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($1,321) Movers From Ann Arbor, MI to California

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Estimated cost & time: The cost to move 2,364 miles from Ann Arbor, MI to California averages $1,498 to $7,876. Your move could take anywhere from seven to 18 days. Overall, it will depend on the size, timing, distance, and whether you’re hiring professional movers or doing a DIY move.
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Best movers from Ann Arbor, MI to California

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental truck
Freight Icon
Labor-only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Ann Arbor, MI to California

Studio Icon

Studio/1 bedroom

  • Full-service mover $2,605 – $6,165
  • Moving container $1,799 – $3,205
  • Rental truck $1,357 – $2,650
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $3,824 – $7,876
  • Moving container $2,216 – $4,923
  • Rental truck $1,498 – $3,155
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Full-service mover $7,327 – $12,667
  • Moving container $3,264 – $6,170
  • Rental truck $1,874 – $3,719
Recent Moving Price Estimates
Allied Van Lines
Woodhaven, MI California City, CA
Studio apartment
Sep 17, 2025
Safeway Moving
Birmingham, MI Paramount, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 27, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Highland Park, MI Delano, CA
4 Bedrooms
Aug 09, 2025
BLVD Moving
Brooklyn, MI Imperial Beach, CA
4 Bedrooms
Aug 04, 2025
American Van Lines
Luna Pier, MI San Diego Country Estates, CA
2 Bedrooms
Jul 29, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Carleton, MI Isla Vista, CA
3 Bedrooms
Jul 22, 2025
PODS
Barton Hills, MI Ontario, CA
Studio apartment
Jul 21, 2025
United Van Lines
River Rouge, MI Florin, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Jul 15, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Lambertville, MI Solvang, CA
3 Bedrooms
Jul 07, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Auburn Hills, MI Foster City, CA
4 Bedrooms
Jul 02, 2025

Local moving companies in Ann Arbor

  1. Handle With Care Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  5. Bos Moving & Services, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.4% of all reviews were positive
5.6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Handle With Care Moving’s exceptional efficiency, careful handling of belongings, and courteous, hard-working team. Feedback often highlights polite staff, excellent communication, and rapid, damage-free moves that stand out from other moving companies. Most clients appreciate straightforward estimates, transparent pricing, and how the company keeps moves stress-free.
Negative feedback, though rare, centers on occasional item damage, challenges in resolving complaints, and unexpected charges or discrepancies in estimates. Handle With Care outpaces competitors in reliability and professionalism, making it one of the most trusted choices for moves in and out of Ann Arbor. Over 92% of the 249 reviews express strong satisfaction.
Show more
Get a Quote (734) 677-2000

Company Info

State license #: 359936

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 808976

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.0% of all reviews were positive
8.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Corrigan Moving Systems for delivering reliable service, with 92% of input being positive among 25 feedback entries. Professional, polite staff and their careful handling of belongings stand out, along with efficient moving, clear communication, and rapid job completion. Many customers praise the team’s organization, responsive office staff, and ability to reduce stress during moves.
Negative input points primarily to damaged or poorly handled items, especially on long-distance moves, along with claims about rude crew behavior and slow claims processing. Corrigan typically outshines other movers for its consistency and dependable teams, but these rare complaints show that insurance and furniture care on certain moves can require more attention.
Show more
Get a Quote (734) 973-9393

Company Info

State license #: 117864

Years in Business: 74

DOT #: 77949

Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems , Midland Moving & Storage Company , Corrigan United Moving & Storage Company

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
89.4% of all reviews were positive
9.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers are raving about how smoothly Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage handles moving day. Nearly 90% of the 348 reviews are positive, standing out with efficiency, careful handling of belongings, professionalism, fair pricing, and excellent communication. Many mention a courteous and capable moving crew, stress-free organization, and no hidden fees.
People appreciate how quickly and gently items are moved, even under challenging conditions such as snowstorms or tight schedules. Some say this company is better—friendlier, faster, and more affordable—compared to other movers they’ve hired before. Negative feedback makes up less than 10% of reviews, with most complaints centered on occasional damaged items, delayed arrivals without updates, and moves costing more than originally estimated. While infrequent, a few customers describe frustrations about reaching support or compensation for damages. Overall, the strong pattern of positive input shows that Campus Concepts consistently delivers reliable, efficient, and well-priced moving services that outshine many other local options.
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Get a Quote (734) 545-5617

Company Info

State license #: 36269

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2582190

Alternate Names: Wondermove

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
85.5% of all reviews were positive
12.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Feedback highlights the professionalism and reliability of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, with 256 reviews analyzed and over 85% reporting a positive experience. Customers often describe courteous, efficient staff, careful handling of belongings, and quick moving processes. Several note good communication and up-front transparency, setting this company above many local competitors.
A smaller share of input, about 12%, details frustrations such as damaged items, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected charges, and occasional unclear pricing. Neutral feedback (2%) mentions issues with packing quality and unforeseen costs, though staff remain friendly. Overall, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK receives praise for their dependable, friendly service and speed, but a few recurring complaints about damages and pricing accuracy suggest that some moves may not meet expectations on protection or price. Most reviewers say the moving team’s professionalism and care stand out in the industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (734) 418-0575

