Top-rated movers to make your Irvine to Ann Arbor move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Irvine that offers long-distance services to Ann Arbor can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 86 top local movers in Irvine who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Irvine to Ann Arbor.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Ann Arbor?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,200 – $5,135 | $1,192 – $2,899 | $1,303 – $2,398 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,653 – $7,189 | $2,056 – $4,298 | $1,289 – $3,028 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,531 – $11,986 | $2,853 – $5,940 | $1,765 – $3,428 |
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Ann Arbor
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Ann Arbor from Irvine, you can expect prices to land between $1,200 and $5,135. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,653 to $7,189 for the trip from Irvine to Ann Arbor. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,531 and $11,986.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Ann Arbor
Moving containers from Irvine to Ann Arbor will cost you $1,192 to $2,899 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,056 to $4,298. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,853 to $5,940. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from Irvine to Ann Arbor typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,303 and $2,398 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,289 to $3,028. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,765 to $3,428.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Irvine to Ann Arbor move
The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,593 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,145 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Irvine.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,303 to $3,193, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Irvine to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Irvine – roughly 76% less for singles and 70% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Irvine | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,719 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,575 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $1,561,760 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $9,167 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $18,000 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- When relocating from Irvine to Ann Arbor, expect to find rent about 44% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 70% more affordable in Ann Arbor compared to Irvine.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 41% lower in Ann Arbor compared to Irvine.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Ann Arbor, as the cost of living for a single person is 76% lower compared to Irvine.
- A move to Ann Arbor can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 70% less than what it costs in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is about 35% lower than in Irvine. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 23% less in Ann Arbor relative to Irvine. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 68% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Irvine and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Irvine | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.17 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Ann Arbor
| Irvine | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 71 |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 68.99 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 60% less than Irvine.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Irvine’s score of 4.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Irvine’s 43 out of 100.
- Both Ann Arbor and Irvine have similar bike-friendliness scores (69 vs 71), meaning Ann Arbor is about as safe for cyclists as Irvine. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Ann Arbor and Irvine have a similar crime rate with scores of 31.0 and 31.01, respectively.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Irvine with a safety index of 79.18 vs Irvine’s 68.99.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Irvine it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Ann Arbor. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Planning your move to Tree Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Ann Arbor has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Ann Arbor features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Ann Arbor?
Planning your move from Irvine to Ann Arbor? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Ann Arbor?
Because most people are moving from Irvine to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Irvine to Ann Arbor take?
The 2,236-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Ann Arbor, , typically takes six to 17 days. Some movers in Irvine offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Ann Arbor.
Are there special savings available from movers in Irvine?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Irvine?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Irvine, 66 movers can manage piano relocations. 55 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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