University Moving and Storage - Review by All Movers
Look, I’m going to be honest with you right off the bat. When I first heard the name University Moving and Storage, I immediately thought, "Okay, so two guys in a beat-up van moving futons and mini-fridges for college sophomores, right?"
How much will my move cost?
Let us help match you
Thank you!
Your movers will contact you shortly.
Written by: All Movers Team
AllMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Reviewed by: Sarah Mitchell
Meet Sarah Mitchell of All Movers: logistics pro, moving expert, and your go-to guide for stress-free tips, smart packing hacks, and honest advice.Read more
Last Update: 06/01/2026
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As someone who has worked in the logistics trenches – juggling schedules and praying trucks show up on time – and as a mom who has dragged her family across the country (Seattle to Charlotte was rough, let me tell you), I’ve learned never to judge a moving company by its name alone.
I’m Sarah Mitchell. I’ve been in the industry, I’ve hired the movers, and I’ve packed more boxes than I care to count. Today, I’m digging deep into a University Moving and Storage review to see if they are the right crew to handle your life’s possessions.
Whether you’re moving a 4-bedroom house or just downsizing to a chic apartment, you need to know if these guys are the real deal or just another headache waiting to happen.
If you are looking for a moving company that balances local charm with big-van-line resources, stick around. We’re going to look at their pricing, their reputation, and whether they actually show up when they say they will.
- Not Just for Students: Despite the name, they are a full-service mover for families and corporations, backed by North American Van Lines.
- Strong Midwest Roots: They have a massive presence in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, but can handle moves anywhere globally.
- Quality Over Price: They aren’t the cheapest truck on the block, but their claims ratio (damage rate) is impressive.
- The Verdict: Best for people who have valuable stuff and are terrified of breaking it, rather than someone looking for a quick, budget hop.
Best Overall Value Best Overall Value
- Nationwide availability
- Clear pricing, no hidden fees
- Premium door-to-door service
Need Help? Call Now
877-794-4947- Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service
- Reliable moving & Storage solutions
- Top-quality services, trained staff
- Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff
About University Moving and Storage
The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by AllMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
So, who are these guys?
University Moving and Storage isn’t some fly-by-night operation. They’ve been around since 1969. To put that in perspective, that’s the year of Woodstock and the moon landing. Any company that survives over 50 years in the moving industry – which is notoriously cutthroat – is doing something right.
They are headquartered in the Midwest (think Michigan excellence), but here is the kicker: they are a top-tier agent for North American Van Lines.
Why does that matter?
When I was working as a logistics coordinator, I learned that “agent” is a magic word. It means University Moving is locally owned and operated – so you can usually get a real human on the phone – but they have access to the massive fleet, tracking technology, and driver network of North American Van Lines. It’s basically the best of both worlds.
They are 100% woman-owned, which I personally love to see in an industry that is usually dominated by grumpy old men.
Their mission seems to center heavily on quality awards and safety. They aren’t just trying to be a local and long-distance moving provider; they want to be the one you don’t hate by the end of the day.
Services Offered by University Moving and Storage
You might be thinking, “Sarah, I just need to move my couch and my china cabinet.” I get it. But knowing the full scope of what a company does tells you a lot about their competence. If they can handle moving a corporate headquarters, they can probably manage your dining room table without scratching it.
Residential Moving
This is the bread and butter. Whether you are moving three streets over or three states away, they handle the heavy lifting.
They categorize this into local (usually under 50 miles) and long-distance moving services. Since they are plugged into the North American Van Lines network, they have access to long-haul drivers who actually know how to drive an 18-wheeler through a mountain pass without panicking.
Corporate Relocation
This is where my logistics nerd brain lights up. Corporate moves are high stress. If an employee’s move goes wrong, the boss hears about it. University Moving does a lot of this.
They handle the paperwork, the timing, and the policy compliance for companies moving staff. If you are moving for a job, ask your HR if they work with them.
International Moving
Moving to France? Lucky you. Also, I’m jealous. University Moving handles the nightmare that is customs clearance and freight forwarding. International moves are a beast of paperwork, and you do not want to DIY this.
Storage Services
Sometimes your new house isn’t ready when the old one closes. It happens. I’ve been there, living out of a suitcase in a hotel for two weeks. It’s not fun.
They offer secure, climate-controlled storage. This isn’t a self-storage unit with a rusty padlock; it’s a warehouse where they crate your stuff and stack it until you’re ready.
Packing and Crating
If you hate packing (and who doesn’t?), they offer full packing services. They also do custom crating. If you have a giant mirror, a weirdly shaped sculpture, or a grandfather clock that’s been in the family for generations, they build a wooden box specifically for it.
How do University Moving and Storage Work?
Knowing what they do is one thing, but knowing how they treat you is another. I’ve called plenty of movers who made me feel like I was inconveniencing them just by asking for a price.
Service Booking Process
Here is the deal with getting a quote. You can’t just look at a menu and pick a price. Moving doesn’t work like ordering a pizza.
- The Inquiry: You fill out a form on their site or call them.
- The Survey: This is crucial. They will want to see your stuff. They might send someone to your house (my preference) or do a virtual video survey. Do not skip this. If a mover gives you a quote over the phone without seeing your closet full of shoes, run away. That is how you get hit with hidden fees later.
- The Estimate: University Moving is known for providing detailed estimates. You want to look for a fixed-price estimate (sometimes called a Binding Estimate). This means the price won’t change unless you suddenly decide to move a piano you didn’t mention earlier.
- The Coordinator: Once you book, you get assigned a move coordinator. This is your “person.” When I was working in logistics, being a coordinator meant I was the therapist, planner, and problem solver for the client. You’ll have their direct line.
