Local moving companies in Detroit
- Bellhop Moving: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Juggernauts Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving

DOT #: 2878240
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficient service, friendly and professional movers, and careful handling of clientsโ belongings, with 72% of the 104 customer submissions giving favorable input. Feedback often describes smooth, speedy moves and polite staff who go out of their way to help. Teams consistently arrive on time, work quickly, and keep items protected, which distinguishes Bellhop from other moving companies. Yet a quarter of feedback highlights issues, with most complaints centered around damaged items, late or missing crews, and poor communication. Some users faced delays, last-minute cancellations, or unexpected extra costs, mentioning trouble reaching support and problems with resolving claims. Compared to typical movers, Bellhop stands out for its courteous teams and quick jobs but should address reliability and claims handling for a more consistent service experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
Palmer Moving Services

DOT #: 511993
Years in Business: 114
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 USStandout service and attention define customer feedback for Palmer Moving Services. With 250 reviews analyzed, 81% report positive experiences highlighted by professional staff, careful handling of items, efficient processes, strong communication, and timely moves. Customers often mention courteous crews going out of their way to accommodate needs, as well as accurate quotes and seamless executionโattributes that place Palmer ahead of many competitors. Feedback often credits Palmer for reducing moving day stress and protecting property. On the downside, a smaller portion of customers report major concerns such as items damaged during moves, difficulties in reaching staff, and final invoices higher than expected. Lost or mishandled belongings and slow claims resolution also receive criticism, matching common complaints faced by most moving companies. Most customers cite friendly, skilled crews as a strong reason for recommending Palmer, but those experiencing issues see communication gaps and claims processes as areas for improvement.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 511993
Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC

DOT #: 1673815
Years in Business: 17
1806 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192 USRoyal Movers Enterprises, LLC receives standout marks for professionalism, careful handling, speed, and value according to 280 pieces of customer feedback. About three-quarters of the input is positive, highlighting the staffโs courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiencyโtraits that set Royal Movers apart from larger competitors, who customers sometimes cite as less careful or more expensive. Yet, a quarter of reviewers describe troubling experiences, with multiple reports of rude or unprofessional behavior, pricing disputes, and lack of clear updates or responsiveness. Unprofessional conduct, surprise cost increases, and breakdowns in communication form the backbone of these complaints. Royal Movers stands out for affordable, careful, and efficient service, but potential clients should be aware that some have encountered significant issues with customer service and billing transparency.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1673815
Alternative Business Names
- Royal Movers
White Star Movers, Inc.

DOT #: 624288
Years in Business: 39
35956 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 USCustomers repeatedly describe White Star Movers as fast, professional, and genuinely careful with belongings, giving them a much higher satisfaction rate than most moving companies. Out of 290 reviews analyzed, 89% gave positive feedback. Movers are frequently praised for efficiency, careful handling, courteous behavior, prompt arrivals, and effective communication, making moves less stressful. Many clients found the booking process and pricing straightforward, with teams flexibly accommodating last-minute changes and treating homes and possessions respectfully. In contrast, a small number of negative experiences mention breakage, missing items, and issues around pricing or item estimates. Complaints often center on goods being lost or damaged, with a handful citing unexpected fees or miscalculated estimates. Compared to typical industry standards, White Star attracts more consistent praise for professionalism and reliability but, like any moving service, occasional claims about item damage surface. The companyโs strong pointsโspeed, care, and politenessโset it apart, though customers moving valuable or irreplaceable objects should review best practices for inventory and insurance. Most feedback confirms White Star provides a dependable, customer-focused move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 624288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Juggernauts Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3130181
Years in Business: 7
775 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 2020, Troy, MI 48084 USMoving made easy describes Juggernauts Moving & Storage, as 258 pieces of customer feedback were analyzed, with more than 90% praising their work. Clients frequently noted the team's professionalism, efficiency, attention to detail, and friendly approach. Movers consistently demonstrated care handling possessions and kept customers informed throughout the process, which distinguishes them from most other local and national competitors. On the downside, about 8% raised concerns, mainly about unexpected charges after the move, occasional item damage, or challenges getting clear communication from the office. A small percentage also reported costs ending up higher than initial estimates. Despite some complaints about billing transparency and rare mishandled items, the overwhelming majority found the company reliable, responsive, and helpfulโoften in last-minute or difficult situations. Juggernauts earns high marks for skillful, personable service and remains a strong recommendation for those seeking quality movers who treat customers and their property with respect.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3130181
Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Detroit to Des Moines
Moving from Detroit to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Detroit than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Detroit compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Detroit | Des Moines | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,150 |
Average home value | $73,156 | $192,347 |
Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $58,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $1,891 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $4,380 |
Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 8% lower than in Detroit, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Des Moines are 162.9% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Des Moines is 54.9% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 24.4% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 34.5% lower than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 34.88% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 3.53% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,269.20 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Des Moines
Des Moines | Detroit | |
---|---|---|
Population | 699,292 | 639,111 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
Walkability score | 45 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 52 |
Crime Index | 5.0 | 72.92 |
Safety Index | 57.8 | 27.08 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 9% greater than Detroit.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 5.0 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 57.8 vs Detroit's 27.08.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Iowa moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Iowa doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Des Moines. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Des Moines
Ready to relocate to "Hartford of the West"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Detroit to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Detroit to Des Moines 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 Detroit to Des Moines take?
The 601-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.