10 best movers in East Lansing, Michigan

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Michigan. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the East Lansing area.

Long-distance movers in East Lansing

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Check that the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable long-distance movers below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

GET ESTIMATE

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

GET ESTIMATE

3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of East Lansing is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in East Lansing is above 69.1% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly based on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Professional labor
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Storage
• Packing
• Junk removal

These extra factors can bring up the cost of your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are breakable, valuable or particularly large. These common items can cost more to move:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s customary if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as traffic, a lack of supplies, inclement weather and transportation emergencies. These can add to your moving costs and extend your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving costs in East Lansing.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can lower the cost and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a cheap moving service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in East Lansing

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Michigan are also required to have a license from the Motor Carrier Division of the Michigan State Police.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the optimal moving time in the U.S., which leads to substantially increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. Understandably, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, take those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Aerosols
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Batteries

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.