The Best Moving Companies in Michigan (2023 Review)

If you’re planning a move to, from, or within the Great Lake State, you’re sure to have some questions about the general moving process and how to vet different relocation service providers. If you’re new to the state, there are likely plenty of questions you have about settling into day-to-day life here. We’ve done all of the necessary research to address any possible concerns you could have. Here, you’ll learn who the best moving companies are in the state of Michigan. We’ve also broken down how to vet different movers, and how to plan and budget for your move.

The 8 Best Moving Companies in Michigan

Our top recommended moving companies for 2023:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Best Overall Moving Broker: Safeway Moving Systems
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare the Best Moving Companies in Michigan

Here, we’ve included a quick comparison of our top movers in Michigan. You’ll find our rating, BBB status and rating, and basic cost information in this chart. Read our provider summaries below to learn more about each and find out what sets them apart.

Company	Website	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost	Long-Distance Cost
International Van Lines	Site	Best Full-Service Mover	9.8	B	$600 – $1,200	$1,900 – $4,900
Allied Van Lines	Site	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.7	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500
American Van Lines	Site	Most Transparent Pricing	9.6	N/A	$500 – $1,000	$2,300 – $5,300
Safeway Moving Systems	Site	Best Overall Moving Broker	9.6	N/A	No local services	$2,000 – $5,000
Moving APT	Site	Most Moving Partners	9.5	B		$2,500 – $4,800
JK Moving Services	Site	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.4	A+	Call for a quote	$2,500 – $5,500
U-Pack	Site	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A	$1,200 – $2,200
North American Van Lines	Site	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

For nearly two decades, International Van Lines has provided leading moving assistance to all 50 states. Their status as a broker and carrier gives them virtually unmatched reach, which shows through their current work rate of 20,000 moves per year.

Why We Recommend IVL

International’s calling card is their customer service and communication at all points throughout moves. The most common single theme in customer reviews is the strength of their care to all clients. From start to finish, you’ll be readily able to contact a representative to handle any concerns you may have.

Services Offered

International and its partners can provide the following relocation services:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost

International Van Lines’ price points are among the most competitive in the industry relative to full-service providers. We’ve included a table of their average costs to reference before getting a quote here.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,400 – $4,400	$1,900 – $4,900	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,400 – $5,400
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$5,100 – $8,100	$5,700 – $8,700	$6,200 – $9,200

Get a quote from IVL here.

Read our full IVL review for a comprehensive breakdown of this mover’s costs, services, and more.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines is a moving giant with nearly 90 years of experience in providing clients with excellent moving assistance. In the last 15 years alone, it has completed more than 750,000 unique relocations, making it one of the most prolific and active movers. This mover offers a full suite of services that can cater to international moves, commercial relocations, and residential moves equally well.

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied’s large moving vans make them ideal for an array of vehicle and bulky shipping needs. When planning a move of any size, you’ll find that things will go far easier if you have fewer points of contact to follow up with during the process. Allied being able to directly handle such demanding specialty requests on their own means that you won’t have to broker these services out to third parties.

Services Offered

Allied’s leading service profile includes the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Car shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies
• And more

How Much Does Allied Cost

Here, you’ll find some average costs for moves of varying sizes with Allied:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

Read our Allied review to learn more.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines is one of the largest and best pure carriers in the moving industry. As a carrier, they directly handle each move that they book. This means you’ll always have the added assurance that an AVL licensed crew will carry out your move. The strength and diversity of their service offerings are where this provider shines. With moving teams that are very experienced and selected for their customer service and operational skills, you’ll always have a positive experience.

Why We Recommend AVL

While it isn’t exactly a rarity in the industry, it is atypical enough to warrant mentioning. American Van Lines exclusively provides flat rate pricing for all moves. This pricing structure should be of interest to more budget-conscious clients. Though AVL’s rates range a bit higher than their competitors, you will always get a guaranteed rate.

