The best local movers for Boston to Grand Rapids moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Boston that also handles long-distance moves to Grand Rapids. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 96 local movers in Boston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Boston to Grand Rapids.
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 30293
Pricing: $199/hr
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 782104
Alternate Names: Michael’s Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2820253
Alternate Names: Esquire Moving Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Grand Rapids?
The average hourly rate for movers in Massachusetts is $126. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,084 – $4,204 | $746 – $1,811 | $586 – $1,094 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,214 – $5,549 | $1,451 – $2,754 | $590 – $1,274 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,750 – $8,053 | $1,820 – $3,669 | $746 – $1,469 |
Cost to hire movers from Boston to Grand Rapids
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Grand Rapids will cost between $1,084 and $4,204. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $2,214 to $5,549, and a large move from Boston to Grand Rapids will cost from $3,750 to $8,053.
Cost of moving containers from Boston to Grand Rapids
If you’re moving from Boston to Grand Rapids, expect to pay between $746 and $1,811 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,451 up to $2,754. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,820 and $3,669. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to Grand Rapids
Renting a moving truck from Boston to Grand Rapids is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $586 and $1,094. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $590 and $1,274. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $746 up to $1,469 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Grand Rapids
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,994, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,391.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($586–$1,361) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Boston to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 11% higher for singles and -37% higher for families than Boston.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Boston versus $4,820 in Boston; families pay $7,160 compared with $11,304.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Boston | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,361 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,973 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,820 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,304 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 4.25% |
- If you’re heading to Grand Rapids from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 51% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 56% less in Grand Rapids than in Boston.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 29% lower in Grand Rapids compared to Boston.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 11% higher than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Grand Rapids can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 37% less than in Boston.
- Grand Rapids enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 31% lower compared to Boston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Grand Rapids and Boston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 53% less in Michigan than in Massachusetts. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Boston and Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Boston | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $77.50 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Boston vs. Grand Rapids
| Boston | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 98 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 86 | 52 |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 60.12 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 71% less than Boston.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Boston with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 44.23 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 55.77 vs Boston’s 60.12.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Boston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Boston to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Michigan doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Grand Rapids. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to GR, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
Once you’re settled into your new home in Michigan, it’s time to get out and discover what Grand Rapids has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Grand Rapids, such as the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Boston to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Grand Rapids?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Grand Rapids, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Grand Rapids take?
Moving from Boston, MA to Grand Rapids, covers 835 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Grand Rapids.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Boston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 86 movers in Boston advertise piano moving expertise. 57 movers in Boston provide antique moving services. State totals show 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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