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Highly rated local moving companies for Dayton to Grand Rapids moves
Organizing a move from Dayton 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 14 local movers in Dayton 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 Dayton to Grand Rapids.
- American Way Van & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Mayberry’s Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Greater Dayton Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 00139517
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 76628
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 80
DOT #: 81407
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 75
DOT #: 728239
Alternate Names: Lewis & Michael, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00606034
Years in Business: 108
DOT #: 1008646
Alternate Names: Lincoln Storage and Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00136483
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 938251
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Dayton 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 | $996 – $3,113 | $600 – $1,477 | $311 – $589 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,610 – $4,677 | $1,143 – $2,049 | $342 – $651 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,338 – $6,031 | $1,395 – $2,625 | $393 – $833 |
Cost to hire movers from Dayton to Grand Rapids
When planning a move to Grand Rapids from Dayton, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $996 and $3,113. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,610 and $4,677 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,338 to $6,031.
Cost of moving containers from Dayton to Grand Rapids
When you’re heading from Dayton to Grand Rapids, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $600 and $1,477. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,143 and $2,049. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,395 to $2,625. 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 Dayton to Grand Rapids
A moving rental truck from Dayton 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 $311 to $589. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $342 to $651, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Dayton to Grand Rapids costs around $393 to $833.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Dayton to Grand Rapids
The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Dayton to Grand Rapids may only cost $1,235, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,300.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Dayton.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($311–$695), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Dayton to Grand Rapids
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Grand Rapids runs about 235% higher for singles and 89% higher for families than Dayton.
Singles spend around $5,333 in Dayton versus $1,593 in Dayton; families pay $7,160 compared with $3,788.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dayton | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,192 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,683 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,593 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,788 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 79% more expensive in Grand Rapids than in Dayton. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 142% steeper in Grand Rapids compared to Dayton.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Grand Rapids and Dayton 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 235% more than in Dayton. 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 89% higher than in Dayton.
- Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate than Dayton by about 37%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 20% cheaper in Grand Rapids compared to Dayton. 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 Dayton versus Grand Rapids:
| Living Expense | Dayton | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.37 | $118.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.17 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.02 | $3.25 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.61 | $3.46 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $57.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $33.34 | $33.99 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- Bread costs less in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Dayton than in Grand Rapids.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Grand Rapids
| Dayton | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 198,893 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 56 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 52 |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 44.23 |
| Safety index | 40.68 | 55.77 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Grand Rapids’s population is about 44% greater than Dayton.
- Grand Rapids’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Dayton, making them very similar.
- Grand Rapids is more walkable than Dayton with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Dayton’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 52 out of 100, Grand Rapids is more bike-friendly than Dayton, which has a score of 47 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 Dayton with a score of 44.23 compared to Dayton’s 4.0. This means that Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Grand Rapids is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 55.77 vs Dayton’s 40.68.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is Good, and in Dayton it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton to Grand Rapids move
- HOA rules: Costs across Dayton 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 Dayton to Grand Rapids?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Dayton to Grand Rapids. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Grand Rapids?
Want to save on your move from Dayton 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 Dayton to Grand Rapids take?
The 302-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Grand Rapids, , takes one to four days. Some Dayton 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 Dayton movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Dayton, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Dayton?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Dayton provide piano moving services. 3 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
Dayton moving services
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