10 best long-distance moving companies in Holland, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Holland so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Holland

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Holland, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Holland several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• 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. Since Holland is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Reputable moving companies generally shouldn't ask for your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. We suggest scheduling your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend getting started a month ahead of time. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things 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.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. This plan requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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