Best overall value
Local moving companies in Detroit
- Bellhop Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Bellhop Moving
rating
4.14 / 5
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
rating
4.66 / 5
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
rating
4.62 / 5
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.
rating
4.58 / 5
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.
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 279708
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage stands out for delivering fast, careful, and respectful service. Out of 152 feedback entries analyzed, nearly 91% were positive. Customers routinely describe crews as professional, efficient, and polite. Movers excel at handling belongings with caution and working quickly while keeping clients informed, making the process smooth and easy. Many clients also highlight the staffโs helpfulness and the accuracy of estimatesโqualities that set this company ahead of typical industry standards. On the downside, some input identified concerns such as damaged items, bills running higher than quoted, and complaints not always being resolved satisfactorily. Still, such occurrences are much less frequent than the many glowing reports. Compared to other movers, Grosse Pointe earns notably stronger praise for speed, professionalism, and quality care, with negative incidents reported far less often.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 279708
Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Durham
What to know before moving from Detroit to Durham
Moving from Detroit to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Detroit, 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:
| Detroit | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,699 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $396,291 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Durham are 36% higher than in Detroit, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Durham are 435.5% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Durham is 949.5% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 12.1% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Durham is 11.1% lower than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Durham is 54.75% lower than in Detroit.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโs sales taxes in Durham are 25.00% higher than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in Durham are 5.88% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,363.60 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Durham
| Durham | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 54.72 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 45.28 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Durham's population is about 56% less than Detroit.
- Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
- Durham is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score 38 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.
- Durham's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 54.72 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Durham is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 45.28 vs Detroit's 27.08.
- Air quality in Durham is good, and in Detroit it's good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Durham move
- Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: North Carolina 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 Durham. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company 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 Durham
Ready to relocate to "City of The Viper"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Durham has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic 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 Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Durham?
The best time to move from Detroit to Durham 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 Durham?
Because most people are moving from Detroit to Durham 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 Durham take?
The 657-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Durham, NC, 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 Durham.
