10 best long-distance moving companies in Waterford, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in several ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your challenges. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Waterford to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves is indispensable. 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 Waterford

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to pick the right one for your move. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Waterford.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting quotes several months before your move. Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Waterford and get itemized cost breakdowns. Estimates should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll 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 take out a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to select 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 others think about specific long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Waterford, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure 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 plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific 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 keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both before and after your move, such as notifying the Michigan DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before your big move, remember to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide 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. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection costs more but offers better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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