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best moving companies in michigan

Best Moving Companies in Michigan (2024)

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Written by Stephanie Koncewicz Updated 12/11/2024

Because it can be difficult to determine which moving company best fits your specific needs, we have researched and ranked the best moving companies in the nation. Our top choice is International Van Lines (IVL).

This guide will help you get an idea of what the best moving companies in Michigan have to offer, their costs, their pros, and any drawbacks to using them.

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9 Top Moving Companies in Michigan

Based on in-depth research, we found the following to be the top moving companies in Michigan:


Compare Top Moving Companies in Michigan

Our Pick
International Van Lines
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American Van Lines
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Safeway Moving Inc.
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Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
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Moving APT
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JK Moving Services
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Allied Van Lines
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North American Van Lines
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1-800-PACK-RAT
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Overall Rating

4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.5 / 5 4 / 5 4.3 / 5 4.7 / 5 5 / 5 4.8 / 5 4.3 / 5

BBB Rating

A+ A+ B- B B+ A+ A+ A+ A+

FMCSA Licensing

Carrier/Broker Carrier Carrier Broker Broker Carrier Carrier Carrier/Broker Carrier/Broker

Average Price*

$5,250 $5,625 $5,631 $5,054 $4,683 $7,171 $5,370 $5,969 $2,547

Deposit Required

Up to 25% Up to 50% Up to 40% Up to 33% Varies $250 None None Varies

Pros

  • Flexible insurance plans
  • Free month of storage
  • Upfront pricing
  • Hires movers who average 10 years of experience
  • Provides fixed-rate quotes
  • Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Free month of storage for all customers
  • Light packing is available for long-distance moves
  • Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves
  • Prescreens all third-party movers in its network
  • Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers
  • Offers an online cost estimator
  • Offers price-matching
  • Provides quick service
  • Background-checked movers
  • Financing available
  • Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool
  • Climate-controlled storage facilities
  • Expedited relocation services
  • In-house vehicle shipping
  • Budget-planning service
  • No deposit
  • Only provides binding estimates
  • Customized rental periods are available
  • Offers price-matching for comparable services from competitors, such as PODS
  • Containers are made entirely of steel to better protect belongings from weather damage

Cons

  • Below-average customer reviews
  • Outsources some moves
  • Requires up to a 25% deposit
  • Charges higher average prices
  • Has limited customer service on weekends
  • Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost
  • Can’t promise extra services, such as fragile packing and crating
  • No upfront pricing
  • Reputation for difficult communication during the first phase of a move
  • No customer service on the weekends
  • No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking
  • Not responsible for damage due to broker status
  • Not responsible for any damage due to broker status
  • Service varies by location according to reviews
  • Unwanted contact from partner companies may occur
  • Higher-than-average pricing
  • Long quote process
  • No refund on your deposit
  • Misleading quote tool
  • No weekend support
  • Slow claims process
  • Items may take 10–14 days to arrive
  • Limited storage services according to zip code
  • Three-day requirement for cancellations
  • Can only do long-distance moves with an 8-foot container
  • Requires a deposit for long-distance moves
  • Services aren't available in all states

Summary

We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.

We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.

We recommend Safeway Moving Inc. for condo or HOA residents. The company has a special focus and training on the regulations and problems that may arise with these moves.

We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.

We recommend Moving APT because of its highly rated customer service and its ability to quickly provide you with multiple quotes for its partner companies.

We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.

We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.

We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.

We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions.

Rating Categories

International Van Lines American Van Lines Safeway Moving Inc. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Moving APT JK Moving Services Allied Van Lines North American Van Lines 1-800-PACK-RAT

Customer Service

5 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
3.8 / 5
4.3 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.4 / 5
3.6 / 5

Reputation

4.3 / 5
3.9 / 5
4.3 / 5
2.9 / 5
3.9 / 5
5 / 5
3.9 / 5
3.6 / 5
4.7 / 5

Value

2.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.2 / 5
4.2 / 5
3.1 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5

Service Offerings

4.7 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.7 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5

Item Protection

5 / 5
5 / 5
4.3 / 5
3.5 / 5
4.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
2 / 5

Scheduling

4.1 / 5
2.3 / 5
4.1 / 5
3.9 / 5
2.3 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
5 / 5
4.1 / 5

Our Top Picks For Moving Companies In Michigan

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings
4.5

International Van Lines (IVL) is a full-service mover that provides services such as furniture disassembly, packing, crating, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and furniture reassembly. The company allows you to mix and match these services however you’d like, so you can create either a full-service or partial-service moving package.

