10 best long-distance moving companies in Auburn Hills, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Auburn Hills.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers more often charge based on time. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Auburn Hills moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Auburn Hills

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance moving company in Auburn Hills.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months ahead of your move. Contact multiple long-distance moving providers in Auburn Hills and request detailed cost breakdowns. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to get a moving company. Auburn Hills also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't demand the full payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Michigan DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, medications, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Michigan Department of State U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration