10 best long-distance moving companies in Northville, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Lessen your problems by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Northville.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Northville moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when moving between states. Using a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Northville

Picking the right long-distance mover in Northville requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance mover in Northville.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend asking for quotes several months ahead of your move. Get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Northville. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several loans allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones 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 for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a moving company. Northville also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have 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 book your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise scheduling movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both 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.

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

The night before your move, 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 some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it provides reduced coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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