($514+) Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Detroit, MI, runs anywhere from $514 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,961 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 $1,579, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,961 or more.
- Moving containers run $981 - $3,248, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $514 - $1,390.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Detroit, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392 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 Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
Moving options from Memphis to Detroit fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,392 - $5,613 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 44% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% 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 Memphis to Detroit, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,579 - $4,303 | $981 - $1,877 | $514 - $1,015 | $920 - $1,689 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,392 - $5,613 | $1,340 - $2,627 | $578 - $1,159 | $1,018 - $1,977 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,055 - $7,961 | $1,848 - $3,248 | $680 - $1,390 | $1,379 - $2,788 |
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 Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
Hiring full-service movers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan, costs between $1,579 and $7,961. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 743-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $265 - $1,768, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Memphis and Detroit. For a rough baseline, movers based in Memphis tend to start around $334 plus $125/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,579 - $4,303
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,392 - $5,613
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,055 - $7,961
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 Memphis to Detroit.
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 Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 41% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Detroit, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready41% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage19% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $884 - $2,652 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,210 - $8,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $662 - $1,258 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Cord Moving and Storage | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company | $575 - $1,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,094+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Detroit?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Michigan Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $981 and $3,248. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Memphis typically runs around $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $981 - $1,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,627
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,848 - $3,248
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Memphis, TN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $619, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $66 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $133 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Memphis, TN, and Detroit, MI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee to Michigan 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 $981. 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 $1,340 - $2,627.
What are the best moving containers Memphis to Detroit?
- 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Big League Movers: #1 Rated Memphis Moving Company, 18 years in business
- Country Club Moving & Packing Inc, 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 743 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan, running $514 - $1,390. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $209 - $239
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Memphis 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 Memphis to Detroit based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $514 - $1,015
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $578 - $1,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $680 - $1,390
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $514 - $1,390 when pricing out a rental truck from Memphis to Detroit. Fuel alone runs $209 - $239, and overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Memphis, Tennessee, usually costs about $619 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 743-mile drive falls between $209 and $239, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $44 and $265 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis to Detroit?
- 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 Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Memphis, Tennessee, to Detroit, Michigan. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,018 and $1,977.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $920 - $1,689
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,018 - $1,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,788
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $619.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $133 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Detroit?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Detroit fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Memphis, TN vs Detroit, MI
Day-to-day costs in Detroit are close to what you're used to in Memphis: cost of living index of 92 versus 86, with average rent of $1,250/mo compared to $1,299/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 22.51/100 in Memphis versus 51/100 and 27.08/100 in Detroit.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit, MI to Memphis, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Michigan, 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 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 743-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 743-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Detroit, MI, run $1,579 - $7,961 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $981 - $3,248, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $514 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,392, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Motors and Henry Ford Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Memphis, TN, to Detroit, MI
How much does it cost to move from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $514 to $7,961, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,579 and $7,961, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $578 - $1,159. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($209 - $239), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Memphis, TN to Detroit, MI?
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 Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.