Highly rated local moving companies for Milwaukee to Grand Rapids moves
Organizing a move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Grand Rapids.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin 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 | $581 – $2,428 | $461 – $1,069 | $128 – $197 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,164 – $3,434 | $897 – $1,537 | $136 – $247 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,591 – $4,372 | $1,094 – $1,897 | $155 – $255 |
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
When planning a move to Grand Rapids from Milwaukee, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $581 and $2,428. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,164 and $3,434 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,591 to $4,372.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
When you’re heading from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $461 and $1,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $897 and $1,537. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,094 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 Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
A moving rental truck from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids 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 $128 to $197. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $136 to $247, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids costs around $155 to $255.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids may only cost $788, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $3,911.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Milwaukee.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($128–$239), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 164% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Milwaukee.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Milwaukee versus $2,022 in Milwaukee; families pay $7,160 compared with $4,963.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Milwaukee | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 33% more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 64% steeper in Grand Rapids compared to Milwaukee.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 27% greater in Grand Rapids than in Milwaukee, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Grand Rapids, with the cost of living for a single person being 164% more than in Milwaukee. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Grand Rapids, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 44% higher than in Milwaukee.
- Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate than Milwaukee by about 42%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Grand Rapids surpass those in Milwaukee by 22%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 44% less in Michigan compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Milwaukee versus Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in Milwaukee than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Grand Rapids
| Milwaukee | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 52 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 66% less than Milwaukee.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee’s score of 8.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Milwaukee’s 62 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Milwaukee, which has a score of 58.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 44.23 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 55.77 vs Milwaukee’s 33.24.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Milwaukee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: Costs across Milwaukee and Grand Rapids 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, 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 Grand Rapids. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
With your sights set on GR, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Grand Rapids. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside 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 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids?
Want to save on your move from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids? 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 Milwaukee to Grand Rapids take?
The 127-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Grand Rapids, , takes one to two days. Some Milwaukee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Milwaukee?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Milwaukee provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 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
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