Services Offered

American Van Lines’ crews are equipped to provide the following:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Antique moving
• And more

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost

American Van Lines’ guaranteed rates will provide plenty of peace of mind in the lead-up to moving day. Here are some sample average price ranges from recent AVL moves.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,700 – $4,700	$2,300 – $5,300	$2,600 – $5,600	$4,200 – $7,200
4 BR	$4,800 – $7,800	$5,600 – $8,600	$7,400 – $10,400	$10,800 – $13,800

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

If an American Van Lines move interests you, read our full review here.

Safeway Moving Systems: Best Overall Moving Broker

Safeway Moving Systems is a broker that partners with different carriers across all 50 states. Given its vast service area and network, it can easily handle any moving needs within the Great Lake State. This veteran-owned business stands behind the work it carries out, with accountability, commitment, and integrity being among its core values. This and top-rated customer service have made it a leading choice for moving customers everywhere.

Why We Recommend Safeway

Though it isn’t unique in the moving industry, Safeway’s pricing structure sets it apart from many of its competitors. That it provides flat rates for all clients it services makes it one of the more reliable options for any moving need. Once you’ve been quoted your bottom line estimate, and have signed a moving contract, you can rest assured that your move will be carried out at the agreed-upon cost. This figure will not shift unless you add services or inventory to your move.

Services Offered

Safeway and its partners offer the following basics and add-ons. Regardless of your needs, Safeway likely has a carrier in its network that can provide the services you require for your move.

• Long-distance relocations
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Packing materials (as a retailer)
• Short and long-term storage
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Commercial relocations
• Liability insurance
• Full valuation coverage
• And more

How Much Does Safeway Cost?

Safeway’s average rates run a little above typical ranges for moves of most sizes. However, you’ll never be subjected to hidden fees when you book with them. Here are some sample ranges for recent Safeway moves:

	250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,200 – $5,200	$2,700 – $5,700
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$4,700 – $6,700	$5,500 – $7,500	$7,800 – $10,800

State Availability: 50  States

Learn More: Read our full review to learn more about Safeway Moving Systems’ services and reputation.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Moving APT is a moving broker with more than twenty years of experience providing cross-country and local movers to clients everywhere. Being nationwide brokers, they partner with many top moving companies in each state, including some of the other providers on this list. Whether your moving plan involves relocating within the Detroit area or another state, Moving APT is an excellent option.

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT’s status as a broker lends them a certain amount of versatility and diversity of service.

Services Offered

Moving APT’s numerous moving partners can provide the following services listed. Note that service offerings can vary with location and from partner to partner.

• Local and interstate moving
• Residential and corporate relocation
• Commercial and residential moving
• Storage (one free month included with all moves)
• Valuation coverage options
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Specialty shipping (varies by location)
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves)
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
• And more

How Much Does Moving APT Cost

Moving APT offers guaranteed pricing for all moves. Given its numerous partner companies, it’s difficult to pin down exact pricing, as this will vary by region. However, they provide a quoted figure of $4,300 for a two-bedroom, 1,200-mile move. You’ll have to get your own cost analysis from Moving APT to get your price. If you can get an estimate from a moving competitor, this company offers price matching for moves of all sizes.

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

Read our Moving APT review to learn how this moving broker books the best movers for you.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services is a nationwide broker and carrier that has provided moving assistance to more than half a million clients in its 40-year history. This provider offers long-distance moving services to all lower 48 states, which can directly assist your Michigan moving needs. An added feature of a move with them is their AI-assisted remote estimate tool. With this, you’ll be afforded the convenience and accuracy of an in-person estimate, no matter your exact location.

Why We Recommend JK

JK Moving Services’ diverse range of basic and add-on offerings provides customers with unmatched abilities to customize their own moving experience. You’ll be able to craft your moving package by selecting services on an a la carte basis with this mover and its partner companies.

