Top-rated local movers that handle Detroit to Nashville moves
When planning a move from Detroit to Nashville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 36 local movers in Detroit who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Detroit to Nashville.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Nashville?
Movers in Michigan charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,222 – $3,329 | $645 – $1,587 | $426 – $760 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,169 – $5,300 | $1,202 – $2,398 | $446 – $957 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,768 – $7,772 | $1,699 – $3,027 | $550 – $1,131 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Nashville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Nashville, you can expect to spend between $1,222 and $3,329. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,169 to $5,300 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Detroit to Nashville typically runs between $3,768 and $7,772.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Nashville
When moving from Detroit to Nashville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $645 and $1,587. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,202 to $2,398. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,699 up to $3,027. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Nashville
Renting a moving truck in Detroit is usually your cheapest option to get to Nashville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $426 and $760. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $446 and $957. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $550 and $1,131.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Detroit to Nashville
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,684, but larger homes can run up to $6,782.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Detroit.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($426–$999) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Nashville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Nashville runs about 24% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Detroit.
Singles spend around $3,108 in Detroit versus $2,500 in Detroit; families pay $8,447 compared with $6,687.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Detroit | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,887 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $4,044 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $428,678 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $79,020 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Nashville, note that rent can be roughly 58% more expensive than it is in Detroit; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 486% higher in Nashville than in Detroit.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 109% higher in Nashville compared to Detroit, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Nashville, since the cost of living for a single person is 24% more than in Detroit. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Nashville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Nashville is 26% more than it is in Detroit.
- Nashville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 50% lower than that of Detroit. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 63% higher in Nashville than in Detroit. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Detroit with Nashville:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $202.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $70.35 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $4.08 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $17.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $40.82 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Nashville.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Detroit than in Nashville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Nashville.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Nashville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Nashville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Nashville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Detroit than in Nashville.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Nashville
| Detroit | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 689,447 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 96 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 72 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 49.1 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 50.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Nashville’s population is about 8% greater than Detroit.
- Nashville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Nashville is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 96 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Nashville is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Nashville’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 49.1 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Nashville is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 50.9 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Nashville is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Nashville move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Nashville smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Nashville
Now that you’ve chosen Athens of the South as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Nashville to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- Midtown
- Music Row
Best neighborhoods for families
- Belmont-Hillsboro
- Buena Vista
- Green Hills
- Lockeland Springs
- Oak Hill
Things to do in Nashville
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Nashville is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Nashville offers cultural landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, and RCA Studio B.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tennessee Titans (NFL)Nashville Predators (NHL)Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Nashville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Detroit to Nashville 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 Nashville?
Because spring and fall moves from Detroit to Nashville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Nashville take?
A move of 534 miles from Detroit, MI to Nashville, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Detroit sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Nashville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Detroit?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Detroit offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 22 movers in Detroit have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MI, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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