Best movers in Detroit, Mich.

Detroit is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S., now ranked the twenty-sixth largest city in the country. With thousands of people relocating each year, the demand for reliable Detroit movers remains high. To help, the Yahoo Local team researched dozens of moving companies in Detroit to help you choose the right one. We rated each business based on factors like services offered, Better Business Bureau accreditation status and customer reviews. We also contacted each company directly to verify details like hourly rates, minimums, hidden fees and employee background checks. Read more about the best Detroit moving companies for your next move. 

Quick overview

The best moving company in Detroit for YOU

Deciding which moving company to hire can be an overwhelming experience. When you open up a browser to search for the best Detroit movers, hundreds of companies pop up. How can you be sure the one you choose is right for your move? The mover should meet your budget, timeline and availability needs. These are the three most important factors to start with when choosing a Detroit moving company, and Yahoo Local is here to help make the choice easier for you.

Maybe you're moving to Royal Oak, with its walkable downtown and nearby access to the Detroit Zoo, or settling into Corktown, where historic brick buildings meet an up-and-coming restaurant scene around Michigan Central Station. Or maybe you're moving out of state. Either way, the trick is finding a mover who fits your timeline, budget and moving needs.

After extensive research and evaluation, Yahoo Local determined that Ultimate Movers is the best overall Detroit mover because of its depth of experience, reliability and customer care. The company boasts an almost perfect 4.8-star Google rating, based on over 285 reviews. One Google reviewer said she chose Ultimate Movers because of all the positive feedback and admitted, "still you never can be sure. But I have to say my experience with Ultimate Movers exceeded my expectations by a mile!" A flat rate of $699 for a three-person crew covers the first three-hour minimum, then $169 an hour thereafter. 

Handy Relocations delivers the best value for budget-conscious moves. At $150 an hour for a three-person crew with a three-hour minimum plus a $150 truck fee for fuel and supplies, you'll pay at least $600 before add-ons. A $100 booking deposit applies toward your total, and you can reschedule or cancel up to 72 hours ahead with no penalty.

If you need local storage for your move, check out Preferred Moving & Storage 's secure, climate-controlled facility. This is one of the only movers in our guide with a dedicated storage facility. Local moves cost $180 an hour for two movers and a truck with a four-hour minimum plus a $50 fuel fee. A $50 deposit secures your date, and there are no card processing fees. Your items are placed in sealed wooden crates under 24/7 surveillance, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

Ultimately, the best mover is the one that fits your schedule, budget and service needs. Keep reading to learn more about the best moving companies in the Metro Detroit area. 

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Detroit

• Best value Detroit mover

• Best no-deposit Detroit moving company

• Best national mover

• More best moving companies

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• Detroit moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Detroit, Mich.

Ultimate Movers is the best Detroit moving company

When it comes to the best Detroit moving company, Ultimate Movers stands out for its experience, reliability and customer care. For these reasons, it earns the top spot as Yahoo Local's best Detroit moving company. Founded by Lloyd Cobb in 2016, this locally-owned and operated moving company has helped more than 1,000 families and businesses move throughout Detroit, Ann Arbor and surrounding counties (Washtenaw, Oakland and Wayne). As Detroit's top relocation company, it has over 12 years of hands-on experience with one Google reviewer raving that Ultimate Movers is a " class act start to finish ."

Cobb answered the phone when we called for a local moving estimate and told us the flat rate is $699 for a three-person crew. This covers a three-hour minimum, with each additional hour priced at $150. There are no hidden fees. The rate includes all standard moving materials such as shrink wrap, dollies and blankets, along with the moving truck, mileage and fuel. If you're hiring Ultimate Movers for a local move in Detroit, plan to spend at least $699 for full-service help with a three-person crew.

Services offered

• Commercial moving 

• Residential moving 

• Long-distance moving 

• Packing 

Time starts when the crew arrives at your location and ends when the last item is unloaded off the truck. Ultimate Movers does not require a deposit and does not charge a cancellation fee. You can pay by cash or debit/credit card (a 4% transaction fee applies). Ultimate Movers does not accept checks.

