($520+) Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN Movers
Moving from Detroit, MI, to Memphis, TN, runs anywhere from $520 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,443 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 743 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,743, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,443 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,053 - $3,451, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $520 - $1,446.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Detroit, MI, to Memphis, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,415 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
Moving options from Detroit to Memphis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,415 - $5,840 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 47% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 743 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 743-mile route from Detroit to Memphis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,743 - $4,344 | $1,053 - $1,877 | $520 - $947 | $939 - $1,774 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,415 - $5,840 | $1,273 - $2,575 | $561 - $1,170 | $1,093 - $1,998 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,974 - $8,443 | $1,848 - $3,451 | $708 - $1,446 | $1,479 - $2,707 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 743-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Memphis, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,743 - $8,443. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $269 - $1,792. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Detroit and Memphis. Local movers in Detroit typically start around $248 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Detroit to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,743 - $4,344
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,415 - $5,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,974 - $8,443
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Detroit to Memphis.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Detroit movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Memphis, 41% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $448 - $4,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage | $179 - $1,075/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $269 - $2,150 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $896 - $2,688 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,240 - $8,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $671 - $1,275 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $896 - $2,240 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Men on the Move | $717 - $3,136 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $269 - $1,344 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $582 - $1,792 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $269 - $13,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $269 - $3,136+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Detroit to Memphis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Detroit, MI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
Moving containers from Detroit, Michigan, to Memphis, Tennessee, cost between $1,053 and $3,451. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Detroit typically costs about $85/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Detroit to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,053 - $1,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,575
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,848 - $3,451
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $627 in Detroit, MI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $67 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $134 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Memphis, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,053. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,273 - $2,575.
What are the best moving containers Detroit to Memphis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Detroit to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Detroit:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 15 years in business
- O'Sullivan Moving & Storage CO. (4.3/5), 44 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.6/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
A rental truck for this 743-mile move from Detroit, Michigan, to Memphis, Tennessee, costs between $520 and $1,446. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $212 - $242
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Detroit daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Detroit to Memphis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $520 - $947
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $561 - $1,170
- 4+ bedrooms: $708 - $1,446
Pro tip: A rental truck from Detroit to Memphis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $520 - $1,446. But once you factor in fuel ($212 - $242), overnight lodging ($134/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $212 - $242 for the 743-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Detroit, Michigan, for about 5 hours typically costs around $627.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 743-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $134 per night, adding $269 - $403 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $269.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Detroit to Memphis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Detroit, Michigan, to Memphis, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $806 and $1,998.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Detroit to Memphis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $939 - $1,774
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,093 - $1,998
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,479 - $2,707
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $67 - $134 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Detroit, Michigan, typically costs $627.
What are the best freight companies from Detroit to Memphis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Memphis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Memphis, TN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Detroit and Memphis to plan around. Cost of living index: 92 vs. 86. Average rent: $1,250/mo vs. $1,299/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 51 vs. 35. Safety index: 27.08 vs. 22.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Tennessee, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 173 movers licensed in Michigan, useful context for sizing up this 743-mile move.
Our take
A move from Detroit, MI, to Memphis, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,743 - $8,443 on the 743-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,053 - $3,451, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $520 - $1,446. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,415 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include FedEx and AutoZone.
FAQs: Moving from Detroit, MI, to Memphis, TN
What are the best neighborhoods in Memphis?
For families, Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis are worth a look in Memphis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Binghampton, Cooper-Young, and Crosstown tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Memphis?
Memphis has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 41, compared to 51 and 52 in Detroit. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Memphis a safe place to live?
Memphis has a safety index of 22.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 77.49, compared to 27.08 and 72.92 in Detroit. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Detroit movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Detroit handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.