10 best movers in Midland, Michigan

The best mover for relocating out of Michigan is International Van Lines. If you're planning to move around Midland, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Midland

A long-distance move is when you relocate to a different state or more than 50 miles away. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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 Midland is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Midland is above 70.7% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can bring up the cost of your total:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving fragile, valuable or very large items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, transportation emergencies, bad weather and limited supplies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Be prepared for delays by allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Midland.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Notify them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still get your preferred moving team.

Peak moving season is between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap mover that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

Move on your own is an option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can cost less. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Midland

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting 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?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the peak time to move. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and increased costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about possible loss or damage.

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

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

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.