Local moving companies in Ann Arbor
- Extra Mile Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Extra Mile Moving

DOT #: 4128193
Years in Business: 4
8326 Hilton Rd, Brighton, MI 48116 USExtra Mile Moving lives up to its name, impressing customers with a team described as professional, polite, and efficient. Of the 263 feedback entries assessed, an impressive 98.5% expressed positivity, far surpassing the industry standard. Movers repeatedly receive praise for careful handling, punctuality, and courteous attitudes, standing out for both speed and reasonable rates. Many emphasize stress-free moves, clear communication, and flexibilityโeven when faced with last-minute challenges or complex requests. A handful of clients mention affordable quotes and reliable service as key differentiators from other companies. While nearly all customer input is favorable, rare negative comments focus on unexpected charges, subcontracting, or issues processing deposits. Compared with most moving services, Extra Mile Moving consistently earns enthusiastic recommendations for professionalism and value, making it a standout choice for those seeking a reliable moving company.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 4128193
Handle With Care Moving

DOT #: 808976
Years in Business: 31
4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USCustomers 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 808976
- State license #: 359936
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
Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage

DOT #: 2582190
Years in Business: 12
3438 E Ellsworth Rd, Ste B, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USCustomers 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 betterโfriendlier, faster, and more affordableโcompared 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2582190
- State license #: 36269
Alternative Business Names
- Wondermove
Factors influencing moving costs from Ann Arbor to Chicago
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago
Moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Ann Arbor | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,260 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $474,909 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,176 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,344 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 4.95% |
- Rent prices in Chicago are 10% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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 Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 37.7% lower than in Ann Arbor. - Income in Chicago is 6.9% higher than in Ann Arbor, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 67.6% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 73.4% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 157.14% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chicago, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chicago are 70.83% higher than in Ann Arbor.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 16.47% higher than in Ann Arbor.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,029.41 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Chicago
Chicago | Ann Arbor | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 123,851 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 7 |
Walkability score | 77 | 52 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 71 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 31.0 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 79.18 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chicago's population is about 2,117% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's lower score of 7.
- Chicago is more walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
- Both Chicago and Ann Arbor have the same bike-friendliness score of 71 out of 100, meaning Chicago is about as safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 35.19 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 33.87 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor vs. Chicago move
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies youโre considering have one and that itโs current.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. 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. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
Ready to relocate to "Chi-Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Chicago 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 Ann Arbor to Chicago take?
The 241-mile move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Chicago, IL, takes one to two days. Some Ann Arbor movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.