IVL helps with any difficult and challenging items like pianos, expensive artwork, and antique furniture through its specialty services. Customers also get access to comprehensive contents protection plans, including required limited liability coverage and various full-value protection plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers top-tier specialty services for pianos and antiques Offers partial-service moving options Provides moving and packing supplies at an additional cost Cons No online sample pricing Not the best option for local moves

Services

Because International Van Lines is a larger freighting company, it’s better suited for long-distance moves rather than local moves. However, its range of services allows you to focus on other important parts of the moving process. Learn more about IVL services.

Cost

For a two-bedroom home going from Detroit to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in about a month and a half, International Van Lines quoted us $2,015–$3,445. This estimate includes loading services and transportation.

If you’re interested in seeing what parts of your move International Van Lines can handle, fill out this easy-to-use form.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor
4.3

American Van Lines (AVL) offers some of the most experienced labor in the moving industry. This makes the company a great option if you have any unique, challenging, or difficult items to relocate. AVL’s moving teams hold an average of 10 years of experience and work full-time, so they are prepared for whatever task you throw at them.

American Van Lines offers popular full-service options, such as packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. Similar to other full-service movers on this list, AVL is better suited for long-distance moves to or from Michigan, rather than local ones.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides fixed pricing for its services Movers hold an average of 10 years of moving experience Well-equipped for moving antiques and expensive art Cons Prices can be higher than some competitors Requires an upfront deposits that can range from 10%–50% of the total moving amount Not the best choice for local moves

Services

AVL offers comprehensive industry-standard services with skilled labor, such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. The company also provides custom crating, and its movers are professionally trained to handle specialty services involving pianos, recreational equipment, antiques, and fine art.

American Van Lines provides these services at a fixed price, unlike other moving companies that may adjust their price after providing a quote due to unexpected events or longer transit times. Learn more about American Van Lines services.

Cost

American Van Lines works with customers to create accurate in-home and virtual estimates, so it does not provide online sample prices. However, it does provide some cost information on its moving cost page. To give you an idea of AVL’s cost, moving a two-bedroom apartment (or 6,000 pounds) from Houston to Chicago costs $4,669. This quote is the average price of this move with AVL, so it includes a variety of service options.

To see how American Van Lines can help you during your move, complete this online questionnaire.

Safeway Moving Inc.

Most Reliable Pricing
4.5

Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving broker specializing in long-distance moving services. As a broker, it doesn’t directly handle clients’ moving needs. Instead, it books relocations with third-party carriers who handle the jobs independently once your move is scheduled.

Safeway stands out for its flat-rate pricing guarantees, which ensure that your pricing won’t shift between quote day and moving day. Deposits range from 20% to 40% of your final move bill but are fully refundable.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers flat-rate pricing for all moves Requires partner companies to carry $1 million insurance policies Refunds all deposits for moves if plans change ahead of moving day Cons Has reviews that report poor communication after booking Charges slightly higher rates than its competitors

Services

Safeway Moving Inc. primarily provides long-distance moving services. All its initial flat-rate quotes include light packing and 30 days of free storage. Its partner companies offer full-service packing, including specialized care for antiques or fragile items. It also offers access to climate-controlled storage facilities, vehicle shipping, and more.

Cost

All Safeway quotes are flat-rate prices. When we called its quote line, we underwent a thorough walkthrough of our home, where we disclosed our inventory room by room. Our representative stated that all deposits are refundable but that pricing could potentially shift on moving day. All quotes are based on estimated shipment weights. Therefore, moving quotes can increase if trucks weigh more than expected.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient
4

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker that offers speedy, efficient, and last-minute moving solutions for local and long-distance clients. It has a relatively small customer service team but yields quick pricing estimates for clients in all locations.

Its price-matching offerings make it a great option for clients trying to move on a tight budget. As a bonus, IMRG has guides and resources on its site, including guides to the best moving companies in many major cities around the country.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has a cost calculator tool on its website Offers price-matching option Provides guides and moving resources on its site Cons Works entirely as a broker Charges a 4% fee for move cancelations within a week of moving day

Services

IMRG offers both self- and full-service moving assistance for clients in all locations. Its services include packing, crating, vehicle shipping, logistics management, and more. Many of IMRG’s partner carriers operate or have access to climate-controlled storage facilities and warehouses.

Cost

IMRG’s quote process is fairly quick. When you call, your move coordinator will take down your basic moving details. You’ll finalize your move inventory and service needs before paying a deposit for booking. Deposits typically range up to 33% of your final bill and are refundable until a week before your move.

