Top local movers for Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Grand Rapids that also provides long-distance services to Fort Wayne can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 13 local movers in Grand Rapids who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne.
- 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 Fort Wayne?
Movers in Michigan generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $671 – $2,675 | $536 – $1,204 | $189 – $338 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,293 – $3,745 | $969 – $1,687 | $194 – $380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,803 – $4,766 | $1,276 – $2,092 | $251 – $432 |
Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne typically costs between $671 and $2,675. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,293 and $3,745 when moving from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne, you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,803 up to $4,766.
Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
If you’re relocating from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne, you’ll typically spend between $536 and $1,204 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $969 up to $1,687. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,276 and $2,092. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $189 and $338. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $194 to $380. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $251 and $432.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
The cost of Grand Rapids movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne might be as low as $970, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,303.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Grand Rapids.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $189 to $395 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne
Many movers find Fort Wayne easier on the wallet than Grand Rapids – roughly 51% less for singles and 56% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,600 for one person in Fort Wayne versus $5,333 in Grand Rapids. For a family of four, it’s $3,150 compared with $7,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Grand Rapids | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,233 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $2,367 |
| Average home value | $328,256 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,299 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,333 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,160 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.15% |
- Good news! When moving to Fort Wayne from Grand Rapids, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 30% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 31% cheaper in Fort Wayne, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 15% lower in Fort Wayne than in Grand Rapids.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Fort Wayne. The cost of living for a single person is 51% less compared to Grand Rapids.
- Relocating to Fort Wayne could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 56% lower than in Grand Rapids.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne exceeds that of Grand Rapids by about 19%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Fort Wayne exceed those in Grand Rapids by 17%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 26% lower in Indiana than in Michigan. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Grand Rapids and Fort Wayne, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Grand Rapids | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.12 | $245.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $56.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.25 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.46 | $2.87 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.99 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs cost more in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
- Bread is more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Grand Rapids than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Fort Wayne
| Grand Rapids | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 265,974 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 41 |
| Crime index | 44.23 | 40.9 |
| Safety index | 55.77 | 59.1 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is about 34% greater than Grand Rapids.
- Fort Wayne’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 40.9 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 59.1 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Indiana, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fort Wayne without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Ready to relocate to City of Churches? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve made the move to Indiana, it’s the perfect time to explore Fort Wayne. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fort Wayne include museums and art centers like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Grand Rapids.
When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne?
With many people choosing to move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Grand Rapids to Fort Wayne take?
Covering 175 miles, the move from Grand Rapids, MI to Fort Wayne, typically takes one to two days. Some Grand Rapids movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Fort Wayne can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Grand Rapids offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Grand Rapids offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Grand Rapids can handle specialty items for my move to Fort Wayne?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Grand Rapids, 10 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Grand Rapids moving services
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