Moving Company

The cost of hiring a moving company varies based on several factors, such as the size of the move, distance, and any additional services required. According to moveBuddha, “The average cost of hiring movers in Michigan is $139 per hour, with an average total move cost between $523 and $4,592,” depending on the size of your home. However, you can receive a more accurate estimate when the mover completes a home survey.

At Guindon Moving & Storage, we ensure accuracy and transparency in pricing without any hidden fees. “We offer both in-home and virtual surveys that allow us to assess your belongings to provide a detailed and accurate estimate rather than giving a potentially inaccurate estimate over the phone,” states Owner and President Scott Jensen. Start your moving journey today by filling out our online form or calling us at our Escanaba (906) 786-6560 or Marquette/Negaunee (906) 475-4139 locations to request your free quote today.

Movers generally provide free estimates that outline the cost of their services. According to USA Today, “A moving estimate is a detailed calculation top rated movers provide to prospective clients that indicates how much the requested moving services will cost.” 

Some movers, however, may not be fully transparent about including certain additional services, so make sure you know exactly what you are paying for before committing to your moving company. “Your moving company should provide a written contract that clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the move and all related costs,” USA Today emphasizes, “If the agreement is incomplete or vague — or if the company doesn’t provide one at all — it may indicate an intentional lack of transparency that will result in overcharging.”

In addition, it is essential to avoid movers who charge you for an estimate or don’t offer estimates at all, as they are not being upfront with you.

At Guindon Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on our transparency and honesty, which is why we offer free, no-obligation estimates to all our customers. “Our comprehensive estimates detail all costs and services involved in your move, ensuring no hidden fees or surprises, so you have all the information you need to choose the right mover for you,” states Owner and President Scott Jensen, who has over 30 years of experience at Guindon. Fill out our free estimate form or call us at our Escanaba (906) 786-6560 or Marquette/Negaunee (906) 475-4139 locations to schedule your free estimate.

“Full-service movers handle local and interstate moves from beginning to end,” Moving.com states. However, some companies only travel up to a certain distance, so make sure you check with your movers that they can move you to your destination. If you are looking for a trusted long-distance mover, it is best to look for a company that is an interstate agent with a van line, such as Wheaton World Wide, as they have access to over 400 agents nationwide.

To legally complete local moves, the moving company must have a state license, which varies from state to state. In Michigan, moving companies must have an MPSC license to move locally. According to the FMCSA, “A U.S. DOT number is required by FMCSA for interstate moves,” also called long-distance moves. If a moving company partners with a van line, they can operate under their van line’s USDOT. To learn more about licensing, go to our section on “How Do I Know If They Licensed and Insured? What is Their USDOT Number and State License Number?” below.

As an interstate agent of Wheaton World Wide Van Lines, we offer local, long-distance, and international moves at Guindon under our state license (MPSC L-18884) and Wheaton’s USDOT (70719). “As the largest mover in Northern Wisconsin and Northern Michigan, we have the resources and expertise to handle any move,” states President of Guindon, Scott Jensen.

Many moving companies offer packing and unpacking services as part of their offerings, which can vary in cost based on the complexity and size of the move. If a moving company is a ‘full-service mover,’ they should offer packing services.

Packing services are almost always an add-on to your move, meaning they most often come at an additional cost. According to Forbes Home, “Moving companies may charge per hour or per box, but on average you can expect to pay about $700 for full-service packing and unpacking.” However, this price does vary based on the amount of items you need packed and unpacked. 

Guindon provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, with quality packing materials included. Our expert packers will come to your home or office a few days before your move at an agreed-upon time to start packing your items. “At Guindon Moving & Storage, we carefully handle your belongings, using high-quality packing materials to ensure their safe arrival at your new location,” states Owner and President Scott Jensen. To learn more, check out our packing services page.

Ensuring a moving company is licensed and insured is crucial for your protection. According to state and federal laws and regulations, moving companies must obtain a state license for local moves, defined as moves within one state. Certain states also require moving companies to obtain a Motor Carrier License to complete interstate moves, which, like long-distance moves, are defined as moves that cross state lines. 

The state requires a license number from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MSPC) in Michigan. The state of Michigan also requires movers to have a Motor Carrier (MC) License number to complete interstate (long-distance) moves. Federal law requires moving companies to operate under a license number from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for long-distance moves. 

According to this Forbes article, “Unlike license plate numbers, all vehicles in a company’s fleet have the same USDOT number. When you’re searching for a moving company, they should readily share their USDOT number with you.” If a moving company is an interstate agent of a nationwide van line, such as Wheaton World Wide, it can operate under the van line’s USDOT number.

Typically, a reputable moving company will prominently display its licenses in the header or footer of its website. However, if you are looking at an interstate moving company, you can check if they’re licensed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Database.

With over 80 years of experience in the moving industry, Guindon Moving & Storage is fully licensed and insured. We operate under USDOT license number 70719 as an Interstate Agent of Wheaton World Wide Moving. Our MC license number is 87113, and our CVED state license number is #18884. Guindon also has general liability and worker’s comp insurance to protect everyone. “We take your trust in us seriously and aim to provide the safest moving services,” Owner Scott Jensen states.

A moving company is only as good as its crew, which is why all reliable moving companies train and background-check their movers. Qualified, trained, experienced, and background-checked movers ensure a professional and smooth move. According to Forbes, “A company’s reputation speaks volumes about the kind of service you can expect. Look into their track record—how long they’ve been in business, whether they’re licensed and insured and their standing with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.”

At Guindon, our crew is experienced and also friendly and personable. A few of our moving crew members have been with us for over a decade. “As a family-owned business, we take pride in offering the highest quality service at competitive prices, which includes the professional handling of your belongings,” says Owner and President Scott Jensen. Since Guindon is locally owned and operated, the owner, Scott Jensen, is usually at one of our company locations if you ever need anything.

Reviews provide real-life experiences of previous customers and give insight into the company’s service. All moving companies should have a profile for reviews on a third-party site such as Google or Yelp, as this ensures the reviews come directly from the customer.

Many moving companies have curated testimonials written on their site. Still, since they do not come directly from a third-party site, the company may have edited them or chosen to display their favorites. This is why many reliable moving companies have their Google or Yelp reviews linked directly to their site.

According to News Channel 6, “Reviews play a vital role in evaluating the reliability and performance of moving companies… To ensure a smooth moving experience, potential clients should scrutinize online reviews and testimonials, seek recommendations from friends and family, and verify the company’s credentials and track record.”

Guindon Moving & Storage is proud of its strong online reputation, sporting a 4.7/5 star review on Google. We have been a Spire Quality Award Winner through Wheaton World Wide Moving for five consecutive years and have served our community for over 80 years. “We invite you to read our Google Reviews for all of our locations, including Escanaba and Negaunee, as our reviews attest to our commitment to providing exceptional customer service,” says Owner Scott Jensen.

Government regulations require all moving companies to offer Basic Liability Coverage at no additional charge, which provides 60 cents per pound per lost or damaged item. “For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds),” the FMCSA clarifies. 

Basic Liability Coverage only satisfies some customers, so most moving companies also offer Full Value Protection at an additional cost. Full value protection ensures that the moving company will repair, replace, or refund you the fair market value for any items lost or damaged during the move.

At Guindon Moving & Storage, we understand the value of your possessions and offer two coverage options. “Our valuation options include basic liability coverage and full value protection,” states Owner and President, Scott Jensen, “This ensures that you are adequately covered based on how you want to be covered in the unlikely event of damage or loss.”