How Much Do Michigan Movers Cost?
On average, hiring movers in Michigan costs $139 per hour. That said, total moving expenses usually fall somewhere between $563 and $4,632. Your final costs will depend on details like the size of your home, the distance of your move, your chosen moving company, and any extra services like packing and unpacking assistance.
Let's get moving.
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$758 - $2,654
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$1,185 - $3,034
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$504-$2,969
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$20-$99/day
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$60-$79/hour
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Average cost to hire a local moving company in MI
The cost of hiring a local Michigan moving company for an in-state move mainly depends on the size of your house and how far you’re moving.
If your relocation in Michigan covers 50 miles or less, moving companies typically charge an hourly rate based on the size of the truck and the moving crew required.
For longer in-state relocations, pricing shifts to a model similar to interstate moves — determined by the total volume and weight of your items rather than hourly labor. Many moving companies define moves over 400 miles as long-distance intrastate relocations, but some set the limit at more than 100 miles.
Here’s what you might expect to pay for professional moving services in Michigan.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $563 | $194 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $758 | $194 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,185 | $272 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,654 | $381 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,034 | $381 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,632 | $533 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
More details on the cost of professional movers in MI
Moving costs by city in Michigan
Take a look at picks for best movers in Michigan to compare pricing and services:
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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Michigan
Relocating across state lines — commonly called an out-of-state move — from Michigan comes with more moving parts. Because they require more coordination, interstate moves are priced differently than a simple move within the same city or between Michigan towns.
Instead of hourly rates used for local moves, interstate moving costs are based on the total volume and weight of your items. Traveling out of state usually means longer drives, and that extra distance results in higher costs.
Expenses like fuel, elevated insurance rates, and seasonal demand surges can further push up the final price of your interstate move.
Check below for sample price ranges on several popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Michigan
- Michigan to New York: $2,911–$6,866
- Michigan to California: $4,550–$8,093
- Michigan to Illinois: $2,249–$5,439
- Michigan to Texas: $3,823–$7,863
- Michigan to Arizona: $4,075–$7,895
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Michigan should cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Michigan.
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4.75 / 5
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Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Michigan move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Average cost of moving containers in MI
The average cost for moving containers like PODS ranges from $212–$7,519, depending on container size and the distance you're moving. For instance, a local move in Michigan with an eight-foot PODS container typically costs between $212 and $433, while a 16-foot container might run between $322 and $814.
Typically, you’ll pay anywhere from $212 to $809 for a local move with PODS. Longer moves cost more due to greater mileage and transport time. A long-distance move spanning 100–250 miles usually falls between $248 and $2,079, whereas cross-country moves can range from $2,052 to as high as $7,519.
We recommend PODS for its nationwide reach, variety of container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and frequent discounts. Still, every move is different, so it’s smart to collect quotes from at least three different companies to compare rates and offerings.
Check out our picks for the best moving container companies in Michigan.
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in MI
On average, renting a moving truck costs between $59–$139 for a local move and $360–$5,680+ for long-distance relocations.
Choosing a truck rental from companies like U-Haul is often the cheapest route — but be prepared to handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself, unless you recruit friends, family, or hired labor.
See our recommendations for the best moving truck rental companies in Michigan:
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Average cost of Michigan hourly-movers
In Michigan, the average rate to hire a mover by the hour is about $69 per crew member. Since even small moves — like studio apartments — usually need at least two movers, you’ll likely pay an hourly total of around $139 for moving help.
Here are some of the best-rated moving labor companies in Michigan:
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Factors that affect the cost of your Michigan move
Several key factors will influence the total cost of your move in Michigan:
- How much stuff you have: The more belongings, the higher your moving costs. Larger loads take more time and often require a bigger moving crew, increasing labor charges. For instance, moving a fully furnished two-bedroom home will cost more than relocating a sparsely decorated studio. To save money, consider downsizing and only bringing items you truly need for your new life in Michigan.
- Moving distance: The farther you move, the higher your overall cost. Local moves are typically charged hourly, depending on the time needed to move your household. For long-distance moves, companies factor in mileage, fuel, tolls, and additional travel time from Michigan to your new location.
- Type of move: You can choose between hiring a full-service mover for maximum convenience or saving money with a DIY solution like renting a moving truck. Renting a truck is cheaper but means doing all the heavy lifting yourself. A moving container option offers a middle ground, saving you some costs while including professional drivers.
- Home layout: Moving from a single-story house with easy access is simpler than moving out of a condo or apartment building. Moves involving elevators, stairs, or tricky parking will likely add extra fees for long carries, stair access, or elevator use.
- Extra services: Doing the work yourself lowers your Michigan moving costs. However, if you prefer to hire professionals for packing, unpacking, or crating fragile items, be prepared to pay additional fees. Extra insurance and short-term storage will also increase your final bill.
- Seasonal timing: Summer moves typically cost 20-30% more due to higher demand. Relocating during the off-peak season — from October through April — can save you a significant amount in Michigan.
Consider car shipping costs for long-distance MI moves
Expert car shipping companies use their extensive experience to safely transport your vehicle to your new home during a long-distance move.
Check out the best car shipping services in Michigan:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
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| Nexus Auto Transport |
4.7 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Navi Auto Transport |
4.4 / 5
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| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your Michigan move
No matter if you choose to hire a full-service moving company or handle your Michigan move on your own, there are a few simple ways to cut costs:
- Declutter before you move. Getting rid of unwanted items means fewer things to transport, which lowers your moving costs. Consider donating what you don't need or selling valuable items to earn extra cash.
- Check available discounts. Many movers offer rebates for students, seniors, veterans, and first-time customers, among other groups. Be sure to ask when gathering quotes.
- Avoid peak moving times. Moving between mid-May and mid-September, or on weekends, tends to cost more. Opt for a weekday or an off-season move to save money.
- Schedule your move early. Booking at least two months ahead of your moving date usually results in lower rates compared to last-minute reservations.
- Pack your belongings yourself. Even with full-service movers, doing your own packing can lead to significant savings on your Michigan relocation.
What is the cheapest way to move in Michigan?
The most affordable way to move within Michigan is usually by going the DIY route. Depending on your situation in Michigan, renting a moving truck might be the cheapest choice, while for others, hiring a professional mover can sometimes be the smarter option.
Although DIY moves might seem like the budget-friendly choice for leaving Michigan, that’s not always true. Renting a truck can save you money on local or short moves, but for longer relocations, extra expenses like fuel, mileage fees, tolls, and lodging can add up fast — sometimes making a full-service mover the cheaper overall solution.
Need help figuring it out? Use our free moving cost calculator to instantly compare moving truck rentals and professional moving company quotes.
Helpful Michigan resources
Michigan Moving services
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