It is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating, with two complaints resolved in the past three years. The company also holds a 4.8-star rating on Google from 286 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Yelp from 117 reviews. All team members are full-time employees who undergo background checks as part of the hiring process. Cobb told us most of his movers have been with the company for five to six years, bringing steady, hands-on experience to every move.

Ultimate Movers is located at 17836 Bagnoli St., Brownstown Charter Township, Mich., 48174. Call 313-828-2253 or visit the website to schedule your upcoming move. The company lists its availability as 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering flexible, around-the-clock service to meet your moving needs.

Customer testimonial

Absolute delight to work with Ultimate Moving Co. today! Movers were very nice! On time, very efficient and courteous. Movers were very careful and took care of our furniture respectfully and were fast! Entire company was pleasant to work with from beginning to end, from scheduling the service to the very end. Would definitely recommend them to anyone moving and would definitely use this company again! Very happy with this experience! - Trina M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Handy Relocations is the best value Detroit mover

Handy Relocations is a full-service moving company offering packing, unpacking, loading, unloading and transportation services across the U.S. and Canada. It offers one of the lowest hourly rates in our guide, with ample moving services to choose from. 

Founded by Detroit hip-hop artists Jarrel Lowman and Emile Vincent of Clear Soul Forces, Handy Relocations brings the same drive and hustle to their moving business that has earned them respect in the Motor City music scene. The company is both a member of the American Trucking Association and the Michigan Movers Association. It focuses on professionalism and care, regardless of the type of move, with several reviews noting that the movers are " very friendly, polite, and fast ."

Handy Relocations keeps things simple and upfront. The rate is $150 an hour for a three-person crew with a three-hour minimum, so you'll pay at least $450 in labor. There's also a flat $150 truck fee that covers fuel, mileage and supplies like shrink wrap, dollies and moving blankets. If you'd prefer a flat rate for a local move, send over a full inventory and Handy Relocations will give you a tailored quote.

A $100 deposit, which goes toward your final bill, is required to secure your booking. Handy Relocations doesn't accept cash or checks, so you'll receive a digital link to pay by debit or credit card (a 3% processing fee applies). If you pay the deposit by credit or debit card, the processing charge is waived. You can also use Zelle, PayPal or Venmo. If you provide a full inventory, it can also offer a flat-rate local moving estimate.

Services offered

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves 

• Packing 

• Labor only 

• Full service 

• Furniture pick-up and delivery

Jarrel, who spoke to Yahoo Local over the phone, told us that all of Handy Relocations' movers are full-time employees who undergo background checks and that the company is affiliated with HireSafe, a professional employment screening company. Jarrel also offered (unprompted) to send over a copy of the company's Certificate of Insurance (COI), and is the only mover we spoke with on this list to do so, indicating transparency and ease for the customer.

The BBB does not accredit Handy Relocations, but this best Detroit mover does have a pristine file with an A+ rating with no complaints. It also has 4.8 stars on Google (77 reviews) and five stars on Yelp (one review).

Call 313-649-4917 or visit the Handy Relocations website to get a free estimate for your upcoming move. The company's business hours are listed as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making Handy Relocations a great choice for emergency moves. It is located at 2209 Gratiot Avenue, 2nd floor, Detroit, Mich., 48207.

Customer testimonial

Handy Relocation was very Professional and Dependable with moving my daughter from Virginia to Michigan after college. I highly recommend this moving company. Jarrel carefully wrapped her furniture and set it up once delivered. - Kim M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

White Star Movers is the best Detroit mover that doesn't require a deposit

Founded in 1988, White Star Movers has evolved from a two-truck family business into one of Southeast Michigan's most trusted moving companies, serving Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. With offices in Sterling Heights and Shelby Township, White Star handles local, long-distance and international moves. As an agent for Mayflower Transit and Unigroup Relocation, the company brings added resources and experience to complex relocations. 

