10 best movers in Rochester Hills, Michigan

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. For a local move in the Rochester Hills area, use the filters below to find other movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Rochester Hills

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Rochester Hills is higher than the national average, making itfairly costly. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Rochester Hills is above 87.5% of the country.

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

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

These extra factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, breakable or oversized. Some items that can cost more to move include the following:

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

Ask movers whether they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons, including traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies. These issues may add to the time and money required. Prepare for delays by allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Rochester Hills.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you’ve consented to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you book the movers you want.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective mover.

You can move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Rochester Hills

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for 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 to the new location and unpacking them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand 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 learn about your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the ideal time to move, which creates increased demand for moving companies and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may deter you from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the frigid weather and potentially snowy conditions that Michigan winters present can be unideal for a move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for 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 personal car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those possessions with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.