10 best long-distance moving companies in Holt, MI

There are many factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. We've made this guide to the top long-distance movers in Holt so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually charge based on the length of time needed for your move. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Holt

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. Below, we offer some advice on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Holt.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Holt. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Holt also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding prices. Reputable moving companies generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of movers with an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book 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 moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Michigan DMV of your new address.

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

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 because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need 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 movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers 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 keep the same policy when you move. This typically 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