Highly rated local moving companies for Lansing to Buffalo moves
Organizing a move from Lansing to Buffalo can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Lansing known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lansing to Buffalo.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- Helper Moving LLC: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Hunky Monkey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2475734
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $985 – $3,009 | $633 – $1,382 | $320 – $590 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,764 – $4,810 | $1,059 – $2,206 | $341 – $727 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,656 – $6,752 | $1,444 – $2,590 | $414 – $837 |
Cost to hire movers from Lansing to Buffalo
When planning a move to Buffalo from Lansing, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $985 and $3,009. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,764 and $4,810 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,656 to $6,752.
Cost of moving containers from Lansing to Buffalo
When you’re heading from Lansing to Buffalo, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $633 and $1,382. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,059 and $2,206. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,444 to $2,590. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lansing to Buffalo
A moving rental truck from Lansing to Buffalo is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $320 to $590. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $341 to $727, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Lansing to Buffalo costs around $414 to $837.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Lansing to Buffalo
The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lansing to Buffalo may only cost $1,352, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,632.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lansing.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($320–$793), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Lansing to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 62% higher for singles and 36% higher for families than Lansing.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Lansing versus $1,595 in Lansing; families pay $5,720 compared with $4,199.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lansing | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $148,542 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,595 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,199 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 10.9% |
- Rent is about 6% more expensive in Buffalo than in Lansing. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 44% steeper in Buffalo compared to Lansing.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Buffalo and Lansing are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Buffalo, with the cost of living for a single person being 62% more than in Lansing. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Buffalo, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 36% higher than in Lansing.
- Buffalo has a higher unemployment rate than Lansing by about 28%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Buffalo surpass those in Lansing by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 156% more in New York than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lansing versus Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Lansing | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $172.97 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.67 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lansing than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lansing than in Buffalo.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lansing than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Lansing than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lansing than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lansing than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lansing than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Buffalo
| Lansing | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,644 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 63 |
| Crime index | 48.66 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 51.34 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 147% greater than Lansing.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Lansing’s score of 5.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Lansing with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Lansing’s 46 out of 100.
- With a score of 63 out of 100, Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Buffalo’s crime rate is lower than Lansing with a score of 8.0 compared to Lansing’s 48.66. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- Buffalo and Lansing have a similar safety level, with scores of 53.55 and 51.34.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Lansing it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: Costs across Lansing and Buffalo are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in New York, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New York, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Buffalo. Get started 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. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Buffalo
With your sights set on Queen City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- East Aurora
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
With your move to New York complete, you can dive right into experiencing Buffalo. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Buffalo is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lansing to Buffalo. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lansing.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Buffalo?
Want to save on your move from Lansing to Buffalo? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Lansing to Buffalo take?
The 327-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Buffalo, , takes one to four days. Some Lansing movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
What kinds of discounts do Lansing movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lansing?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Lansing provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Lansing moving services
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