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There’s nowhere quite like the Great Lakes region. Michigan is unique in that it touches each Great Lake except for Lake Ontario. But whether you’re moving near the waterfront or farther inland, relocating an entire household’s worth of goods is never easy. While professional movers are available nationwide to lend a hand, it can be difficult to determine which ones are reliable and right for your purposes.
To help you out, we’ve spent hours of research and created a comprehensive methodology to rank the best moving companies. We then refined those results to include the best moving companies in Michigan, detailing our findings below.
The Best Movers in Michigan
These are our top-ranked moving companies in Michigan:
- International Van Lines: Best Overall Mover
- American Van Lines
- Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Moving APT
- Safeway Moving Inc.
- JK Moving Services
- Allied Van Lines
International Van Lines: Best Overall Mover
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit International Van Lines’ site
What We Like
International Van Lines (IVL) is a versatile company, starting out in international logistics and expanding to include domestic moving services just a few years later. The company still offers international relocation services and is a practical choice for an overseas move to Michigan. The international moving guide on IVL’s website is among the most comprehensive we’ve found.
IVL is a full-service moving company, limiting your direct involvement in the moving process and allowing you to focus on other aspects of preparing your new home. The company’s national presence enables it to perform long-distance moves in every state.
Cost
You can request a quote online from IVL or call 888-293-1891. IVL provides an online moving calculator, but we found that it usually results in similar price ranges regardless of the inputs. For a more accurate estimate, the company can perform a virtual home survey or an in-home consultation to determine your projected moving costs.
To cover your moving costs, you can pay with a money order or cash when the moving truck arrives at your new home. The initial booking deposit is payable with cash, money order, or cashier’s check.
Services
International Van Lines offer a similar basic service package as other full-service competitors. This includes packing, loading, unpacking, and unloading your belongings and providing transport. Custom crating, specialty handling of large items, vehicle shipping, and optional fragile-only packing services are available to help protect your high-value belongings. IVL also offers short- and long-term storage services.
IVL offers a unique approach to contents coverage and moving insurance. IVL offers the same basic liability and full valuation protection as all FMCSA-registered movers but also makes a point to connect its customers to optional third-party insurance plans that provide more comprehensive coverage.
Read more: International Van Lines Review
American Van Lines
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 48 (all but Alaska and Hawaii)
- Get a quick quote: Visit American Van Lines’ site
What We Like
American Van Lines (AVL) provides experienced moving labor and full-service packages for commercial and residential moves in the contiguous United States. AVL claims that its moving teams average 10 years of experience in the industry, and the company dedicates time to train its staff in moving techniques at its own facilities.
AVL trains its movers in the proper techniques for moving delicate and valuable items. This makes AVL a solid option for high-stress moves involving antiques, artwork, and pianos. According to its website, AVL has an entirely separate antique-moving division that will handle items that have endured for generations.
Cost
You can call AVL at 877-960-3186 for a quote or request one online, which will lead to a phone call from a company representative. AVL advertises a flat-rate pricing system to cut out hidden costs. You can provide a virtual walkthrough of your home’s inventory using a video you upload to YouTube or any other video host. An AVL representative can also conduct an in-home consultation to review your inventory.
Sample quotes are available on AVL’s website. You can complete your payment for a booked move with cash, credit card, or check.
Services
AVL offers residential and commercial moving services. It will provide full-service moves that include packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. You may also opt for fragile-only packing. AVL offers storage solutions for all moving services.
AVL has more than 20 years of experience moving fine artwork. The company touts its history of safely moving numerous art collections and individual pieces. For its piano moving services, AVL can dismantle the instrument as much as necessary for the move and reinstall it in the new home to save you the hassle.
Read more: American Van Lines Review
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit IMRG’s site
What We Like
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker and is not authorized to conduct moving services in-house; rather, it outsources services to moving companies nationwide. IMRG has both long-distance and local movers in its extensive network. It can coordinate moves over thousands of miles or simply from Detroit to Ann Arbor.
Moving companies’ websites have marked differences in the amount of information they provide. IMRG stands out for its comprehensive site that features detailed guides to moving between major U.S. cities. Within minutes of reading, you can learn about a particular area’s cost of living, top destinations, and the IMRG partners that serve it.
Cost
You can call IMRG at the number listed on its website for a free quote or fill out the online form to receive a call from a move coordinator. IMRG will provide a binding moving estimate based on a self-report, but it’s a good idea to request an in-home survey from the moving partner that IMRG selects for your services to avoid surprise fees.
Payment options include money orders, cash, cashier’s check, and credit card. The company will charge an up-front deposit for reserving space on moving trucks with its partners.
Services
An upside of using a broker such as IMRG is that you benefit from a wider range of services. IMRG partners with full-service movers that can provide full packing and unpacking assistance and numerous specialty services. For a more streamlined moving experience, you can request to add vehicle shipping, long- and short-term storage services, commercial moving services, and more.
Read more: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Review
Moving APT
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Moving APT’s site
What We Like
Moving APT is a moving broker that books moving services through a large network of professional moving companies. It partners with long-distance movers nationwide but also has the flexibility to schedule moves through local and international carriers. As a broker, Moving APT bears no responsibility for shipments, but it does provide transparency regarding the companies that it works with.
This makes scheduling services easier for many types of moves, especially if you require specialty services that not all independent carriers offer. Moving APT can tailor a move plan to your needs, whether a residential move with the addition of vehicle shipping or a commercial move with data backup services.
Cost
To get a free moving quote from Moving APT, submit your information using the form on the website’s homepage, or call the displayed phone number. After discussing the details of your move with a Moving APT representative, one or more of its partners will contact you requesting more information about your move. With many companies, you can self-report your home’s inventory, but an in-home consultation will typically result in the most accurate quote.
Payment methods will depend on the carrier performing your moving services, but you should expect to pay an up-front deposit before Moving APT will finalize the move.
Services
Moving APT can schedule various moving services through its network of national and local moving companies. This includes full-service moves with professional packing and loading services. Full-service moves generally also include furniture disassembly and reassembly as necessary. Other services Moving APT’s partners provide are car shipping, commercial moving, and storage solutions.
Read more: Moving APT Review
Safeway Moving Inc.
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Safeway’s site
What We Like
Safeway Moving Inc. is a moving carrier and broker hybrid. It sends its own crews to perform many services and uses a partner network to complete moves outside its availability. The company has a nationwide presence with a strong focus on long-distance and cross-country moving services. For customers moving overseas from Michigan, Safeway also has some international relocation availability.
When considering booking a move with Safeway, keep any special requirements in mind. Safeway has substantial experience moving families from larger homes, and it also takes care to abide by the requirements set by homeowners and condo owners associations (HOAs and COAs). You can also expect Safeway to provide extra assistance for moving senior citizens.
Cost
You can request a quote from Safeway online or by calling 844-886-1118. Safeway provides in-home and virtual surveys, or you can self-report your inventory to receive an estimate. It also uses a flat-rate pricing system for a more predictable way of determining rates.
Payment options for your up-front deposit include cash, check, credit card, and several other convenient options. For the remaining balance of your moving costs, you will need to use cash, certified check, or money order when Safeway arrives for pickup.
Services
Safeway coordinates a full-service moving plan that includes packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. It also includes 30 free days of storage in a secure facility. The company states that it will label your goods and use wrapping and cushioning material for maximum protection.
Safeway promotes in its marketing materials that it strives to educate and guide seniors through the moving process to make it as smooth as possible. Video estimates are available for a less invasive approach to surveying inventory, and the company states that it provides several insurance solutions and informational resources.
Read more: Safeway Moving Inc. Review
JK Moving Services
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit JK Moving’s site
What We Like
JK Moving Services is a Michigan mover with full-service options for residential, commercial, and corporate moves. It provides interstate moving services in all 50 states and has authority as both a carrier and broker. To give customers peace of mind about the quality of its service, JK Moving background checks all employees and provides annual training.
