The BEST Moving Companies in Detroit, MI
Fact Checked by: Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Detroit, MI, our top pick is Palmer Moving Services. We’ve rated them 4.58 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your Michigan move, we recommend Safeway Moving.
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With 639,111 people living in Detroit, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $100 per hour in Detroit, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.
Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Detroit to make your next move a smooth transition.
How we chose the best movers in Detroit
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 46 Michigan movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Since 2015, we’ve used our inside knowledge of the moving industry to help more than 400,000 people with their moves.
We go beyond the standard online review to dig deep into our readers’ personal moving experiences through our Better Moves Project. We’ve also developed our own rating system to evaluate each moving company based on their services, reputation, customer satisfaction, and other key factors.
Our content is thoroughly fact-checked and reviewed by our team of in-house experts to ensure the information you get is relevant, accurate, and up-to-date.
Best movers for those moving locally in Detroit
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.58 out of 5
- Handy Relocations: 4.28 out of 5
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.14 out of 5
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5
Palmer Moving Services
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 113
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USPalmer Moving Services has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Warren, MI since 1911. With over a century of experience, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and piano moving, setting them apart from many nearby competitors. While their Yelp profile shows mixed feedback with an average rating of 2.5 from 28 reviews, their Google My Business profile tells a different story, boasting an impressive 4.5 average rating from 178 reviews. Additionally, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau further solidifies their reputation. Customers can also take advantage of convenient features like credit card payments and no required deposit.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 511993
Handy Relocations
rating
4.28 / 5
DOT #: 3345697
Years in Business: 5
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor, Detroit, MI 48207Handy Relocations, a reputable local moving company serving Detroit, MI, since 2019, offers comprehensive residential moving services. Unlike other nearby movers, they also provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, making them a versatile choice. Customers consistently praise Handy Relocations, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With acceptance of credit cards and no deposit required, Handy Relocations stands out as a reliable and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3345697
- State license #: 39343
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage
rating
4.2 / 5
DOT #: 279708
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Detroit, MI. Established in 2024, they have quickly built a reputation for quality service with excellent consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.7 on Google from 84 reviews and a solid 3.9 average on Yelp. Unlike many nearby competitors, they provide comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they don't require a deposit. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they are an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable local mover.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 279708
Two Men and a Truck
rating
4.14 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Detroit, MI, making them a convenient choice for those staying within the area. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also provide labor-only services, packing and unpacking options, and can handle specialty items like pianos and safes, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. The company boasts a solid reputation on Google with an average rating of 4.4 based on 254 reviews, though Yelp reviews show a mixed response with an average rating of 2.4 from 34 reviews. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit further enhances their appeal for hassle-free transactions.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 37363
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.14 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving specializes in local residential moves in and around Detroit, MI, offering a range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Bellhop stands out by accepting credit cards, though a deposit is required. Customer reviews paint a mixed picture; while their Yelp profile shows an average rating of 2.1 from 14 reviews, their Google My Business profile is notably higher with an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 216 reviews. This suggests that experiences can vary, but many clients have found their services exceptional.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Best movers for those moving out of 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
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
Alternative Detroit moving options
Moving Containers
- 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
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- 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
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Average cost of movers in Detroit
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Detroit area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in Michigan for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estim
Local moving costs in Detroit
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Detroit, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Detroit, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.59 per mile to $0.79 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Detroit is $100 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $398 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $538 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $846 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,902 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,176 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,330 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of Detroit
The cost to move from Detroit to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from Michigan. Here are a few examples:
- Detroit to California Movers
- Detroit to New York Movers
- Detroit to Illinois Movers
- Detroit to Texas Movers
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
How do I find a reputable Detroit mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Detroit, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Detroit or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over Michigan, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Detroit has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Detroit may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Detroit movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Detroit movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in Michigan.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in Detroit?
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.
For more info on parking permits in Detroit, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Detroit moving company?
It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in Detroit outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
Now that you know when moving companies in Detroit are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.
Do Detroit movers offer storage?
Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in Detroit do offer both short and long-term storage units.
However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.
If your Detroit mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
What is there to do in Detroit?
Some popular attractions in Detroit include:
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Detroit Riverwalk
- Motown Museum
- Belle Isle Park
- Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
- Campus Martius Park
- Detroit Zoo
- Historic Fort Wayne
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Michigan Science Center
- Comerica Park
- Fox Theatre
- Heidelberg Project
- The Spirit of Detroit
- GM Renaissance Center
- The BELT
- Detroit Princess Riverboat
- People Mover
- Fisher Building
- Greenfild Village
- Z Park Garage
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Hart Plaza
- Third Man Records
- Detroit Masonic Temple
- John K. King Used & Rare Books
- “Reflector” Art Installation
- Eastern Market
- Dequindre Cut Greenway
- Milliken State Park and Harbor
How’s the job market in Detroit?
Detroit’s unemployment rate is at 10.0%. Looking for a job in the “America's Comeback City”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in Detroit:
- General Motors
- Henry Ford Health System
- American Axle & Manufacturing
- Smiths Group
- Ilitch Holdings
- Quicken Loans
- Little Caesars
- DTE Energy
- VHS of Michigan
- Ally Financial
- GM Components Holdings
- Grace Sinai Hospital
- MSX International
- Children's Hospital of Michigan
- Greektown Casino
- Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
- Meridian Health Plan
- Title Source
- Employers Temporary Service
- MotorCity Casino Hotel
How can I see all moving companies in Michigan?
You can find all moving companies in Michigan by clicking here.
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