Services Offered

JK’s services include the following:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost

JK doesn’t provide much in the way of sample pricing on its website. However, $2,500 to $5,500 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile relocation can be expected. Get your free quote from them to get your move started today.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Our JK Moving Services review can provide more information about costs, services, and customer reception of this mover.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

If you’re trying to keep costs low, and are willing to do a fair amount of the labor during your move, then U-Pack may be an ideal option for you. Unlike many container services, this provider allows for even larger moves to be done on the lowest of budgets. Its storage facilities and locations across the United States make them readily accessible to millions of potential clients.

Why We Recommend U-Pack

A U-Pack move provides customers with a certain degree of autonomy while also eliminating the need to assume liability for goods in transit. If you book with this provider, you’ll be afforded the choice between a ReloCube and a full trailer, with three days for loading and unloading. This means that you’ll be afforded the luxury of going at your own pace at the most stressful times during your move.

Services Offered

U-Pack’s minimal service offerings help to keep costs low. With this container service, you’ll have access to the following:

• Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
• Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site

How Much Does U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s “pay for what you use” pricing model keeps costs low. Here, we’ve put together some average sample figures from this provider’s moves.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$600 – $1,600	$1,200 – $2,200	$1,600 – $2,600	$2,100 – $3,100
4 BR	$800 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,800	$2,800 – $3,800	$4,100 – $5,100

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

Read our U-Pack review to learn more.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

North American Van Lines (NAVL) is one of today’s oldest, most trusted moving brands in the United States. Since 1933, they have provided some of the best moving services in the industry to clients everywhere. With a network of more than 500 locations, it is in a prime position to help millions of potential customers. Their leading range of services, 24/7 customer service, and competitive pricing options genuinely stand out in customer reviews.

Why We Recommend NAVL

As mentioned above, North American’s pricing options are fairly unique in the industry. While many movers offer some of these, North American’s willingness to work with you to determine an ideal cost and structure is unique. You can rest assured that your budgetary needs and constraints will be respected with “bottom line” and “not to exceed” pricing options.

Services Offered

NAVL’s leading service profile includes the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

How Much Does NAVL Cost

Here, we’ve assembled some average ranges from recent North American Van Lines moves. Your costs could vary greatly, depending on service requirements and total inventory.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

Read our NAVL review to learn more.

How to Choose a Moving Company

If you’re going into the moving quote process for the first time, you should be aware of key areas to evaluate any mover. Here, we’ve broken these down in detail. You’re well within your rights to request proof of the following registrations and insurance policies during any free quote you receive. Any reputable moving company will happily provide documentation when asked.

Proper Registration

Your Michigan movers will have to carry at least a local form of registration to operate. Interstate moving companies will also include federal registration.

• FMCSA registration: Interstate and long-distance movers are all regulated by the FMCSA. This governing body also requires that all movers carry active US DOT and MC numbers. These can be used to research registration status and complaint history through this link.
• MPSC registration: Moving companies within the state are regulated by the Michigan Public Securities Commission. This body regulates tariffs (pricing) and licensures and ensures the safe conduct of all professional movers.

Necessary Insurance

Professional moving companies have minimum insurance standards to adhere to. This includes:

• Workers’ compensation: This policy covers you in case of a work-related injury during your move. Without this, you could be held liable for damages incurred.
• Released liability: This policy kicks in if your goods are lost or damaged by your moving team during your move. At a rate of $0.60 per pound per item, it won’t cover the full value of most of your goods. However, it is the industry minimum in terms of coverage and is included in the base price of your move.

Positive Reviews

Positive customer reviews are a must for any moving company trying to market itself based on the strength of its client feedback. This includes reviews on Google, Yelp, social media, and Better Business Bureau. Be sure to look this up prior to booking.

Full-Service Moving

Full-service moves traditionally come to mind when people mention a move of any kind. This type of relocation involves your mover of choice taking on your entire move, from packing, crating, and extra protection of antiques, to the actual loading and unloading of your goods. This will come with the highest associated costs but allow you to have the most stress-free experience in most cases.

Self-Service

While you can move a home of any size on your own, a self-service move is best suited for smaller to mid-sized homes. This can entail renting a moving truck or arranging for a container service to ship your goods to your new home.