White Star Movers charges by the hour, with rates varying by day, for a three-person crew. Monday through Thursday, the rate is $233 per hour, Friday moves are $248 per hour, and Saturday moves are $268 per hour (closed on Sunday). A two-hour minimum applies, so the lowest prices you can expect to pay are $466 Monday through Thursday, $496 on Friday and $536 on Saturday. A one-hour service charge equal to the applicable hourly rate also applies and is not included in the hourly rate pricing. 

No deposit is required, and there are no cancellation fees. Payment options include debit or credit card (3% processing fee), cash or check. White Star Movers recommends booking at least two weeks in advance. The company also confirmed to Yahoo Local that it conducts background checks on all moving crew members.

Services offered

• Residential moves

• Commercial moves 

• International moves

• Local moves

• Long-distance moves 

• Packing 

• Storage 

• Senior moves

White Star Movers is not accredited by the BBB . It has an F rating due to its failure to respond to two complaints within the last three years. It has a 4.7-star Google rating based on 755 reviews and a 3.6-star Yelp rating based on 76 reviews. It is licensed and insured by the Michigan Public Service Commission and holds the Mayflower Transit Quality Labor Certification. 

The business address is listed as 35956 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, Mich., 48310. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on weekends. Call 586-977-0400 or visit the White Star Movers website to schedule your free estimate. 

Customer testimonial

White Star Moving was wonderful. We dealt with Chase and Curtis who were professional, timely and efficient with our move. I would highly recommend them. - Annie M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, our goal is to champion neighborhood businesses and showcase the top choices in each area. That said, we recognize that for certain moves and budgets, a national carrier may be a more suitable option. For a full comparison of local versus national movers, see our guide . However, we've also evaluated the leading nationwide companies, ranking BLVD as the best national mover .

BLVD Moving was founded in 2000 and is led by relocation specialists with decades of experience. Although they maintain just four offices in California, they handle moves both within the state and coast-to-coast. As a family-owned and operated business, BLVD operates its own fleet of trucks and employs its moving crew directly. Their terms do note that subcontractors or partner agents may be used for some jobs, which is common industry practice, but worth keeping in mind.

We requested a quote from BLVD for a 500-mile move, which included approximately 1,340 cubic feet of belongings (roughly equivalent to a three-bedroom home without large appliances). The estimate came in around $6,700, which matches long-distance market rates. To reserve your move, you'll pay 33% of the total up front, 50% of what remains at pickup and the balance on delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance relocations

• Residential, commercial and office moving

• Professional packing

• Storage solutions

• Financing options

If you cancel at least two business days before pickup, you'll receive your deposit back in full. Delivery windows range from two to 21 business days based on distance, and start on your chosen delivery date, so your shipment could arrive more than a month after you're ready.

We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance and even earlier if you're planning a summer or month-end move. (For more, check out our guide on the best and worst times to move .) Getting an estimate is easy. You can opt for a virtual walkthrough or fill out an online inventory form for a faster quote. Financing is available with rates starting at 0% for qualifying customers.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB with an A- rating and has 75 complaints on record, which is typical for a national carrier. On Google, it holds 4.4 stars from 871 reviews, and on Yelp, 2.3 stars from 339 reviews. All movers are direct employees who have passed a background screening.

The company's main office can be found at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Its business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, seven days a week. Call 844-274-0500 or visit the website for a free estimate.

Customer testimonial

I had a great experience with BLVD Company Movers during my pickup. Ben, who handled the job, was incredibly efficient, professional, and careful with all of my belongings. He was punctual, organized, and made sure everything was securely packed and handled with care. I really appreciated how smoothly the pickup went. Ben made a stressful day feel much easier. Can't wait to see how the rest of the move goes, but so far, I'm very impressed! - Mariana B., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Fordson Movers is the best locally-owned Detroit mover

Fordson Movers is Yahoo Local's top choice for the best locally-owned moving company in Metro Detroit because of its reliable service, transparent pricing and hands-on approach. Founded in 2016 by Mark Mansour, Fordson Movers began with just one truck and the goal of becoming a household name in the Michigan moving industry. Today, the company has grown through word of mouth and positive online reviews, with Google reviewers calling Fordson Movers " professional, fast and prepared for everything ," all of which has built a strong reputation for customer satisfaction. Mansour stays hands-on with every move, adding a personal local touch. Former customers describe him as " professional and pleasant to work with " and " polite and helpful " and several note he handles short-notice schedule changes with care.

