The Best Long-Distance Movers in Detroit, MI
Fact Checked by:
The best long-distance mover in Detroit is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.52/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of Michigan, per moveBuddha's analysis of 84 Michigan movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Detroit?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Detroit residents moving out of Michigan are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Detroit for in-state moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Detroit-based mover for long-distance moves within Michigan, followed by Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC (4.5/5) and O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.48/5). Of the 37 intrastate-capable movers serving Detroit, 37 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Detroit are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Detroit but stay within Michigan:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 298 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Very efficient, customer friendly and professional. Crew didn’t waste any time moving boxes, furniture and other items. Kudos to Vince N. and his crew. I will definitely request this crew when I schedule another appointment."
"My movers got there early, and were quick, friendly, and very professional. I highly recommend!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 280 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC, and Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Royal Movers were friendly, efficient, courteous, explained everything to us, thorough, and made sure all of our furniture and belongings were protected. They were hardworking and made the moving process less stressful. Thank you so much!"
"They wrapped all of our furniture as well as the entry doors and covered our hard wood floors with quality mats. Movers were awesome. Very professional and accommodating. I highly recommend them."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. has been in business for 44 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. has about 73% positive reviews across roughly 320 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Ryan, Larry and Corneil did an excellent job of moving our household. They were on time, careful with our things, and very professional. Everything arrived safely and on schedule. Highly recommend."
"This was my third time using O'Sullivan and I continue to be very happy with their service. All are friendly and knowledgeable. Special items were handled with great care. Highly recommend for your moving needs!"
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Palmer Moving Services has been in business for 116 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Palmer Moving Services has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 250 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Palmer Moving Services.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Palmer Moving Services emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Palmer movers did a great job, the communication was great and the service was fantastic. The 3 movers were efficient, friendly and very patient and thorough."
"My 4 man crew arrived before 8 am and went straight to work. All were professional and polite. Move was fast and they even called to check on progress that day. Came in $1000 under estimate!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. White Star Movers, Inc. has been in business for 38 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. White Star Movers, Inc. has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 117 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from White Star Movers, Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. White Star Movers, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Tyler and Liam were fast and extremely efficient yet very careful with all of our belongings. They moved anything we needed and made sure we were happy. Couldn’t be happier!"
"Had a good moving experience with the crew sent out. These guys were meticulous and I was shocked how smooth and professional the experience was."
What add-on services do Detroit movers offer?
Not every mover in Detroit offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 37 Detroit movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 18.92% of Detroit movers, compared to 21.43% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 35.14% of Detroit movers, compared to 50.0% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 13.51% of Detroit movers, compared to 15.48% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 89.19% of Detroit movers, compared to 86.9% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 13.51% of Detroit movers, compared to 15.48% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 59.46% of Detroit movers, compared to 60.71% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Detroit's cost of living.
Does Detroit have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 7 of 37 Detroit movers (18.92%), compared to 21.43% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC (4.5/5) and White Star Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) rate highest for art handling in Detroit. Per-piece handling runs $46 to $460, with custom crates adding $138 to $184 per item.
| Art handling in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 7 of 37 (18.92%) |
| Michigan statewide | 18 of 84 (21.43%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Detroit art movers | Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC, White Star Movers, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $46 to $460 |
| Custom crating per item | $138 to $184 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does Detroit have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 13 of 37 Detroit movers (35.14%), compared to 50.0% statewide and 36.39% nationally. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.52/5) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.38/5) rate highest for junk removal in Detroit. Standalone junk removal typically runs $138 to $460 per load.
| Junk removal in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 13 of 37 (35.14%) |
| Michigan statewide | 42 of 84 (50.0%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Detroit junk removal movers | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK |
| Typical cost per load | $138 to $460 |
| Single large item | $69 to $138 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does Detroit have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 5 of 37 Detroit movers (13.51%), compared to 15.48% statewide and 23.87% nationally. White Star Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) and Handle With Care Moving (4.64/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Detroit. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 5 of 37 (13.51%) |
| Michigan statewide | 13 of 84 (15.48%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Detroit providers | White Star Movers, Inc., Handle With Care Moving |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does Detroit have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 33 of 37 Detroit movers (89.19%), compared to 86.9% statewide and 84.85% nationally. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.52/5) and Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC (4.5/5) rate highest for storage in Detroit. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $236/month.
| Storage in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 33 of 37 (89.19%) |
| Michigan statewide | 73 of 84 (86.9%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Detroit storage movers | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $236 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $460 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $236 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does Detroit have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 5 of 37 Detroit movers (13.51%), compared to 15.48% statewide and 21.93% nationally. White Star Movers, Inc. (4.58/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Detroit. Hot tub moves typically run $138 to $368 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 5 of 37 (13.51%) |
| Michigan statewide | 13 of 84 (15.48%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Detroit hot tub movers | White Star Movers, Inc. |
| Bundled with full-service move | $138 to $368 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $276 to $736 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does Detroit have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 22 of 37 Detroit movers (59.46%), compared to 60.71% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC (4.5/5) and O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.48/5) rate highest for piano moving in Detroit. A standalone piano move typically costs $736 to $3,220, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Detroit | Details |
|---|---|
| Detroit movers offering this | 22 of 37 (59.46%) |
| Michigan statewide | 51 of 84 (60.71%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Detroit piano movers | Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC, O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. |
| Upright piano | $736 to $1,380 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,104 to $2,300 |
| Grand piano | $1,656 to $3,220 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in Detroit for small long-distance moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads Detroit's small-move providers with a 4.52/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC at 4.5/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Detroit?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Detroit. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Detroit residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Detroit?
25 of 37 Detroit movers (67.57%) offer labor-only services, compared to 64.29% statewide and 54.55% nationally. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Detroit, followed by Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC (4.5/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Detroit residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Detroit moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Detroit. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Detroit?
Moving costs across Michigan range from $533 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $194/hour) to $4,603 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Michigan mover quotes. The table below shows Michigan statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Detroit will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move. For a full cost breakdown specific to Detroit, see our guide on moving costs in Detroit.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Michigan* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $533 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $727 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,155 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,623 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,004 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,603 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Michigan. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Michigan statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Detroit?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Detroit move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Detroit, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Detroit
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Detroit?
Any moving company transporting goods from Detroit to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 28 of the 37 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Detroit meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Detroit relocation?
For moves within Michigan, a local mover in Detroit is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 37 movers in the area, with 37 licensed for intrastate routes and 28 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Michigan, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Detroit?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Detroit. Winter lows average 19°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Detroit?
Budget-friendly moves from the America's Comeback City almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