Moving To Michigan

There are many reasons to move to Michigan, including some of the most beautiful scenery available, which provides access to plentiful hunting and fishing destinations, and stunning getaway locations. This state’s harsh winters are a bit of a drawback, but they’re buffered on either side by beautiful autumns and ideal springs. Perhaps of even greater importance is the low cost of living associated with life here.

Michigan Moving Costs

Here, we’ve put together a cost breakdown for full-service moving. These ranges are simply estimates of what you can expect to pay for typical moves of varying sizes. In order to get your own optimized pricing figure, you’ll need to get personalized quotes prior to booking. These costs can be influenced by the following:

• Move distance
• Shipment weight or volume (depends on the mover)
• Add-on service requirements
• Summer versus down season booking
• Advance booking

	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Local	$1,200	$1,500	$2,000	$2,750
250 mi	$2,750	$3,800	$5,100	$6,000
500 mi	$3,100	$4,100	$6,000	$6,700
1000 mi	$3,500	$4,500	$6,400	$8,400
2000 mi	$4,300	$4,900	$6,800	$9,000
2500 mi	$4,800	$5,100	$7,100	$10,000
3000 mi	$5,100	$6,000	$8,750	$11,250

Best Cities in Michigan

If you’re still hunting for a place to live within Michigan, you should consider these locales. Each provides residents with some of the best that the state has to offer.

• Ann Arbor: With top-rated schools and a large college presence, Ann Arbor is a city that prioritizes education. As one of the most in-demand locales in the state, it attracts a fair share of both young professionals and families. Ann Arbor provides the amenities of a big city with the walkability and feel of a large suburb. The presence of the Huron River within the city limits provides people with plenty of open spaces and locations to relax. Home values here are high, at $323,400. Renting is fairly reasonable, if a little high, with a $1,237 median price tag.
• Okemos: Okemos routinely lands on “best places” lists for the entire country, not just for Michigan. This Lansing suburb is currently home to 24,000 residents and comes fully equipped with solid schools, relatively affordable housing, and plenty of restaurants and nightlife. Median home costs are around $243,000 here, with nearly two-thirds of residents owning their homes.
• Birmingham: Birmingham is a suburb just north of Detroit, is home to 21,000 people, and has grown more than 4% in the last two years alone. Great schools, proximity to Detroit, and low unemployment have launched this community to the top of most lists of best places to live in Michigan. However, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to live here. Median home values are $580,000 and rising.

Living in the Great Lake State

Whether you’re moving to Michigan for the lower cost of living, the variety that its four seasons bring, or the natural beauty, you should be fully informed before making your decision. Here, we’ve listed a few key metrics to be aware of prior to planning your relocation.

• Cost of living: Michigan’s general cost is 10.4% below the national average. Utilities and groceries costs are typical, with healthcare (-14%) and housing (-35%) accounting for the majority of the difference.
• Cost of housing: Michigan will make this major part of living readily affordable whether you’re purchasing a house or renting an apartment. Median home costs here come to $207,800, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment will cost $979.
• Employment: Michigan as a whole — especially the greater Detroit area — took a huge hit with the decline of the U.S. auto industry. However, the state had recovered remarkably well up to the start of the pandemic, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8%. Now recovering from the height of the shutdown, it is at a still-low 4.7%.
• Weather: Michigan’s summers are known to be muggy and hot, with high humidity accompanying the July high temperatures of 78 degrees. Winters are notoriously frigid, with January lows averaging 16 degrees.

Final Thoughts

The surest way to plan a successful move is to begin the quote process early. Begin researching movers near you around two months ahead of your Michigan move. Doing so will give you the required time to properly vet each mover. Schedule your quotes with the goal of having several written estimates in hand around six weeks out from moving day. Once you’ve evaluated your options and decided, you should try to have your move booked a month ahead of time. Get a copy of your moving estimate and contract and keep them handy until the completion of your move.

House Method’s Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.

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