Facebook

Avoiding Moving Scams in Michigan

When planning a move—whether it’s across town or across the state—hiring a local moving company can make the process smoother and less stressful. But how do you choose the right moving company, especially if you live in Plymouth, Michigan? While cost is often a top priority, there are other critical factors to consider to ensure a safe and hassle-free move.

Did you know that moving rates for trips over 40 miles within Michigan are regulated by the state? This means that if you’re moving from Plymouth to Lansing, for example, all licensed moving companies must charge the same rate. However, not all movers are created equal, and unfortunately, moving scams are a real concern. A little research and due diligence can go a long way in protecting yourself and your belongings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you avoid moving scams and find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan.

Start With Research

The first step in finding a reliable mover is to do your homework. Here’s how to get started:

  • Online Reviews and Testimonials: Search for moving companies online and read customer reviews. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and BBB.org (Better Business Bureau) can provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation and service quality. Look for companies with positive feedback and a track record of satisfied customers.
  • Check BBB Accreditation: The Better Business Bureau is a great resource to verify if a company is accredited and to review any complaints filed against them. A BBB-accredited business is more likely to be trustworthy.Avoiding Moving Scams

Speak with the Company

Once you’ve shortlisted a few companies, reach out to them directly. Speaking with the owner or manager can help you gauge their professionalism and legitimacy. Here are some key questions to ask:

  • Insurance and Licensing: Confirm that the company is licensed and insured. You can verify their license through your local regulatory office.
  • Company History: Ask about their experience in the moving industry. How long have they been in business?
  • Visit Their Office: If you’re still unsure, consider visiting their office. A legitimate company will have a physical location and won’t hesitate to answer your questions or show you around.

If the company is evasive or unwilling to provide clear answers, consider it a red flag.

Verify Their Information

Don’t just take their word for it—verify the information they provide. Here’s how:

  • License Verification: Double-check their license with your local regulatory office.
  • Business Listings: Look them up in previous years’ phone books or online directories. A well-established company should have a consistent presence.
  • Street View Check: Use tools like Google Street View to confirm their business address. Be cautious of companies that list addresses pointing to empty lots or residential homes.

Don’t Be Fooled By Appearances

A professional-looking website or a fleet of branded trucks doesn’t always guarantee quality service. While these can indicate legitimacy, they should be considered alongside other factors like reviews, licensing, and customer service. Compare this to a mover operating out of their home with a single truck and temporary helpers—it’s clear which one is more likely to be reliable.

Protect Yourself from Scams

The last thing you want is for an unmarked truck to disappear with all your belongings. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think, especially when people prioritize the cheapest price over quality. By following the steps above, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a moving scam.

Why Choose Men on the Move?

At Men on the Move, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, affordable moving services across Michigan. Our team is licensed, insured, and dedicated to making your move as seamless as possible. Have questions? Contact us today, and let us guide you through every step of the moving process.

For a full 10 step guide on how to find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan Click here.

Free Residential Quote from Michigan Movers

Navigating Multiple Stop Moves The Right Way

moving to storage

*As of October 2025, Men on the Move no longer has secure, indoor storage*

Moving is a significant life event, and adding multiple stops to the equation can make it feel even more complex. Whether you’re moving from a home to a storage unit, helping family members relocate belongings, or stopping at multiple locations to pick up or drop off items, a multiple-stop move has unique challenges. But with the right planning and trusted moving professionals, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

What is a Multiple Stop Move?

A multiple-stop move involves handling a relocation that requires stopping at more than one location. Instead of heading directly from Point A to Point B, the process might include additional pick-ups or drop-offs along the way. These moves are common in a variety of situations, such as:

  • Helping a family member move while transferring some items to your new home.
  • Dropping off belongings at a storage unit before settling into the main destination.
  • Picking up and delivering items from multiple locations to consolidate into one home.

While these moves add an extra layer of complexity, proper planning and the right team of movers can make them seamless.

The Challenges and Reasons for Multiple Stop Moves

Reasons for a Multiple-Stop Move

Understanding why a multiple-stop move might occur helps you tackle its challenges. Some common reasons include:

  • Moving to and from Multiple Residences: Families often coordinate moves across different properties, such as dropping off items at a relative’s house or downsizing households.
  • Storage Transitions: Items like furniture or boxes may need to be stored temporarily in a storage unit before heading toward the final destination.
  • Special Deliveries: Whether you purchased furniture from a seller across town or have gifted items heading to others, making multiple deliveries is often part of the process.
  • Business or Office Relocation: Businesses with satellite offices or accumulated equipment often require multiple stops during their commercial move.

Unique Challenges to Multiple Stops

While manageable, multiple stops are not without their challenges. Here are some things to consider:

  • Time Considerations: Loading, unloading, and travel between stops can add up quickly.
  • Allocation of Resources: You might need to sort through belongings at multiple locations to determine where they belong.
  • Efficiency Planning: Unpacking and reaching specific destinations in the correct order requires accurate coordination between all parties involved.