Moving APT

Best Customer Service
4.3

Moving APT is a great choice for anyone who wants a concierge approach to relocation. As a broker, Moving APT works to match customers with independent professional movers in its network. Moving APT maintains one of the largest networks in the industry, which means the company can find a qualified mover in your area within your price range.

After connecting you to a moving company, Moving APT will remain a part of the process by following up to ensure the process is running smoothly. You can contact Moving APT at any time of day or night with any questions or concerns.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has more than 2,500 companies in its network Offers discounts to senior citizens, differently abled individuals, and active and retired military Providers 24/7 customer support online and by phone Cons Does not offer refunds on deposits if you cancel fewer than seven days before your scheduled relocation Is not liable if a third-party mover breaks, destroys, or loses any of your items

Services

Moving APT accommodates full- and partial-service moves locally, long-distance, and internationally in all 50 states. The company’s add-on options include long- and short-term storage, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and car and boat shipping.

Cost

According to Moving APT’s free online quote tool, a three-bedroom relocation from Lansing, Michigan, to Boston would cost approximately $3,700. For exact pricing, you must contact the company directly to provide more specific details. Moving APT will give you a binding estimate after reviewing your moving inventory and conducting a virtual walkthrough of your home.

Get started with Moving APT by using this free online quote tool.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing
4.7

If you have a budget but want a residential mover to handle your moving plan from start to finish, we recommend JK Moving. JK Moving helps customers build custom full-service or partial-service moving packages based on their moving needs and budget. Services with JK Moving include industry-standard options like packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.

JK Moving also offers the ability to finance your move. Through its partnership with Enhancify, JK Moving offers customers rates as low as 0% same-as-cash.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides a useful mobile app for GPS tracking, creating a virtual inventory, and receiving an estimate Provides a designated moving coordinator for your move Offers financing through an Enhancify partnership Cons Storage services are sometimes run by third-party companies No local moves in Michigan

Services

JK Moving provides comprehensive full-service moving options, including furniture disassembly, crating, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, and furniture reassembly. JK Moving is one of the largest moving companies in the United States, so its customers receive reputable 24/7 customer support and a personal moving coordinator. Its size also makes it better equipped for cross-country moves rather than local moves. Learn more about JK Moving services.

Cost

JK Moving works with you to create a detailed inventory for your move to determine its overall cost.

The following factors influence what price JK Moving gives you:

  • The location of your original home
  • The total distance of your move
  • The total weight of your move
  • The date and the time of year of your move
  • Additional services you purchase

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation
5

Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest and most experienced moving companies in the industry. Allied offers full-service moving packages and custom add-on options, as well as DIY support like moving kits and online resources.

The company operates its own fleet of vehicle carriers for the transport of cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles, boats and snowmobiles. Customers can choose from open car carriers to enclosed semi-trailer trucks that provide added protection for rare, vintage cars and high-value vehicles.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides guaranteed quotes with an in-home visit A personal moving consultant is automatically included with all packages Online scheduling is available for in-home estimates Cons Consumer complaints cite pressure by local movers to sign off on receipt of items before homeowners can inspect their belongings Add-ons can increase your moving costs to beyond competitor pricing

Services

Allied’s list of moving services includes: Boxes and moving supplies, DIY packing, local moving, long-distance moving, international moving, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and house cleaning.

Cost

Allied determines your overall moving cost with factors such as the total weight and mileage of your move. The company offers free basic liability insurance, but any supplemental insurance or add-on services, such as crating or vehicle relocation, comes with an additional cost.

Allied’s online instant quote tool estimates that moving a two-bedroom home from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dover, Delaware, at the end of August would cost between $4,732 and $5,736.

Some factors that impact the overall cost with Allied Van Lines include:

  • The date of your move
  • The distance of your move
  • The amount and weight of household items to be moved
  • The purchase of additional services

To schedule a quick and easy virtual estimate with Allied Van Lines, complete this online survey.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims
4.8

North American Van Lines has been in the moving industry since 1933. The company partners with more than 500 local movers throughout all 50 states. Because of its expansive network, North American can accommodate local, long-distance, and international relocations of all sizes.

