What to Know Before Hiring Movers in Michigan

A Complete Guide for Residential & Commercial Customers

Hiring a moving company in Michigan is a significant decision. Whether you’re relocating across town, moving to the Upper Peninsula, or planning an interstate relocation, the mover you choose directly impacts the safety of your belongings, your budget, and your overall experience.

Unfortunately, not all moving companies operate at the same professional standard. Understanding licensing requirements, pricing structures, insurance coverage, and common red flags can help you make an informed decision before signing a contract.

Below is a practical guide to what every Michigan resident or business should know before hiring movers.

1. Verify Licensing & Registration

Interstate Moves (Across State Lines)

If your move crosses state lines — for example, moving from Michigan to Wisconsin or Illinois — your mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

They must have:

An active USDOT number
An MC (Motor Carrier) number
Current insurance filings

You can search a mover’s USDOT number in the FMCSA database to confirm:

Active status
Safety record
Insurance compliance
Company name matches exactly

If a company cannot provide a USDOT number for interstate work, that is a serious red flag.

Intrastate Moves (Within Michigan)

For moves within Michigan, companies must comply with state transportation regulations and operate legally as commercial carriers. Always ask:

Are you licensed to operate in Michigan?
Do you carry active liability and cargo insurance?
Do you have workers’ compensation coverage?

A legitimate mover should answer these questions clearly and confidently.

2. Confirm Insurance Coverage

There are three types of protection you should ask about:

General Liability Insurance (click here to read ours)

Protects your property if accidental damage occurs during the move.

Cargo Coverage (click here to read ours)

Covers your belongings while in transit.

Workers’ Compensation (click here to read ours)

Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.

If a mover cannot provide proof of insurance upon request, reconsider hiring them.

3. Understand Pricing Structures

Moving costs in Michigan typically depend on:

Distance
Volume or weight of items
Access conditions (stairs, elevators, long carries)
Packing services requested
Storage requirements

Common Pricing Models

Hourly Rate (Common for Local Moves)
Charged based on crew size and time spent.

Flat-Rate / Binding Estimate (Often for Long-Distance Moves)
Based on inventory and projected distance.

Be cautious of extremely low quotes. In many cases, low estimates are used to secure the job, only for additional charges to appear on moving day.

A reputable mover will provide a clear written estimate outlining:

Services included
Travel time
Fuel or mileage fees
Packing charges (if applicable)
Storage costs (if applicable)

Transparency is key..

To learn more about our pricing, follow this link here

4. Avoid Common Moving Scams

Moving fraud still occurs nationwide. Watch for these red flags:

Large upfront cash deposits required
No physical business address
Unmarked trucks
No company website
Refusal to provide licensing information
Vague or verbal-only estimates
Subcontracting without disclosure

Professional moving companies operate with documentation, branding, and clear communication.

5. Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring movers in Michigan, ask:

Will my items stay on the same truck for long-distance moves?
Are your movers employees or subcontractors?
What happens if something is damaged?
What is your claims process?
How do you handle heavy specialty items?
What valuation coverage options do you offer?

The way a company answers these questions often reveals their professionalism.

6. Review Online Reputation Carefully

Online reviews are helpful, but read them strategically:

Look for consistent patterns, not isolated incidents.
Check multiple platforms (Google, Facebook, BBB).
Verify that reviews reference real services and locations.

Established moving companies should have a visible online presence and consistent branding..

Read our reviews here

7. Consider Local Experience

Moving in Michigan — especially in the Upper Peninsula — presents unique logistical challenges:

Winter weather
Rural driveways
Narrow staircases
Remote delivery locations

A company experienced in Michigan terrain and seasonal conditions will be better prepared to manage these factors safely.

8. Understand Your Valuation Options

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer basic valuation coverage. This is not the same as full insurance.

Make sure you understand:

What level of protection is included
Whether additional coverage is available
How claims are handled
Time limits for reporting damage

Clear documentation protects both parties.

9. Get Everything in Writing

Before moving day, you should receive:

A written estimate
A service agreement or contract
Terms and conditions
Payment terms
Pickup and delivery details

Never rely solely on verbal agreements.

10. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move

Hiring the right mover is only part of the process. To reduce stress:

Book early during peak season (May–September)
Confirm parking access
Prepare clear walkways
Secure pets and children
Keep valuables and documents separate

Preparation and professional support go hand-in-hand.

Choosing the Right Mover in Michigan

Moving is an investment in your time, property, and future. Choosing a licensed, insured, transparent moving company reduces risk and ensures accountability.