These considerations make proper logistics planning and working with experienced movers essential.

Hourly and Long Distance Rates for Multiple Stop Moves

Men on the Move crew in Canton
When planning your move, understanding the rates for multiple-stop services is critical to avoid financial surprises.

Local Moves and Hour Rates

For local moves involving multiple stops, many moving companies, including Men on the Move, charge an hourly rate. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Hourly Charges include Labor and Travel Time: Expect the time spent driving between stops and unloading items to account for the final cost.
  • Focus on Efficiency: Clearly labeling what belongs at each stop ensures smooth loading and unloading.

Long Distance Moves

If your multiple-stop move spans long distances:

  • Weight and Distance Matter: Movers often calculate fees based on the overall weight of your items and the mileage covered.
  • Pre-Plan Your Stops: Provide your mover with exact stop locations and ensure adequate notice if additional stops are needed en route.
  • Schedule Strategically: Long-distance movers often prefer pre-set appointments for drop-offs to streamline operations.

How Men on the Move Simplifies Your Multiple-Stop Move

moving a heavy antique sterio cabinetIn a recent job or movers made four stops in three cities! First in Canton to pick up furniture (including valuable antique furniture) and deliver to a local storage unit. Then, to a residential home in Garden City, where furniture was delivered and more items were picked up. Finally, the balance of the furniture was taken to Men on the Move in Livonia to be stored in a 10′ x 15′ secure indoor storage unit. The best part? It was done in about 5 hrs!

At Men on the Move, we understand the unique challenges of multiple-stop moves, no matter how complex they seem. Our mission is to make your move efficient, stress-free, and tailored to your specific needs. You can trust Men on the Move for any type of move because of our experienced movers, transparent pricing, and comprehensive services. So,  call or get a moving quote from Men on the Move for a stress-free moving experience!

Moving To Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids moves made easy with Men on the Move

Photo credit to @liveHappyGR on Instagram

Grand Rapids Michigan is a booming and thriving city with a huge beer scene (voted Beer City USA), a hot real estate market, and a thriving local shops and restaurant scene. Also, Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan and the largest city on the Westside of Michigan. The population of Grand Rapids has been steadily increasing and because of that GR has one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. With the building of the “Medical Mile”, over a dozen colleges, and events like Art Prize, Grand Rapids has a lot to offer. GR is the perfect city for young professionals, college kids, or someone looking for a cool city to live in.

Fun Things To Do in Grand Rapids

With local places like Founders Brewing Co., the Frederik Meijer Gardens, Van Andel Arena, and The John Ball Zoo there is plenty to do in the city. In addition,  Grand Rapids is a walkable and bikeable city that has bike lanes, a large farmer’s market, local soccer team, and thriving brewing and distillery scene. The Heritage Hill Historic District boasts many beautiful turns of the century homes and even hosts Meyer May House, a work of Frank Lloyd Wright. If you’re looking for more presidential things to do, the Gerald R. Ford Museum and childhood home are nestled into the city as well. There are so many things to do in Grand Rapids, you almost don’t have enough time in the day!

Moving To Grand Rapids

If you’re moving to Grand Rapids make sure you hire a professional. Moving from Metro Detroit to Grand Rapids is a long distance move or intrastate move. When moving long distances (over 40 miles), you need to have a moving company that is certified and able to do intrastate moves.

If you’re moving from Detroit to Grand Rapids hire a moving company that can make the long-distance move easy. We here at Men on the Move will make as efficient and stress-free as possible. Finally, we offer moving supplies, moving checklists, and can give you a quote for your next move.

Tips on Moving With Children

Moving can be a large project. Moving with children can add to your moving stress because your child’s entire routine is disrupted. Learn how to make this transition for your children as easy as possible by following the tips below.

The best way to prepare your child for an upcoming move is to communicate and keep them involved. Let them know that the family is relocating and that everything is going to be alright. Children trust parents and depend on them to keep them in a loop with what is going on. If you are unable to take the children with you while searching, show them photos of homes. This will keep them involved throughout the entire process.

Long Distance Moving With Children

If you are moving a ways from your current movinglocation, you may have to switch schools or doctors for your children as well. Speak with your child’s current pediatrician to see if they have any recommendations to help with the process. You will want to ensure that you have enrolled your child in their new school. Do this prior to the move so that they do not have to miss much school.

When you bring your children to the new house, it is best that you have their room set up. Your child will experience feelings of loss by moving into an unfamiliar environment. Having their room set up when they get there, will help your child to relax and feel comfortable in their new environment.

To help you and your child adjust to your new environment, give your child a tour of the neighborhood including their new school and doctor’s office. If you have not already, make sure to secure their new daycare as well.

The trusted movers at Men on The Move in Michigan are committed to helping you make your move as nonstressful as possible. To make your move easy, we offer free quotes and moving supplies. Hire Men on The Move for your next move, because we are licensed, insured, open 7 days a week, and offer long distance moves. So contact us today.

Click here for more moving tips.