Moving Company

What is the Cost of Hiring a Professional Moving Company in Northern Michigan?

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. Based on our research, local moves in Northern Michigan range from $500 to $4500, 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.

Does the Moving Company Provide Comprehensive Estimates Detailing All Costs and Services?

Movers generally provide free estimates that outline the cost of their services. 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. In addition, it is essential to avoid movers that 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.

Do Moving Companies Offer Both Local and Long-Distance Moving Services?

All full-service companies typically offer a range of services, including both local and long-distance moves, which are the most common services. 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 federal law, all moving companies must obtain a USDOT license number to offer and execute long-distance moves, defined as moves across state lines. 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.

Does the Moving Company Offer Partial and Full Service Packing Services? How Much Do They Cost?

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 our research, the national average cost for packing services ranges from $250 to $2,200, depending on your needs. If you also want to add unpacking services, the total packing & unpacking cost usually ranges from $380 to $3,600.

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. To learn more, check out our packing services page.

How Do I Know If the Moving Company is Licensed and Insured? What is Their USDOT Number and State License Number?

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.

In Michigan, the state requires a license number from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MSPC). 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. 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 MSPC license number is L-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.

Are the Movers from the Company Trained and Experienced?

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.

At Guindon, our crew is not only experienced but 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. Since we are locally owned and operated, our owner, Scott Jensen, is usually at one of our company locations if you ever need anything.

Where Can I Find the Online Reviews of the Moving Company?

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.

With a 4.7/5 star review on Google, Guindon Moving & Storage is proud of our strong online reputation. We have been a Spire Quality Award Winner through Wheaton World Wide for four years in a row 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.

What is the Moving Company's Policy on Items Damaged or Lost During the Move?

Government regulations require all moving companies to offer basic liability coverage at no additional charge, which provides 60 cents per pound per item of coverage. This valuation only satisfies some customers, which is why most moving companies also offer full value protection at an additional cost. Full value protection ensures that the moving company will either 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. This ensures that you are adequately covered based on how you want to be covered in the unlikely event of damage or loss.