lansing.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,277–$3,254) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Lansing to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 137% higher for singles and 108% higher for families than Lansing.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Lansing versus $1,595 in Lansing; families pay $8,717 compared with $4,199.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lansing | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $148,542 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,595 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,199 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 188% more expensive than it is in Lansing; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 735% higher in San Francisco than in Lansing.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 111% higher in San Francisco compared to Lansing, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 137% more than in Lansing. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 108% more than it is in Lansing.
- San Francisco experiences an unemployment rate that is about 27% lower than that of Lansing. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 44% higher in San Francisco than in Lansing. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California compared to Michigan. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Lansing with San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Lansing | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $172.97 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.67 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lansing than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lansing than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lansing than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Lansing than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lansing than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lansing than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lansing than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Lansing vs. San Francisco
| Lansing | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 99 |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 51.34 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 618% greater than Lansing.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Lansing’s score of 5.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Lansing with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Lansing’s 46 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Lansing with a score of 61.41 compared to Lansing’s 48.66. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 38.59 vs Lansing’s 51.34.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Lansing it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing to San Francisco 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California 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 San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you’ve chosen The Golden Gate City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco 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, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — 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 San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lansing to San Francisco?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lansing to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lansing are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to San Francisco?
Because spring and fall moves from Lansing to San Francisco 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 Lansing to San Francisco take?
A move of 2,329 miles from Lansing, MI to San Francisco, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Lansing sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Francisco is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Lansing?
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. 1 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 Lansing offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Lansing have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 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
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