Whether you are relocating locally within Michigan, moving to the Upper Peninsula, or planning an interstate relocation, taking time to verify credentials and understand pricing will protect you from costly mistakes.

If you have questions about Michigan moving regulations or what to look for when hiring a mover, consult with a licensed professional before committing to a contract.

How To Prepare For Your Move

Beginning 2-4 weeks before your move (Recommended):

Beginning at least 24-48 hours

before your move (Highly Recommended)

Day-Of Move (Required)

Gather Packing Supplies: Collect all the necessary packing materials, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling.

Declutter and Donate: Go through each room and declutter. Donate or sell items you no longer need. This reduces the amount of stuff you'll have to pack and move.

Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items that you won't need in the next two weeks. This could include out-of-season clothing, extra linens, or rarely used kitchen items.

Label and Inventory: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Create an inventory list to keep track of your items. This will make unpacking more organized.

Pack Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time to keep things organized. This will also help when unpacking in your new home. *Don’t forget about garage, shed, extra storage areas*

Notify Important Parties: Inform the post office, utility companies, and relevant institutions about your change of address. Update your address for subscriptions and services.

Confirm Moving Details: Confirm the details with your moving company, including the time they'll arrive and any specific instructions they may have. We will contact you 24-48 hours before your move.
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit: Prepare a box with essential items for the first day in your new home. Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and any medications.
Disassemble Furniture: Disassemble furniture as much as possible. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture they belong to. If you are unable to have furniture disassembled before we arrive, no problem! Our crew comes equipped to assemble/dissasmble most furniture items.

Clear out the refrigerator and freezer of perishable items
Secure Animals: We love animals, but require that all animals be contained.
Clear Pathways: Ensure that hallways and walkways are clear for the movers. Remove obstacles and make sure they have easy access to all rooms. This may also include shoveling walkways and clearing the driveway before we arrive.
Final Sweep: Do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind. Check closets, cabinets, and storage spaces.
Secure Important Items: Pack important documents, valuable items, and any essentials you'll be transporting personally. Keep them secure and easily accessible.

By following these steps,

you'll be well-prepared

for a smooth and organized moving day.

What We Cannot Move

Chemicals
Gasoline/Propane
Engine Oils
Flammable or Explosive Materials,
Firearms
Animals
Item's over 500lbs (unless special request is made)
Anything else that may pose a risk to our team or your property as determined by Marquette Movers

What We Can Move

Furniture:
Boxes of all sizes
Garage items:
Storage items:
Appliances:
Special, and oversized items like pianos and safes

Tips For Packing Boxes

Choose the right box size: Start by selecting the appropriate size box for the items you want to pack. Use small boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter items.
Line the bottom of the box: Create a cushioned base for your items by lining the bottom of the box with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Wrap fragile items: Wrap fragile items like glassware, porcelain or electronics in bubble wrap or packing paper, and use tape to secure the wrap in place.
Pack items vertically: For heavier items like books or dishes, pack them vertically to distribute the weight evenly across the box.
Fill gaps: Fill any gaps or voids in the box with packing paper or other cushioning material to prevent items from shifting or moving during transit.
Close the box: Once your items are in the box, fold the flaps down and use packing tape to seal the box. Apply the tape in an "H" shape across the top and bottom of the box.
Reinforce the box: If the box is heavy or if you're packing fragile items, consider reinforcing the box by applying additional tape around the edges or in an "X" shape over the top.
Label the box: Label the box with a brief description of its contents and whether it's fragile or requires special handling.

Tips For Taping Boxes

. Double-taping: Apply a second layer of packing tape along the top and bottom seams of the box for added strength.
Corner-taping: Reinforce the corners of the box with extra tape, as they tend to be weaker than other areas.
Strapping tape: For very heavy or large items, use strapping tape to secure the box and prevent it from breaking open.
Mesh tape: Use mesh tape to reinforce the edges of boxes containing fragile items or sharp objects.

What is the Cost of Hiring a
Professional Mover?

The cost of hiring a moving company is contingent on many factors; such as the scale of the move, distance, and additional services required.

In Northern Michigan, local residential moves typically range from $500 to $4000, depending on the size and situation. For a more precise quote, we recommend a home survey conducted by our moving coordinator.

We prioritize accuracy and transparency in pricing, eliminating hidden fees. We offer both in-home and virtual surveys to meticulously assess your belongings, providing a detailed and precise estimate rather than a potentially inaccurate one over the phone.