Moving Process
On the big day, the moving crew shows up. Based on client reviews and general practices, here is what usually goes down:
- Prep: They put down floor runners and pad the door frames. This is a good sign. If a crew walks in with muddy boots on your cream carpet, kick them out.
- Inventory: The driver will tag every single item and list its condition. You sign this. Pay attention here! If they mark your pristine dresser as “scratched,” correct them.
- Loading: They load the furniture like a game of Tetris. Heavy stuff on the bottom, light stuff on top. Before signing anything on moving day, make sure you look over our guide to understanding moving contracts.
- Delivery: When they arrive, they tick items off the list. If something is missing or broken, this is when you note it.
Pros and Cons of University Moving and Storage
Nothing is perfect. Even the best movers have bad days. Here is my honest take on the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Pros
- Low Claims Ratio: This is industry speak for “they don’t break stuff often.” Their damage frequency is significantly lower than the industry average.
- Drivers are Vetted: Because of the North American Van Lines affiliation, the drivers go through background checks and serious training. You aren’t getting a random guy off Craigslist.
- Professionalism: They consistently win quality awards (like the Customer Choice Award).
- Transparency: They are pretty open about their moving quotes. They don’t tend to lowball you just to jack up the price later.
- Real Employees: For local moves, they use their own crews, who are often in uniform and trained.
Cons
- Price: They are not the budget option. If you are looking for the cheapest possible move, this probably isn’t it. You pay for the peace of mind.
- Communication Gaps: While generally good, some customer complaints mention that during peak season (summer), it can be hard to get a hold of the coordinator instantly.
- Subcontracting: For very long moves, your shipment might be handled by other agents in the North American network. This is standard, but it means the people delivering might not be the same friendly guys who loaded you.
Average Cost of University Moving and Storage
These are ballpark figures. The average normalized moving cost changes based on the season. Moving in July? Add 20%. Moving in November? You might get a deal.
Okay, let’s talk money. It is really hard to give you an exact number without knowing how many boxes of books you have (I have way too many), but we can look at averages.
Keep in mind, moving services are priced based on weight (or volume) and distance.
However, based on the average normalized moving cost for a company of this caliber, here is what you might expect:
| Move Type | Home Size | Approx. Distance | Estimated Cost Range |
| Local Move | 1-Bedroom Apt | < 50 miles | $600 - $1,100 |
| Local Move | 3-Bedroom House | < 50 miles | $1,500 - $2,800 |
| Long Distance | 1-Bedroom Apt | 1,000 miles | $2,800 - $4,500 |
| Long Distance | 3-Bedroom House | 1,000 miles | $5,500 - $9,000 |
| Full Pack | 3-Bedroom House | N/A | Add $1,000 - $2,500 |
How Does University Moving and Storage Compare to Other Movers?
Let’s see how they stack up against the competition.
| Company | Pricing Model | Avg. Rating | Best For |
| University Moving | Quality/Higher End | 4.7/5 | Corporate & High-Value Homes |
| Two Men and a Truck | Hourly (Local) | 4.2/5 | Local, simple moves |
| U-Pack / PODS | DIY / Container | 4.5/5 | Budget & Storage flexibility |
| Allied Van Lines | Weight/Distance | 4.6/5 | Long Distance (Similar tier) |
Get matched with the best mover for your needs!
Thank you!
Your movers will contact you shortly.
Find University Moving and Storage Near You
They are headquartered in the Midwest, which is great if you are in that region, but remember they can move you anywhere. If you are in Michigan, you see their trucks everywhere.
Branches and Locations
While they service the whole country through the van line network, their physical brick-and-mortar locations (where the trucks sleep) are primarily in:
- Farmington Hills, MI (Detroit area)
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Whitestown, IN (Indianapolis area)
- West Chester, OH (Cincinnati area)
If you live near these hubs, you are getting the “home team” crew, which is usually the best-case scenario. If you want to keep track of broad migration trends affecting routing availability, check out our guide to the top cities people are moving to.
Is University Moving and Storage a Good Moving Company?
If I were moving my grandmother’s antique china cabinet and my expensive mattress across the country, I would hire University Moving and Storage.
Why? Because the moving company regulations they follow are strict, their claims ratio is low, and they have the backing of a major van line. They are reliable.
Planning a move? Call now for expert assistance and get an instant free quote today!
877-792-7972However, if I were moving a college apartment with IKEA furniture that I plan to throw away in two years, I might skip them. They are a premium service. You don’t hire a limo to go to the grocery store, and you might not need a specialized logistics team to move a futon. If you want to remain diligent before booking any provider, look over our reference on identifying moving scams.
But for a family move where you want to minimize stress and ensure your customer experience doesn’t involve crying over a broken TV? They are a solid, trustworthy choice.
Alternatives to University Moving and Storage
Is University Moving and Storage licensed and insured?
Yes, absolutely. They are fully licensed under the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and carry all required insurance. Since they are an agent for North American Van Lines, their compliance is very strict. To keep track of their registration safety, check out our piece on how to verify a mover’s USDOT number.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely. They are fully licensed under the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and carry all required insurance. Since they are an agent for North American Van Lines, their compliance is very strict. To keep track of their registration safety, check out our piece on how to verify a mover’s USDOT number.
Yes. They offer both short-term (storage-in-transit) and long-term warehouse storage. It is climate-controlled and secure.
Yes. You can buy boxes and tape from them if you want to pack yourself, or they can bring the supplies and pack for you as part of a full-service package.
Generally, no, provided you are honest during the estimate. However, watch out for a change order. If you add items on moving day that weren’t on the list, or if the truck can’t fit down your street and they need a shuttle van, that will cost extra. Always ask about “shuttle services” and “long carry fees” beforehand.