Highly rated local moving companies for Akron to Grand Rapids moves
Organizing a move from Akron to Grand Rapids can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 33 local movers in Akron 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 Akron to Grand Rapids.
- Summit Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Move It Now: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0603438-HG
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 2987151
Alternate Names: Summit Moving LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 00504589
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2048293
Alternate Names: Move It Now of Akron
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 00136576
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men And A Truck/Akron , E & V Ventures, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00146275
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Grand Rapids?
On average, moving companies in Ohio charge about $153 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 | $977 – $3,021 | $588 – $1,449 | $296 – $560 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,693 – $4,443 | $1,143 – $1,987 | $335 – $684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,436 – $6,031 | $1,482 – $2,494 | $422 – $801 |
Cost to hire movers from Akron to Grand Rapids
When planning a move to Grand Rapids from Akron, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $977 and $3,021. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,693 and $4,443 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,436 to $6,031.
Cost of moving containers from Akron to Grand Rapids
When you’re heading from Akron to Grand Rapids, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $588 and $1,449. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,143 and $1,987. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,482 to $2,494. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Akron to Grand Rapids
A moving rental truck from Akron to Grand Rapids 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 $296 to $560. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $335 to $684, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Akron to Grand Rapids costs around $422 to $801.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Akron to Grand Rapids
The cost of Akron movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Akron to Grand Rapids may only cost $1,312, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,624.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Akron.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($296–$709), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Akron to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 246% higher for singles and 74% higher for families than Akron.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Akron versus $1,543 in Akron; families pay $7,160 compared with $4,120.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Akron | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $983 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,300 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $121,327 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,971 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,543 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,120 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.75% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 75% more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Akron. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 171% steeper in Grand Rapids compared to Akron.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Grand Rapids and Akron are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Grand Rapids, with the cost of living for a single person being 246% more than in Akron. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Grand Rapids, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 74% higher than in Akron.
- Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate than Akron by about 38%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 11% cheaper in Grand Rapids compared to Akron. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 21% more in Michigan than in Ohio. 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 Akron versus Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Akron | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $287.77 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.20 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.10 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs cost more in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships cost more in Akron than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Akron vs. Grand Rapids
| Akron | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 52 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 50.39 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is within about 5% of Akron, so they’re very similar in size.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Akron’s score of 5.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Akron with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Akron’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Akron, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Grand Rapids’s crime rate is higher than Akron with a score of 44.23 compared to Akron’s 5.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Akron with a safety index of 55.77 vs Akron’s 50.39.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Akron it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Akron to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: Costs across Akron and Grand Rapids 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Michigan, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Michigan, 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 Grand Rapids. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
With your sights set on GR, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- Heritage Hill
- South Hill
- Heartside-Downtown
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Eastgate
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- Fulton Heights
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- Millbrook
- East Hills
- Belknap Lookout
- Heritage Hill
Things to do in Grand Rapids
With your move to Michigan complete, you can dive right into experiencing Grand Rapids. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park — 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 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Akron to Grand Rapids?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Akron to Grand Rapids. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Akron.
When is the cheapest time to move from Akron to Grand Rapids?
Want to save on your move from Akron to Grand Rapids? 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 Akron to Grand Rapids take?
The 321-mile move from Akron, OH, to Grand Rapids, , takes one to four days. Some Akron movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
What kinds of discounts do Akron movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Akron, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 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 Akron?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Akron provide piano moving services. 15 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 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
Akron moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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