Local moving companies in Michigan
When you’re moving from Michigan to Modesto, CA, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Wolverine State to the vibrant City of Great Neighbors.
Out of 58 Michigan movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Modesto, CA.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Mulder’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 37327
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014914
Alternate Names: Jabco, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – Grand Rapids, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 270885
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 270885
Alternate Names: Mulder’s Office Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Michigan to Modesto, CA
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Michigan to Modesto, CA, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,353 – $5,007 | $1,198 – $3,159 | $1,230 – $2,505 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,634 – $7,764 | $2,085 – $4,506 | $1,403 – $2,863 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,829 – $11,301 | $3,138 – $6,114 | $1,842 – $3,803 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,377-mile move from Michigan to Modesto, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Michigan to Modesto, CA
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Modesto, CA, typically costs between $1,353 and $5,007. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,634 and $7,764. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Michigan to Modesto, CA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,829 up to $11,301.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Modesto, CA
When relocating from Michigan to Modesto, CA, you’ll typically spend between $1,198 and $3,159 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,085 up to $4,506. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,138 and $6,114. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Modesto, CA
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Michigan to Modesto, CA, expect to pay between $1,230 and $2,505. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,403 to $2,863. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,842 and $3,803.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Michigan to Modesto, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Palmer Moving Services | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Corrigan Moving Systems | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Mulder’s Moving & Storage, Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how Michigan movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| Michigan | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 22% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 7% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 8% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Michigan to Modesto, CA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Modesto, CA differs from what you’re used to in Michigan. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Modesto, CA
| Michigan | Modesto | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $442,362 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $67,011 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 116 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
Modesto sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Modesto is approximately 74% higher than in Michigan. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 80% higher in Modesto than in Michigan. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Because income levels in Modesto are comparable to those in Michigan, you can expect a similar financial situation in your new hometown.
- Even though unemployment in Modesto is 70% higher than in Michigan, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Modesto from Michigan
| Modesto | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 19.98 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Modesto leaned Democratic, while Michigan went Republican.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 94ºF in Modesto, warmer than the average 81ºF in Michigan. With more sunshine, you’ll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Modesto usually drop to around 39ºF, while in Michigan, they can fall as low as 14ºF. Moving to Modesto means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- You can expect only about 13 inches of annual rainfall in Modesto vs the 34 inches you’re used to in Michigan. With less rain each year, you’ll enjoy more sunshine and freedom to get outside without worrying about the weather. This kind of climate can be a real boost for your energy and outlook when you’re moving.
- Modesto doesn’t get snow, while Michigan sees around 64 inches annually. Relocating to Modesto means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- Crime rates in Modesto are higher than in Michigan, with a crime index of 65.76 versus 19.98. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Modesto
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Modesto.
Museums in Modesto
- Great Valley Museum
- McHenry Museum
- Mistlin Gallery
Parks in Modesto
- Tuolumne River Trail
Sports teams in Modesto
- Modesto Nuts (California League)
Universities in Modesto
- Modesto Junior College
- Community Business College
Other considerations when moving to Modesto, CA
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- 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 to settle in California, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to California on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Michigan to Modesto take?
The time it takes to move from Michigan to Modesto, CA depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Michigan, the longer the drive time to Modesto will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Michigan to Modesto can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Modesto?
If you’re planning a 2,377-mile move from Michigan to Modesto, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Modesto, CA?
Summer temperatures in Modesto can soar to 94°F, while winters can get as chilly as 39°F. That’s why most people making the move from Michigan to Modesto prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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