10 best movers in Livonia, Michigan

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Michigan is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Livonia area.

Long-distance movers in Livonia

A long-distance move is when you relocate to a different state or over 50 miles away. When crossing state boundaries, check that your moving company has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. These reliable and experienced movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently across state lines.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Livonia is greater than the national average, making it a relatively expensive process. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Livonia is higher than 84.3% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Storage
• Packing
• Professional labor

These extra considerations can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are breakable, valuable or oversized. These common items can be more expensive to move:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Safes
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide good service. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Livonia.

Be communicative

Avoid unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and reserve your movers of choice.

Movers are busiest from May through September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving service.

You can move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Livonia

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage the entire moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Michigan are also required to have a license from the Motor Carrier Division of the Michigan State Police.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time spans from May to September, leading to much higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about possible loss or damage, pack those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by movers. These include the following:

• Fuel sources
• Aerosols
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Perishable foods and produce

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.