10 best long-distance moving companies in Portage, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right movers can help alleviate your problems. We've compiled this guide to the best long-distance movers in Portage so you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to consider. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Portage moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. 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 Portage

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on finding a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Portage.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: 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 insurance options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Portage several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. A moving or relocation loan can with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others think about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Portage, the beginning and end of the semesters 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. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a mover has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

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

Put together a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Michigan DMV.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, medications, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll reimburse you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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