Top-rated movers to make your Harrisburg to Detroit move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Harrisburg that offers long-distance services to Detroit can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 18 top local movers in Harrisburg who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Harrisburg to Detroit.
- Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Maya’s Movers LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 702302
Years in Business: 127
DOT #: 10676
Alternate Names: Harrisburg Storage Co. , M.F. Rockey Moving Company , Penn Hershey Transfer , Harrisburg Transfer Company , George W. Weaver
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8921736
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3214709
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
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 #: 8920233
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3011826
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8921045
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3128183
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Detroit?
In Pennsylvania, moving services typically cost around $143 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,122 – $2,979 | $677 – $1,500 | $382 – $771 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,799 – $5,032 | $1,210 – $2,334 | $437 – $898 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,310 – $7,288 | $1,594 – $2,908 | $533 – $1,102 |
Cost to hire movers from Harrisburg to Detroit
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Detroit from Harrisburg, you can expect prices to land between $1,122 and $2,979. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,799 to $5,032 for the trip from Harrisburg to Detroit. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,310 and $7,288.
Cost of moving containers from Harrisburg to Detroit
Moving containers from Harrisburg to Detroit will cost you $677 to $1,500 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,210 to $2,334. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,594 to $2,908. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Detroit
Renting a moving truck from Harrisburg to Detroit typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $382 and $771 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $437 to $898. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $533 to $1,102.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Harrisburg to Detroit move
The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,527 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,477 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Harrisburg.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $382 to $946, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Detroit
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Detroit runs about 35% higher for singles and 85% higher for families than Harrisburg.
Singles spend around $2,500 in Harrisburg versus $1,849 in Harrisburg; families pay $6,687 compared with $3,612.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Harrisburg | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,550 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,946 | $2,542 |
| Average home value | $230,038 | $73,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,256 | $37,761 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,849 | $2,500 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,612 | $6,687 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 9.06% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.25% |
- Moving to Detroit from Harrisburg won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 68% more affordable in Detroit compared to Harrisburg.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 48% lower in Detroit compared to Harrisburg.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Detroit, as living costs for a single person are 35% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Detroit, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Detroit is 85% higher than in Harrisburg.
- The unemployment rate in Detroit is about 32% lower than in Harrisburg. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Detroit and Harrisburg (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Michigan are 38% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Harrisburg and Detroit:
| Living Expense | Harrisburg | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.00 | $251.12 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $55.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.72 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $68.50 |
| Gym membership | $27.50 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Harrisburg than in Detroit, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
- Eggs cost more in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
- Bread is more expensive in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Harrisburg than in Detroit.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Detroit
| Harrisburg | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,099 | 639,111 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 68 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 57 | 52 |
| Crime index | 64.18 | 72.92 |
| Safety index | 35.82 | 27.08 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Detroit’s population is about 1176% greater than Harrisburg.
- Detroit’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Harrisburg’s score of 6.
- Detroit is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Harrisburg’s 68 out of 100.
- Detroit has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57.
- Detroit’s crime rate is higher than Harrisburg with a score of 72.92 compared to Harrisburg’s 64.18. This means that Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
- Detroit is considered to be less safe than Harrisburg with a score of 27.08 vs Harrisburg’s 35.82.
- Air quality in Detroit is Good, and in Harrisburg it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Harrisburg to Detroit move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Michigan’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Detroit. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Detroit
Planning your move to America’s Comeback City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Detroit.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Corktown
- Brush Park
- Woodbridge
- Downtown
- Lafayette Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Palmer Woods
- University District
- Corktown
- Lafayette Park
Things to do in Detroit
After settling into your new Michigan home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Detroit has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Detroit features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and Detroit Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle Park, Beacon Park, Palmer Park, and Balduck Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Detriot Tigers (MLB)Detroit Red Wings (NHL)Detroit Lions (NFL)Detroit Pistons (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Detroit?
Planning your move from Harrisburg to Detroit? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Harrisburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Detroit?
Because most people are moving from Harrisburg to Detroit in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Harrisburg to Detroit take?
The 483-mile journey from Harrisburg, PA to Detroit, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Harrisburg offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Detroit.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Harrisburg?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Harrisburg, 14 movers can manage piano relocations. 9 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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