Highly rated local moving companies for Grand Rapids to Milwaukee moves
Organizing a move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
- 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 Milwaukee?
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 | $563 – $2,427 | $471 – $1,069 | $127 – $199 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,105 – $3,328 | $871 – $1,617 | $142 – $249 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,541 – $4,153 | $1,105 – $1,897 | $168 – $274 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee
When planning a move to Milwaukee from Grand Rapids, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $563 and $2,427. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,105 and $3,328 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,541 to $4,153.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee
When you’re heading from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $471 and $1,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $871 and $1,617. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,105 to $1,897. 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 Milwaukee
A moving rental truck from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee 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 $127 to $199. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $142 to $249, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee costs around $168 to $274.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee may only cost $879, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $3,948.
- 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 ($127–$251), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 62% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 39% cheaper in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 21% less in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person there is 62% below that of Grand Rapids.
- A move to Milwaukee 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 31% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
- Milwaukee has a higher unemployment rate than Grand Rapids by about 72%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 18% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to Grand Rapids. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 80% more in Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs are less expensive in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Milwaukee
| Grand Rapids | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 58 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 190% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Milwaukee is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 66.76 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 33.24 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Costs across Grand Rapids and Milwaukee 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: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, 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 Milwaukee. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers’ insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Milwaukee
With your sights set on Cream City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Milwaukee.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bay View
- Brewer’s Hill
- Historic Third Ward
- Lower East Side
- Riverwest
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bay View
- Historic Third Ward
- Juneau Town
- Lower East Side
- Northpoint
Things to do in Milwaukee
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Milwaukee. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Milwaukee is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran’s Park, and Lake 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 Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee? 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 Milwaukee take?
The 127-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Milwaukee, , takes one to two 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 Milwaukee.
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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