10 best long-distance moving companies in Canton, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Lessen your issues by picking the best movers for the job. We've put together this list of the leading long-distance movers in Canton so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these requests at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Canton moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Canton

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Canton.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or similar options for long-distance moves within the same state. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Canton several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise looking into several choices to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Canton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Reliable movers generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. We recommend booking your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Michigan DMV.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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