Based in Dearborn Heights and serving nearby areas like Livonia, Garden City, Westland and Taylor, Fordson Movers provides custom quotes with no hidden fees. For local moves, the company charges a flat rate of $699 for a three-person crew, which covers the required three-hour minimum. So, the least you can expect to pay with Fordson Movers is $699. 

After that, the rate is $169 per hour, billed in 30-minute increments. The clock starts when the crew arrives at your pickup location and stops once the last item is unloaded at your final destination. (Long-distance moves are priced by distance, volume and service level, with full or partial packing help available.) 

A $100 deposit is required to secure your booking and is applied toward your total cost. If you cancel your move, you'll forfeit the deposit. However, you can reschedule up to 72 hours before your booked date with no penalties. Payment options include cash or Zelle. Credit and debit cards are accepted via a digital link and incur a 4% processing fee.

Services offered

• Packing and unpacking 

• Residential moving 

• Commercial moving 

• Local moving 

• Long-distance moving

• Corporate relocation

The BBB does not accredit this Detroit mover and therefore has no rating for the company (but it has no registered complaints). It has a 4.9-star rating on Google, based on 228 reviews, and a 4.6-star rating on Yelp, based on 12 reviews. A representative with Fordson Movers confirmed that the company does not employ day laborers and that all crew members are full-time and undergo background checks.

Call 313-247-0001 or visit the website to learn more about how Fordson Movers can help you with your impending move. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Fordson Movers is located at 8733 Columbia St., Dearborn Heights, Mich., 48127. 

Customer testimonial

100% recommend these guys, they came in, super friendly, got the job done within 2 hours. Zero complaints, both guys went above and beyond. The next time that I am moving, I will be calling Fordson Movers again. - Matias G., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Preferred Moving & Storage is the best Detroit moving company offering secure storage

Preferred Moving & Storage is one of the best Detroit moving companies if you need secure storage and expert service. In business since 1983, the company has completed more than 30,000 moves and brings more than 40 years of experience to residential, commercial and long-distance relocations. As an award-winning agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, Preferred Moving & Storage also handles interstate and international moves with nationwide support, with customers calling it "top-notch on every level."

What sets Preferred Moving & Storage apart from other movers in our guide is its secure, climate-controlled warehouse storage in the Metro Detroit area. Your belongings are in good hands, as they are sealed in wooden crates and stored in a facility with around-the-clock surveillance and no public access. When you're ready to get your stuff back, the company handles the redelivery to keep things easy for you.

Preferred Moving & Storage charges $180 an hour for two movers and one truck with a four-hour minimum, so you'll spend at least $720 on labor. If you need extra help, you can add a third mover for an additional $60 an hour. The clock starts when the crew leaves the office and stops when they return.

You'll also pay a one-time $50 fuel fee. A $50 deposit secures your date and is applied to your final bill. You can change your date at any time with no fee or cancel for free. You can pay with cash, check or card. Preferred Moving & Storage is the only mover in our guide that does not charge a card processing fee, which usually ranges from 3% to 5%.

Safety and reliability are top of mind at Preferred Moving & Storage. A company representative told Yahoo Local that every mover completes a full background check before hire and is continuously re-screened every six months to ensure your move is in good hands.

Services offered

• International moves

• Specialty moving

• Military moves

• Senior moves

• Packing and crating

• Vehicle transport

• Piano moving

This mover one of the only companies in our guide to offer discounts on its website, including offers of up to $150 off a move or one month of free storage. The company is fully licensed, insured and accredited as a ProMover by the American Moving & Storage Association. Preferred Moving & Storage serves Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Preferred Moving & Storage is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating with no registered complaints. It has a 4.8-star Google rating (98 reviews) and a 3.3-star Yelp rating (six reviews). Its business address is listed as 42950 Executive Dr., Harrison Township, Mich., 48045.

