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

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Forest Hills.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Forest Hills

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Forest Hills.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: 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 carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We advise looking for quotes several months before your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Forest Hills. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Forest Hills, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of moving companies with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, 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 medications, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is vital since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it offers greater coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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