Domestic and international claims can be filed directly from the homepage of the company’s website. North American also maintains dedicated claims support lines for those who need additional assistance or prefer to file claims by phone.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers satellite tracking for packages Provides discounts for American Legion and union members and their families Has an online packaging calculator to help you determine the amount and cost of moving supplies Cons Consumers may have to wait longer for open in-home estimate appointments than with competitors Some customer reviews mention damage to items by local moving contractors

Services

North American’s list of moving services includes: vehicle relocation, mobile storage containers, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, debris removal, online library of moving tips and checklists, and crane vans for large items.

Cost

Your quote from North American Van Lines will depend on the size and distance of your move, as well as your moving date and any special handling requests.

Other factors that will affect the total cost of your move include:

  • The total weight of your items
  • Any items that need special handling, such as crating
  • Your home layout

Prices range from $5,224 to $5,967 to move the contents of a two-bedroom home from Lansing, Michigan, to Boston, Massachusetts, in late July.

For a free quote from North American Van Lines, complete this quick online form.

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best Self-Service Mover
4.3

1-800-PACK-RAT is our top pick for a self-service mover in Michigan. The company is a great option for both local and long-distance moves in the state, and it’s a great option if you want to save money when compared to full-service movers.

1-800-PACK-RAT customers don’t miss out on reputable moving labor thanks to the company’s partnership with HireAHelper. The company has a branch in Detroit and primarily helps within a 100-mile radius of the city.

Pros and Cons

Pros On-site storage facilities include 24/7 security and climate-controlled units Provides various online resources and tools on its user-friendly website Offers a price-matching policy with PODS Cons Only available near the Detroit metropolitan area No sample pricing on its website

Services

1-800-PACK-RAT topped our list of the best moving container companies. The company offers three moving container sizes: 8 feet (ideal for 1–2 rooms), 12 feet (ideal for 2–3 rooms), and 16 feet (ideal for 3–4 rooms). The company delivers your choice of moving container(s) to your home.

You load your belongings onto the container(s) and notify 1-800-PACK-RAT customer service when you want the containers to be picked up and delivered to your new home. 1-800-PACK-RAT includes 30 days of rental for the container in your move, and another 30 days can be added for an additional cost if you need more time for loading and unloading. Learn more about 1-800-PACK-RAT services.

Cost

We obtained a quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT to use a 16-foot container from Ann Arbor to Rochester, Michigan, within two months for a total of $546. This quote does not include taxes, and additional fuel surcharges may occur.

If you want to start your self-service Michigan move as soon as possible, click here to get a free moving quote.


Compare the Best Michigan Movers’ Services

Michigan poses a lot of challenges when it comes to moving into, out of, or across The Great Lakes State. It might be difficult to get a large truck through Detroit’s traffic or around the winding roads of Hiawatha National Forest.

A professional moving company can alleviate any of the stress and difficulties that come with a residential move through these areas and more.

ProviderGet EstimateLocalLong-DistanceLabor Included
International Van LinesGet Estimate
American Van LinesGet Estimate
Interstate Moving & Relocation GroupGet Estimate
Moving APTGet Estimate
SafewayGet Estimate
JK MovingGet Estimate
Allied Van LinesGet Estimate
North American Van LinesGet Estimate
1-800-PACK-RATGet Estimate

Other Considerations When Moving in Michigan

If you’re moving homes, there are several other services that you may want to consider. Below, we’ll include some helpful resources for your new home:


Which is the Best Moving Company in Michigan for You?

Take some time to determine what you want out of a professional Michigan mover and what roadblocks you want to avoid. Whether your moving locally or moving from Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula, different relocations all have different elements to consider. We encourage you to obtain free estimates from multiple moving companies to help you compare the services and pricing offered by each provider.

If you want a moving company that handles as much of your move as possible, check out full-service movers like International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and North American. If you want to save money and want a DIY moving experience, look into a self-service mover like 1-800-PAT-RACK.


FAQ About Moving Companies in Michigan

Do I need to hire a moving company for my Michigan move?

Hiring a moving company isn’t right for every homeowner, but for many, a moving company can save countless hours of planning and logistics. Furthermore, hiring professional movers can protect your belongings in transit.

How much does a moving company cost in Michigan?

If you are moving locally, you will most likely be charged by the hour. You can expect to pay between $90 and $120 per hour for professional movers.

What should I sell before I move?

You should sell anything you do not want to take to your new home. Some popular items to sell include:

  • Old furniture
  • Old appliances
  • Extra clothes and towels
  • Books
  • Large electronics
Why Trust Us? We conducted 4,800+ hours of research on moving companies and crafted a ranking system based on the following research
31
Companies Considered
1000
Homeowners Surveyed
21000
Reviews Analyzed
22
Providers Compared

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.