Call Preferred Moving & Storage at 586-463-4230 or visit the website to book your next local or long-distance relocation to or from the Detroit Area. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

Customer testimonial

I moved from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL. The price was great for such excellent service!! Travis and Lucas communicated well, were timely and most importantly, careful when moving my items. Nic did awesome setting everything up too! Thank you so much!! - Cloe C., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why

Yahoo Local has spent decades building reliable information on neighborhood businesses, and we don't just expect you to take our word for it; we demonstrate it. For example, our proprietary ranking engine pulls reviews from several trusted user‐rating platforms and applies a balanced weighting system to create what we consider the most authoritative local business rankings. We outline the factors that contribute to our scores (see the list below), allowing you to assess their credibility. Unlike many rivals, Yahoo Local does not accept any fees for inclusion or placement, and our independent picks aren't "sponsored" or influenced by outside parties. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page .

• 30 movers evaluated

• 6,110 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all six featured movers

• Independent price quotes sourced from all six featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

Detroit moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

Moving companies need several key pieces of information to provide you with an accurate and transparent moving estimate. Before calling a moving company in Detroit, make sure you know:

• Type of move (local, long-distance, international)

• Moving date(s)

• Starting and ending addresses

• Services such as packing or specialty item moving

• Full inventory of items

Movers may also want to see your home before giving you an estimate. This is typically done virtually or in person, helping the company plan for the right number of movers and moving trucks. These are some of the most common things movers in Detroit need to provide you with an accurate moving estimate.

What should you know about packing and storage in Detroit?

Many Detroit movers, such as Fordson Movers in our guide above, offer partial or full packing services. Full packing means movers pack everything for you, while partial packing covers only certain items or areas of your home that you choose. If you're on the fence about packing services, our guide to deciding between packing yourself or hiring movers can help you decide.

One of the best Detroit moving companies, Preferred Moving & Storage , offers a climate-controlled facility to securely store your belongings. Ask your moving company whether it offers temperature- or climate-controlled storage. Furniture, electronics, documents are some of the most common items that require a climate-controlled facility to help prevent damage like warping, mold or cracking.

Other options, like portable storage containers , offer a flexible solution for short- or long-term storage and are ideal for DIY moves . Most moving and storage pods are weather-resistant, offering protection from sun, rain, wind and snow. They can be a great option for short-term outdoor storage, but they aren't suited for items sensitive to heat, cold or moisture, since those conditions can't be controlled inside the unit.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in Detroit?

Planning a move to or from a condo or apartment building in Detroit? Downtown offers both historic walk-ups with narrow staircases and modern high-rise condos with spacious freight elevators. Before booking talk to your current and future building management about reserving service elevators and designated move-in and move-out windows. 

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in Detroit?

No special permit or license is required if you're handling your own move. However, any company you hire to move household goods within city limits must hold a public mover's license from Detroit's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Intrastate for-hire carriers also need authority from the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) and must register with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) under state law. Learn more about Michigan's moving company regulations and licensing requirements .

The city of Detroit considers moving trucks commercial vehicles when it comes to street parking. You can park on a commercial street for up to one hour without a permit, but a longer stay (or parking on a residential street) requires a visible permit from Detroit's Department of Public Works, according to the City of Detroit's municipal code . Make sure your mover displays the permit to avoid fines or towing.

How much should you tip movers in Detroit?

Tipping movers isn't required or expected by the team, but it's fairly customary as a way to communicate appreciation for the safe handling of your belongings. Most tips for movers range between 10% and 20% of your total moving cost. Cash tips are typically preferred. Digital payment services like Zelle and Venmo are also ways to tip movers directly. Our guide to tipping movers explains everything you need to know.

More Yahoo Local best movers in the U.S.

• See all Yahoo Local moving articles

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