How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Ann Arbor
Consider each moving company's customer reviews, services, cost, and licensing before picking.
Determine Your Budget
According to our research, the average mover in Ann Arbor costs $84 per hour. The average cost overall is $4,273 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that affect your actual cost include your home size, move distance, any additional tasks you need done, and the season.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that outline the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Visit websites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, and the Better Business Bureau to learn about customer experiences with that moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Ann Arbor must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within Michigan, your mover needs operating authority from the Michigan State Police's Motor Carrier Division.
If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Take a full inventory of your home before getting quotes and write down any essential or additional services you might require. Furthermore, tell your moving company representative about any particular requirements or unique circumstances you may have to assess the company's capacity to provide satisfactory service.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Tell your moving company about any other services you need while going through the quote process. Additional fees may apply for the following services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Ann Arbor, MI
Here are some extra tips to consider when moving in Ann Arbor.
Schedule an Early Move
Ann Arbor usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. You can prevent this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Ann Arbor's hot weather. This can impact your moving process if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
Start packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin.
How Much do Movers Cost in Ann Arbor, MI
Movers in Ann Arbor cost $2,652 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,333 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,652 | $3,177 | $7,333 |
250-999 miles | $3,266 | $3,810 | $10,792 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,306 | $4,365 | $11,228 |
2,500+ miles | $3,233 | $5,435 | $13,376 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Ann Arbor
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