10 best long-distance moving companies in Kentwood, MI

There are several importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help alleviate your concerns. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Kentwood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies typically charge based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Kentwood movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Kentwood

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Kentwood, we've put together some guidance below.

• 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. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar options. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start requesting estimates several months before your move. Get itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Kentwood. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Kentwood, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, legitimate moving companies won't request the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers well before your move date is essential for a successful long-distance move. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

It's also a good idea 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 packing a suitcase with items such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your 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