Best Long-Distance Movers in Michigan for 2024
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in Michigan. Based on our in-depth research and analysis, Safeway Moving offers the best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price.
Every move is different, so depending on your specific circumstances and budget, you may want to consider Safeway or one of our other recommendations for the best long-distance moving company.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best MI-based company: Two Men and a Truck
- Best moving container: U-Pack
- Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
- Best DIY option: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Whether you're moving out of state — or just across the state — we'll walk you through the best national movers and Michigan companies based on pricing, services, and customer satisfaction.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best interstate movers for those moving out of Michigan
These are the best state-to-state long-distance moving companies available in Michigan:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5 stars
- 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
Best long-distance movers if you’re staying in Michigan
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in Michigan but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best interstate movers for you:
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Two Men and a Truck
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 21
3521 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001Two Men and a Truck has been a staple in the Kalamazoo, MI local moving scene since 2003, offering reliable residential moving services. Unlike some nearby companies, they boast an impressive portfolio with 621 reviews on Google averaging a stellar 4.9, demonstrating high customer satisfaction. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they don't require a deposit, making the process hassle-free. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and generally favorable consumer reviews, Two Men and a Truck stand out as a reputable choice for local moves.
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 #: 29737
Alternative Business Names
- KoHo, LLC
Corrigan Moving Systems
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 77949
Years in Business: 96
7409 Expressway Court Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 USCorrigan Moving Systems has been a trusted local moving company in Grand Rapids, MI since 1928, specializing in residential moves within the area. Unlike some nearby competitors, Corrigan Moving Systems stands out for its comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, and they require no deposit. Consumer reviews reflect a strong reputation with an average rating of 4.7 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though Yelp reviews are slightly lower at an average of 3.5. For those seeking reliable and detailed-oriented moving services, Corrigan Moving Systems has a long-standing legacy of customer satisfaction.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Corrigan Moving Systems - Grand Rapids, Inc.
Handle With Care Moving
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 808976
Years in Business: 31
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USHandle With Care Moving has been a trusted name in Ann Arbor, MI, since 1994, specializing in local residential moving services. With stellar consumer feedback, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 271 Google reviews and a 4.0 average from 26 Yelp reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and even fragile-only packing, ensuring all moving needs are met with utmost care. With the added convenience of accepting credit cards and requiring no upfront deposit, Handle With Care Moving stands out as a dependable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 808976
- State license #: 359936
White Star Movers, Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 624288
Years in Business: 38
13038 Pauline Dr, Shelby Twp, MI 48315White Star Movers, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in Shelby Twp, MI since 1986. Known for their extensive experience, they stand out from other movers in the area by offering additional services such as packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. While their Yelp reviews average a 3.6 rating, their Google My Business profile boasts a more impressive 4.7 rating. Despite a C rating from the Better Business Bureau, White Star Movers still offers comprehensive solutions including storage, full valuation insurance coverage, and accepts credit cards without requiring a deposit, making them a robust option for anyone seeking local moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 624288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Palmer Moving Services
rating
4.66 / 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
Alternative long-distance moving options
While hiring full-service moving companies out of Michigan is usually the easiest option, it’s not for everyone.
Moving containers
If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading but don’t want to drive from Michigan to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative.
Expect to pay somewhere around $1,080 to $6,701 for a moving container in Michigan. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.
We suggest starting with:
- 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
If you’re comfortable doing the driving from Michigan to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.
You’ll typically pay $23 to $41 per hour per worker for Michigan-based labor-only movers.
Here are our top recommendations:
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- 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
Total DIY
The cheapest way to move out of state is with a full DIY approach — meaning you’ll handle driving, in addition to all the loading and unloading.
These moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money:
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5 stars
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5 stars
- 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
How we picked the best long-distance movers in Michigan
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in Michigan.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of a long-distance move out of Michigan
Long-distance moving costs in Michigan range from $1,238 up to $11,983 or more, depending on the specific details of your relocation.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in Michigan — every extra item adds up.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving away from Michigan is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
- Type of move: How you choose to move out of Michigan is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each option comes with a different price point and its own set of perks and downsides.
- Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
- Seasonal timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during the off-season (October-April) can be more cost-effective.
To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free moving cost calculator.
Thing to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in Michigan
Whether you’re staying in Michigan for the scenic beauty, good higher education, and bountiful recreational opportunities, or moving out due to the cold snowy winters, spotty economic opportunity, and poor transportation infrastructure, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.
Company 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.
Insurance options
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.
Moving date
Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.
In Michigan, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 14°F, the average summer temperature is 81°F, you’ll see 34” of rain, and about 64” of snow each year.
Taking your car
If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car (or drive it cross-country), you may want to use an Michigan car shipper.
You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new location, as regulations can differ state to state and even by city. Take Michigan’s requirements, as an example. Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
