10 best long-distance moving companies in Walker, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your challenges. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Walker to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Walker moving companies are commonly more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer 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 proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Walker

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Walker, we've compiled some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: 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. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to supply clients with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Walker and ask for detailed cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives 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 costlier to book a moving company. Walker 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. Additionally, reputable movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your movers far enough in advance is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend starting a month in advance. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Michigan DMV.

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toothbrushes, medicine, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy after you move. While this usually 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