10 best long-distance moving companies in Saginaw, MI

There are a variety of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help alleviate your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Saginaw.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in many ways. 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.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Saginaw moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, especially when relocating to another state. 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 Saginaw

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Saginaw.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can ask about these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers provide clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Saginaw several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you choose 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 previous clients have said about particular long-distance moving companies. 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 to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Saginaw also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you plan your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might choose to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as plants and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than 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 bag with items such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical because 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 settlement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but provides more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less protection. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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