Top-rated movers to make your Indianapolis to Ann Arbor move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Indianapolis that offers long-distance services to Ann Arbor can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 27 top local movers in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Ann Arbor.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor?
In Indiana, moving services typically cost around $130 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 | $858 – $2,867 | $608 – $1,408 | $287 – $497 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,422 – $4,372 | $1,061 – $1,967 | $317 – $601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,037 – $5,702 | $1,427 – $2,485 | $373 – $759 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Ann Arbor from Indianapolis, you can expect prices to land between $858 and $2,867. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,422 to $4,372 for the trip from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,037 and $5,702.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor
Moving containers from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor will cost you $608 to $1,408 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,061 to $1,967. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,427 to $2,485. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck from Indianapolis 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 $287 and $497 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $317 to $601. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $373 to $759.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to Ann Arbor move
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,151 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,538 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Indianapolis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $287 to $687, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor
Many movers find Ann Arbor easier on the wallet than Indianapolis – roughly 22% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,176 for one person in Ann Arbor versus $2,804 in Indianapolis. For a family of four, it’s $5,344 compared with $6,667.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Indianapolis | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 4.25% |
- Planning a move to Ann Arbor? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 62% higher than in Indianapolis, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Ann Arbor are about 115% higher than those in Indianapolis.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 13% higher in Ann Arbor compared to Indianapolis, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Ann Arbor, as the cost of living for a single person is 22% lower compared to Indianapolis.
- 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 20% less than what it costs in Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is about 37% lower than in Indianapolis. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Ann Arbor relative to Indianapolis. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 35% above those in Indiana. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Indianapolis and Ann Arbor:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Ann Arbor
| Indianapolis | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 71 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 86% less than Indianapolis.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 31.0 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 79.18 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Ann Arbor?
Planning your move from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Ann Arbor?
Because most people are moving from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Ann Arbor take?
The 269-mile journey from Indianapolis, IN to Ann Arbor, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 3 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 Indianapolis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Indianapolis, 18 movers can manage piano relocations. 10 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Indiana has 43 piano movers and 21 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.
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