How Much Do Michigan Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Michigan is $139 per hour, with an average total move cost between $547 and $4,615. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your Michigan move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your Michigan move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in MI — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in Michigan
The cost to hire a Michigan moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in Michigan.
Cost to move a home in Michigan
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $547 | $194 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $741 | $194 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,168 | $272 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,637 | $381 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,018 | $381 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,615 | $533 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Michigan to move a studio apartment is $547. You'll need two movers for three hours at $194 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $741 for local Michigan movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $194 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire Michigan movers to move a two-bedroom home is $1,168. You'll need three movers for five hours at $272 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $2,637 for local Michigan movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $381 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Michigan will cost $3,018, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $381 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Michigan movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $4,615. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $533 per hour.
City moving costs in Michigan
- Cost of Adrian movers
- Cost of Allendale movers
- Cost of Allen Park movers
- Cost of Alpena movers
- Cost of Ann Arbor movers
- Cost of Auburn Hills movers
- Cost of Battle Creek movers
- Cost of Bay City movers
- Cost of Berkley movers
- Cost of Beverly Hills movers
- Cost of Birmingham movers
- Cost of Burton movers
- Cost of Cadillac movers
- Cost of Clawson movers
- Cost of Coldwater movers
- Cost of Comstock Park movers
- Cost of Cutlerville movers
- Cost of Dearborn movers
- Cost of Dearborn Heights movers
- Cost of Detroit movers
- Cost of East Grand Rapids movers
- Cost of East Lansing movers
- Cost of Eastpointe movers
- Cost of Escanaba movers
- Cost of Farmington movers
- Cost of Farmington Hills movers
- Cost of Fenton movers
- Cost of Ferndale movers
- Cost of Flat Rock movers
- Cost of Flint movers
- Cost of Forest Hills movers
- Cost of Fraser movers
- Cost of Garden City movers
- Cost of Grand Haven movers
- Cost of Grand Rapids movers
- Cost of Grandville movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Farms movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Park movers
- Cost of Grosse Pointe Woods movers
- Cost of Hamtramck movers
- Cost of Harper Woods movers
- Cost of Haslett movers
- Cost of Hazel Park movers
- Cost of Holland movers
- Cost of Holt movers
- Cost of Howell movers
- Cost of Inkster movers
- Cost of Ionia movers
- Cost of Jackson movers
- Cost of Jenison movers
- Cost of Kalamazoo movers
- Cost of Kentwood movers
- Cost of Lambertville movers
- Cost of Lansing movers
- Cost of Lincoln Park movers
- Cost of Livonia movers
- Cost of Madison Heights movers
- Cost of Marquette movers
- Cost of Melvindale movers
- Cost of Midland movers
- Cost of Monroe movers
- Cost of Mount Clemens movers
- Cost of Mount Pleasant movers
- Cost of Muskegon movers
- Cost of Muskegon Heights movers
- Cost of New Baltimore movers
- Cost of Niles movers
- Cost of Northview movers
- Cost of Norton Shores movers
- Cost of Novi movers
- Cost of Oak Park movers
- Cost of Okemos movers
- Cost of Owosso movers
- Cost of Pontiac movers
- Cost of Port Huron movers
- Cost of Portage movers
- Cost of Riverview movers
- Cost of Rochester movers
- Cost of Rochester Hills movers
- Cost of Romulus movers
- Cost of Roseville movers
- Cost of Royal Oak movers
- Cost of Saginaw movers
- Cost of Sault Ste. Marie movers
- Cost of South Lyon movers
- Cost of Southfield movers
- Cost of Southgate movers
- Cost of St. Clair Shores movers
- Cost of Sterling Heights movers
- Cost of Sturgis movers
- Cost of Taylor movers
- Cost of Traverse City movers
- Cost of Trenton movers
- Cost of Troy movers
- Cost of Walker movers
- Cost of Warren movers
- Cost of Waverly movers
- Cost of Wayne movers
- Cost of Westland movers
- Cost of Wixom movers
- Cost of Woodhaven movers
- Cost of Wyandotte movers
- Cost of Wyoming movers
- Cost of Ypsilanti movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Michigan
The cost of an interstate move from Michigan to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Michigan
- Michigan to California: $4,263–$7,816
- Michigan to New York: $2,812–$5,877
- Michigan to Illinois: $2,240–$5,095
- Michigan to Texas: $3,266–$7,026
- Michigan to Arizona: $3,898–$7,179
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 moving movers in Michigan.
Best interstate moving companies in Michigan
These are the best interstate moving companies available in Michigan:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in Michigan
Staying in Michigan and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in Michigan.
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.9 out of 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.66 out of 5
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your Michigan move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Michigan move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Michigan.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Michigan to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your Michigan move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Michigan move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Michigan between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in Michigan
- The cost index in Michigan is 92. This means it’s about 8% less expensive than the national average.
- The average rent in Michigan for a one-bedroom apartment is $892 which is 32.73% lower than the national average.
- The average home value in Michigan is $232,380 which is about 34.73% less expensive than the national average.
- The average income in Michigan is $68,505 which is about 5.40% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in Michigan
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in Michigan is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in Michigan to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one Michigan location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in Michigan for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from Michigan. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in Michigan?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in MI:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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Things to know about your Michigan move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about 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.
- Mover's Insurance: 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.
- Weather: Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
Tips to save money on your Michigan move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Michigan move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Michigan move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Michigan?
The cheapest way to move within Michigan is by using a DIY option. For some people in Michigan, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Michigan, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
Helpful Michigan resources
Michigan Moving services
City moving costs
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