Company Info

State license #: 33371

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
76.2% of all reviews were positive
22.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving days feel easier for most customers of Bos Moving & Services, Inc. The majority of feedback praises their efficient service, careful handling of items, professionalism, quick process, and solid communication. Many highlight friendly movers and accurate, stress-free execution, which stand out compared to typical moving companies.
About 76% of input is positive, drawn from 214 customer comments. Still, nearly one in four customers report issues, mostly with damaged belongings, cost overruns, or unprofessional attitudes. These negative comments often point to broken items, estimates much lower than the final bill, and rude behavior from some staff. Bos Moving receives strong praise for reliable handling and friendly teams but receives substantial criticism when things go wrong, particularly for unresolved damage and billing disputes, marking a sharper contrast than most local moving services. The review base gives a clear signal: many experience smooth, hassle-free moves, but reported problems, especially with item care and final costs, warrant caution.
Show more
Get a Quote (248) 360-6644

Company Info

State license #: 22006

Years in Business: 43

DOT #: 1672903

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Ann Arbor, MI

At a glance, the number of Ann Arbor movers with specialty add-ons:

Interstate
25 80.65%
Small moves
16 51.61%
Antiques
7 22.58%
Art
6 19.35%
Pianos
19 61.29%
Fragile-only packing
4 12.9%

Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to CA

The cost of Ann Arbor movers will depend on:

  • Move size: Larger homes and more belongings increase the total moving cost.
  • Time of year: Moving during busy summer months in Ann Arbor can drive up rates.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY can cut costs, but professional movers provide convenience and peace of mind.

What you should know before moving from Ann Arbor to CA

Heading from Ann Arbor to California comes with new adventures, but also a bump in living expenses. Because California usually has a higher cost of living than Ann Arbor, it’s smart to budget and plan ahead.

Discover how life in Ann Arbor compares with California to help you make an informed moving decision:

Compare cost of living: Ann Arbor vs. California

Ann Arbor, MI California
Average rent $2,260 $1,856
Average home cost $474,909 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $91,905
Cost of living index 106 134
Unemployment rate 3.5% 5.4%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Expect rent in California to be about 18% cheaper than in Ann Arbor, leaving you with more money each month.
  • Home prices in California are about 62% higher than in Ann Arbor, so budget for a higher mortgage bill.
  • In California, average earnings are about 37% higher than in Ann Arbor, giving you some extra financial breathing room.
  • Living in California will cost about 26% more than in Ann Arbor, so it’s important to budget for the increase.
  • With unemployment running 54% higher in California than in Ann Arbor, expect more competition for open roles.
  • Moving to California means income taxes that are 213% higher than in Michigan, lowering your net pay.

How life is different in Ann Arbor, MI from California

If you’re considering a move from Ann Arbor to California, there are some notable lifestyle differences to keep in mind. From climate and population size to political leanings, here’s how life in California compares to life in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor, MI California
Population 123,851 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic72-26 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 83ºF 87ºF
Winter low 17ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 36″ 22″
Annual snow 43″ 7″
Crime index 31.0 28.43
  • In the last presidential election, California leaned Democratic, while Ann Arbor supported Democratic72-26.
  • Summer highs generally reach around 87ºF in both California and Ann Arbor, meaning the climate will feel quite familiar. Don’t forget to factor in humidity, prevailing weather patterns, and energy costs to gain a full picture of what summer life will be like in your new location.
  • California enjoys milder winters, with lows around 59ºF compared to Ann Arbor at 17ºF. That means less bundling up, lower heating bills, and easier seasonal living.
  • In California, you’ll average 22 inches of rainfall yearly, which is drier than Ann Arbor at 36 inches. Fewer rainy days mean more sunshine and easier planning for outdoor activities.
  • In California, you’ll see just 7 inches of snow each year, compared to Ann Arbor, which gets 43 inches annually. Moving to California means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
  • Crime is lower in California, with an index of 28.43 compared to Ann Arbor at 31.0. This generally points to safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of security.

Other considerations when moving to California

When relocating from Ann Arbor to California, a few details are worth keeping in mind to avoid last-minute hiccups. Beyond choosing a mover and packing your belongings, it’s helpful to consider local rules, permit requirements, and other practical factors that could impact your move.

  • HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or community’s moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator ahead of time if one is available for moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities ask for parking permits when you’re using a moving truck or large vehicle. Check in advance to see if you’ll need a permit for your move.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company has all the proper licenses before you book with them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit for California, but it’s smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
  • Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before you move. You’ll be able to choose your official move date so your mail is forwarded to California seamlessly. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the regulations where you live. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Simplify your move using our moving checklist. It keeps everything organized and takes care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy making your new place home.

Things to do in California

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in Californiatoggle

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa

Parks in Californiatoggle

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park

Sports teams in Californiatoggle

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

Universities in Californiatoggle

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego

FAQ

How long does a move from Ann Arbor to California take?

How long will your move from Ann Arbor, MI to California take? It depends on the type of service you pick, but you can usually expect it to take seven to 18 days. Just keep in mind that moves during the busy summer season may take a bit longer.

To get your move done as quickly as possible, ask for a delivery timeframe before you book your moving company.

What’s the availability of custom crating among movers in Ann Arbor?

We track 16 movers in Ann Arbor that can build custom crates for items such as art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Be sure to confirm with a Ann Arbor moving company that the materials and dimensions match your item requirements.

What is the best way to get a car from Ann Arbor to California?

Looking to ship your car from Ann Arbor to California? Choose experts who know how to treat your vehicle right and handle every detail with professionalism. Check out our top picks for car shipping from Michigan to California.

Why are people moving from Ann Arbor to California?

Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to California.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Ann Arbor?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Ann Arbor.

Can I use cash to pay a mover in Ann Arbor, MI?

Currently, three movers in Ann Arbor accept cash as a payment option. Still, cash isn’t widely used in the moving industry, which favors traceable methods and clear receipts. Expect to pay a deposit first to secure your move date. The rest is due either at pickup or once delivery is complete—check with your mover on the exact payment schedule and accepted types.

Helpful moving resources

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