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.: 4.52 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 clients’ 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 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.
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 staff’s courteous approach, affordable pricing, and consistent attention to protecting belongings and property during quick moves. Customers frequently mention thorough furniture wrapping, clear communication, and efficiency—traits 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
4.52 / 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 company’s strong points—speed, care, and politeness—set 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 staff’s helpfulness and the accuracy of estimates—qualities 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
Key factors that impact the cost of your Detroit to Portland move
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Detroit to Portland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,721, while larger moves may reach $14,365 for a four-bedroom home.
- Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Detroit.
- DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,713 to $4,453, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Portland
Moving from Detroit to Portland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Portland is generally more expensive than Detroit, it's 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 | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,530 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,500 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,687 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 9.9% |
- Rent prices in Portland are 22% higher than in Detroit, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
Home prices in Portland are 614.4% higher than in Detroit. - Income in Portland is 127.4% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Portland include KinderCare Learning Centers, Daimler Trucks North America, and Precision Castparts.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Portland, since the cost of living for a single person in Portland is 2.9% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Portland is 9.1% lower than in Detroit.
- The unemployment rate in Portland is 23.84% lower than in Detroit.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Portland, since the city's sales taxes in Portland are 100.00% lower than in Detroit.
- State income taxes in Portland are 132.94% higher than in Detroit.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,086.40 in Portland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Portland
| Portland | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 639,111 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 57.37 | 72.92 |
| Safety Index | 42.63 | 27.08 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Portland and Detroit have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Oregon easier.
- Portland offers better access to buses and trains than Detroit, based on public transportation ratings. Portland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Detroit. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Portland means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Detroit. Portland is considered more walkable than Detroit, with a score of 81 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Detroit. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Portland is considered more bike-friendly than Detroit in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 92 out of 100, while Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
- Portland has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 57.37 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Portland than in Detroit, based on Portland's safety index of 42.63 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Portland and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Portland move
- Weather: Portland has cool and rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Portland also has overcast, wet, and changing weather conditions in fall, winter, and spring, Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rainy days,
- 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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Oregon moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Oregon doesn't require moving permits, but it's 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. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Portland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover's liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Portland
Ready to relocate to "Bridgetown"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Eliot
- Richmond
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
After settling into your new Oregon home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Portland has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Maritime Museum, and World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Portland Trailblazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), or Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Portland?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Portland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Detroit are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Portland?
With many people choosing to move from Detroit to Portland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Detroit to Portland take?
Moving from Detroit, MI to Portland, OR covers 2,386 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Detroit movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Portland.
