Local moving companies in Michigan

  1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Handle With Care Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHunksHaulingJunk/, https://twitter.com/CollegeHunks
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unprofessional behavior
Review Analysis
Customers rave about College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving for their efficient service, polite and professional staff, and speedy moving process. Movers consistently handle belongings with care while maintaining clear communication, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Most clients say workers are reliable, prompt, and attentive. People also mention transparent pricing and easy scheduling as standout features. On the flip side, a small number of clients report damages to furniture or property and say that the company is slow to address such issues. A few mention challenges reaching customer service or experiencing rude behavior. With 298 customer reviews analyzed—93% positive—College Hunks stands out as a top performer compared to many moving services, excelling in speed, professionalism, and efficiency, but occasional mishandling and follow-up hassles mean attention to claims can be improved.
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Company Info

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2378173

Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC


College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Madison Heights, MI. Known for their excellent customer service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp from 74 reviews and an even higher 4.9 average rating on Google from 866 reviews, making them one of the top-rated moving companies in the area. Unlike some competitors, they also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, all without requiring a deposit. For those prioritizing convenience and reliability, this company stands out in the local market.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Hwcmd4260, https://x.com/HWCMD
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Poor complaint handling
  • Unexpected charges
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.
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Company Info

State license #: 359936

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 808976


Handle With Care Moving has been a trusted name in Ann Arbor, MI, since 1994, specializing in local residential moving services. With stellar consumer feedback, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 271 Google reviews and a 4.0 average from 26 Yelp reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, clients consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and even fragile-only packing, ensuring all moving needs are met with utmost care. With the added convenience of accepting credit cards and requiring no upfront deposit, Handle With Care Moving stands out as a dependable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TMTGRNorth/, https://x.com/tmtgrandrapidsn
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Poor complaint handling
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
When it comes to getting valuables from point A to point B, customers say Two Men and a Truck gets the job done with speed and care. Out of 64 reviews analyzed, three-quarters pointed to positive experiences, with many praising efficient service, careful handling, and professional movers who communicate well and move quickly. Customers often feel their belongings are protected, and the team is courteous and organized. On the downside, a notable portion experienced broken items, surprise costs, or difficulties resolving complaints—especially around damaged furniture or billing. In contrast to other moving companies, this provider stands out for speed and team attitude but falls short for some when it comes to damage claims and accountability. Customers looking for responsive claims handling and zero damage should think carefully, but for most, efficient and friendly moving teams make the process much smoother.
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Company Info

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 2527384

Alternate Names: Phase Six Moving, LLC, Two Men and A Truck/Grand Rapids North


Two Men and a Truck offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Grand Rapids, MI, having served the community since 2009. Unlike many competitors, they provide a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, with the expertise to move specialty items like pianos and safes. Consumer reviews highlight their strong reputation, with a 4.7 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company stands out for its no-deposit policy, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Home-Mover/Kingsley-Moving-Systems-1038493709523061/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving with Kingsley Moving Systems LLC feels smooth for the vast majority of customers. Analyzing 179 pieces of customer input, 89% reflected positive experiences. Customers often praised Kingsley’s efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speedy moves, and reasonable rates—a combination rarely matched by competitors. Friendly staff and attention to property safety stood out repeatedly. A minority of clients encountered problems, especially damage to items, late arrivals without timely updates, and occasionally unfriendly staff. Negative feedback emphasized issues with fragile belongings, scheduling problems, or less-than-courteous service, raising caution for those transporting valuable or sensitive possessions. Kingsley outpaces typical moving companies on promptness and affordability, yet potentially risks client trust with rare but significant mishaps. Customer feedback positions them as a top choice for value and efficiency, so long as you get clear expectations for special care needs or timing.
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Company Info

State license #: 34172

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1890987


Kingsley Moving Systems LLC stands out among local moving companies in Lansing, MI, offering exceptional service for residential moves. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, customer satisfaction is evidently a top priority. Unlike some competitors, Kingsley Moving Systems also provides packing and unpacking services, making them a convenient one-stop solution for your moving needs. Their flexible payment options, including credit card acceptance and no required deposit, further enhance their appeal.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/palmermoving/, https://x.com/PalmerMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Standout 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 execution—attributes 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.
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Company Info

Years in Business: 114

DOT #: 511993


Palmer Moving Services has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Warren, MI since 1911. With over a century of experience, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, crating, and piano moving, setting them apart from many nearby competitors. While their Yelp profile shows mixed feedback with an average rating of 2.5 from 28 reviews, their Google My Business profile tells a different story, boasting an impressive 4.5 average rating from 178 reviews. Additionally, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau further solidifies their reputation. Customers can also take advantage of convenient features like credit card payments and no required deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Things to know before moving from Michigan to Chicago, IL

Cost of living: Michigan vs Chicago, IL

Michigan Chicago
Average rent cost $1,037 $2,045
Average home value $245,716 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $71,566
Unemployment rate 5% 9%
State income tax 4% 5%
  • Rent is about 97% more expensive in Chicago than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 20% higher in Chicago than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 4% higher in Chicago than in Michigan.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 91%.
  • Income taxes are 16% higher in Chicago than in Michigan.

How life is different in Chicago from Michigan

Chicago Michigan
Population 2,746,388 10,037,261
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 49.7-48.3
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 19ºF 14ºF
Annual rain 38" 34"
Annual snow 35" 64"
Crime index 35.19 19.98
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 73% lower than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Michigan voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 35.19 vs 19.98.

Things to do in Chicago

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

Museums in Chicagotoggle

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicagotoggle

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities in Chicagotoggle

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Michigan vs. Chicago, IL

Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in Michigan Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Scenic beauty Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Good higher education Delicious food
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant entertainment
Low cost of living Intense sports culture
Beautiful lakes Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Chicago.

Cons of living in Michigan Cons of living in Chicago, IL
Cold snowy winters High crime rate
Spotty economic opportunity Temperamental weather
Poor transportation infrastructure Terrible traffic
Expensive education High taxes
Thick accents Pollution

FAQ

How long does a move from Michigan to Chicago take?

The time frame for a move from Michigan to Chicago, IL, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Michigan, the longer the drive time to Chicago 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.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Chicago from Michigan can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Chicago?

Because of the 281-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Michigan to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from Michigan during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources