10 best long-distance moving companies in Shelby, MI

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

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Shelby to help you, your family, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

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 movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies often set fees based on the time required for your move. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Choosing 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Shelby

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate long-distance mover in Shelby.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types 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 similar options. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Shelby and get itemized quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might 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 help with cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several choices allows you to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be difficult and costlier to book a moving company. Shelby also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your movers well before your move date is essential for a successful long-distance move. We suggest planning your move at least 90 days beforehand, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done 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.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a full 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 offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you 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