ryan carrigan moving expert
Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local movers in Detroit, MI

Hiring a full-service Detroit mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Detroit move.

Here's how much professional movers cost in Detroit based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $400 $140 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $540 $140 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $848 $196 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $1,904 $274 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $2,178 $274 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $3,332 $384 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Detroit to move a studio apartment is $140 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Detroit apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $140, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $196 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Detroit to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Detroit movers charge an average hourly rate of $274 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Detroit, you can expect to pay $274 per hour for nine hours. You'll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Detroit home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $384 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting that the cost per hour for Detroit movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $140 per hour for two movers to $384 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Detroit movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Detroit move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Detroit, MI

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in Detroit.

  1. Extra Mile Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.1 out of 5 stars
  3. Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/p/Extra-Mile-Moving-100063776033018/, https://x.com/ExtraMilemi
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (71%)
  • Professional and polite staff (57%)
  • Careful handling (43%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (14%)
  • Lack of communication (14%)
Review Analysis
Extra Mile Moving lives up to its name, impressing customers with a team described as professional, polite, and efficient. Of the 263 feedback entries assessed, an impressive 98.5% expressed positivity, far surpassing the industry standard. Movers repeatedly receive praise for careful handling, punctuality, and courteous attitudes, standing out for both speed and reasonable rates. Many emphasize stress-free moves, clear communication, and flexibility—even when faced with last-minute challenges or complex requests. A handful of clients mention affordable quotes and reliable service as key differentiators from other companies. While nearly all customer input is favorable, rare negative comments focus on unexpected charges, subcontracting, or issues processing deposits. Compared with most moving services, Extra Mile Moving consistently earns enthusiastic recommendations for professionalism and value, making it a standout choice for those seeking a reliable moving company.
Get a Quote (734) 358-8609

Company Info

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 4128193


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/bellhopmoving?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Good communication (23%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (31%)
  • Lack of communication (29%)
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clients’ belongings, with 72% of the 104 customer submissions giving favorable input. Feedback often describes smooth, speedy moves and polite staff who go out of their way to help. Teams consistently arrive on time, work quickly, and keep items protected, which distinguishes Bellhop from other moving companies. Yet a quarter of feedback highlights issues, with most complaints centered around damaged items, late or missing crews, and poor communication. Some users faced delays, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected extra costs, mentioning trouble reaching support and problems with resolving claims. Compared to typical movers, Bellhop stands out for its courteous teams and quick jobs but should address reliability and claims handling for a more consistent service experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

DOT #: 2878240


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/palmermoving/, https://x.com/PalmerMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (26%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (31%)
  • Lack of communication (22%)
  • Unfriendly or rude staff (19%)
Review Analysis
Standout service and attention define customer feedback for Palmer Moving Services. With 250 reviews analyzed, 81% report positive experiences highlighted by professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient processes, strong communication, and timely moves. Customers often mention courteous crews going out of their way to accommodate needs, as well as accurate quotes and seamless execution—attributes that place Palmer ahead of many competitors. Feedback often credits Palmer for reducing moving day stress and protecting property. On the downside, a smaller portion of customers report major concerns such as items damaged during moves, difficulties in reaching staff, and final invoices higher than expected. Lost or mishandled belongings and slow claims resolution also receive criticism, matching common complaints faced by most moving companies. Most customers cite friendly, skilled crews as a strong reason for recommending Palmer, but those experiencing issues see communication gaps and claims processes as areas for improvement.
Get a Quote (586) 834-3400

Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 511993


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/GrossePointeMovingStorage,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (24%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage stands out for delivering fast, careful, and respectful service. Out of 152 feedback entries analyzed, nearly 91% were positive. Customers routinely describe crews as professional, efficient, and polite. Movers excel at handling belongings with caution and working quickly while keeping clients informed, making the process smooth and easy. Many clients also highlight the staff’s helpfulness and the accuracy of estimates—qualities that set this company ahead of typical industry standards. On the downside, some input identified concerns such as damaged items, bills running higher than quoted, and complaints not always being resolved satisfactorily. Still, such occurrences are much less frequent than the many glowing reports. Compared to other movers, Grosse Pointe earns notably stronger praise for speed, professionalism, and quality care, with negative incidents reported far less often.
Get a Quote (313) 822-4400

Company Info

DOT #: 279708


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Visit our best movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you're moving outside of Detroit, consider one of Detroit's top long-distance movers.

Moving costs in other nearby Michigan citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Detroit, MI

Since the cost of moving out of Detroit depends so much on where you're moving, we've included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Detroit or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Detroit

The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from Detroit depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you're moving.

Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Detroit

As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from Detroit can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.

Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of Detroit:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Detroit

The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of Michigan will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.

While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of Detroit:

Best interstate moving companies in Detroit, MI

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Detroit should cost, it's time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Detroit, MI

The cost of moving containers, such as PODS, will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Detroit. The exact PODS cost you'll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Detroit move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Detroit can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you're looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You'll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it's loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won't have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Detroit based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Detroit, MI

The best Detroit moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Detroit, MI

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Detroit will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Detroit ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you'll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Detroit rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.59–$0.79 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Detroit, MI

The best moving truck rentals in Detroit provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Detroit, MI

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Detroit is an hourly rate of $50 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $100.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Detroit.

Best labor-only moving companies in Detroit

The best Detroit labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Detroit, MI

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Detroit, MI, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You'll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
  • Check state licensing laws. 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.
  • Invest in moving 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.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move to Detroit?

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading, and they transport your belongings in Detroit for you, or you can rent a moving truck and handle it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Detroit to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Milwaukee $2,300 - $5,898 $1,387 - $2,594 $467 - $913
New York City $2,568 - $7,203 $1,513 - $2,854 $584 - $1,199
Portland $2,796 - $6,889 $1,632 - $3,213 $723 - $1,531

Helpful Detroit resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All