JK Moving Services streamlines its booking process and keeps customers informed with a free mobile app. This quick download allows you to receive and view your estimate on your mobile device, ensuring you can access the documentation you need at home or on the go. You can also proceed through the booking process and pay your deposit with the mobile app.
Cost
You can submit your contact information to JK Moving through its website, or you can call 571-487-8929 to start your moving quote. Similar to other full-service movers, JK Moving will want to conduct an in-home visual survey of your inventory or a virtual survey. You can also use AI-assisted technology on your mobile device to conduct your own survey of your home.
After scheduling your move, you must pay a deposit before your pickup date. JK Moving accepts credit cards, cash, and certified checks.
Services
JK Moving offers full-service packing and unpacking for its residential and commercial services. The company also has short- and long-term storage solutions. You can schedule long-distance and international moves to or from Michigan. For small, local moves, JK Moving advertises that it can relocate your belongings in nine days or less.
Many competitors in the moving industry offer commercial moving services, but JK Moving has a more comprehensive service selection than most competitors featured in this guide. It can help with virtually every aspect of an office move, including data center logistics and IT equipment relocation. JK Moving also has experience handling government moves.
Read more: JK Moving Services Review
Allied Van Lines
Fast Facts:
- Service model: Full service
- Specialty services: Yes
- State availability: 50
- Get a quick quote: Visit Allied Van Lines’ site
What We Like
Allied Van Lines can plan and execute moving services for customers anywhere in the country. It operates its own large fleet with additional support from a network of vetted third-party movers. It can coordinate residential and corporate moves and offers a number of specialty services. Allied has several third-party partners located in Michigan to help ensure an efficient booking and moving process.
We like Allied’s no-frills website with easy-to-find information about its services. It features several useful resources for move planning, including checklists and a blog with moving tips. It also provides educational materials on consumer protection and understanding moving costs.
Cost
Allied’s online quote tool is located front and center on its homepage, but you’re still required to speak to a moving service representative after providing basic move details. You can have Allied assess your home’s inventory in person, or you can use its virtual survey option for a faster estimate.
In a departure from many national moving companies, Allied requires no up-front deposit. You can pay your moving fees with cash, credit card, or certified check.
Services
You can book a full-service move with Allied and have the company take care of packing your household, loading the moving truck, and delivering your shipment. The movers can also unpack your belongings to save you time. Allied offers short- and long-term storage options and also has a portable storage service called Allied Express that includes full moving assistance.
For customers with plans to spend time out on the Great Lakes, Allied offers boat shipping in addition to its in-house vehicle shipping services. It can ship most other types of recreational vehicles, including snowmobiles and jet skis.
Read more: Allied Van Lines Review
Compare the Top Moving Companies in Michigan
Compare key metrics for our top moving choices:
Our Recommendation
The state of Michigan is home to numerous local and national movers prepared to transport your belongings to your new home. For anyone seeking out the best Michigan movers, we recommend looking into International Van Lines. IVL can move you to or from any city in the country, offering professional packing and unpacking services for a less stressful transition to your new home.
American Van Lines is a choice option for relocating within the contiguous United States, operating its own fleets and managing experienced crews. AVL trains its movers to give special attention to moving high-end items and belongings with sentimental value. We also like Interstate Moving & Relocation Group for its extensive network of moving partners in major cities throughout the United States.
You should make a point to request quotes from three or more providers. Receiving multiple estimates will give you an opportunity to learn more about each company’s services and policies before making a decision.
Michigan Moving Companies FAQ
What factors affect the cost of a Michigan move?
The weight and size of your household inventory will affect the cost of a Michigan move. The total move distance and any specialty services you request will also contribute to the moving cost.
How are moving companies regulated in Michigan?
Moving companies in Michigan that provide intrastate moves must have operating authority granted through the Motor Carrier Division of the Michigan State Police.
What is the best way to get furniture moved?
The best way to get furniture moved is to hire a full-service moving carrier or broker, such as International Van Lines, American Van Lines, or Interstate Moving & Relocation Group.
How We Chose the Top Moving Companies in Michigan
We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.
We also gathered pricing data from each of the companies and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. To determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as their overall score on Yelp.