10 best long-distance moving companies in Southgate, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves have unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Choosing the right movers can help alleviate your problems. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Southgate to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in many ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Although 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 moving between states. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Southgate

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. See the list below for some tips on choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Southgate.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Southgate several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We advise researching several loans to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about specific long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for 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 more expensive to get a moving company. Southgate 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: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of poor 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

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to reserve your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano moving 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.

Putting together a checklist of all the tasks 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.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. This plan requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep 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