When you're moving across town or even a few towns away, you can handle things yourself with a truck and some helpful friends. Hiring movers is an option, but not necessary. Moving a long distance, on the other hand, is a whole other story. If you're moving more than a few hours away, hiring movers really is the way to go. Here are some key reasons why.

1. You can schedule your move more easily.

There is a lot to schedule when you move. If you rent, you need to schedule your move-in date with your new landlord. You need to schedule your move-out date with your old landlord. Then, you need to call and have the utilities turned on at certain times. Juggling all of this can be hard if you also have to pack boxes and drive a moving truck a long distance. What if there's a traffic jam or a bad storm, and you end up delayed? When you hire a moving company to move for you, scheduling everything is a lot easier. You just have to worry about yourself and your family. The moving company will take care of your physical items.

2. The movers know what can cross state lines.

There are more restrictions about what can be brought across state lines than you may realize! Certain plants can't be taken into certain states. You may not be able to bring along certain cleaning products or chemicals, either. While it's unlikely you would be caught if you were to unknowingly break these laws, there is a chance of this happening. Moving companies move things across state lines all of the time, so they know the rules for various states well and can make sure they are followed.

3. You don't have to worry about driving a moving truck on unfamiliar roads.

Driving a moving truck is quite different from driving a car or an SUV. You might be able to do it pretty easily on familiar roads. However, driving a big moving truck down the highway and on roads you don't know well can be quite a challenge. You'll also have to worry whether the truck will fit under any overpasses you encounter on the way. It's just easier to leave this to movers, who are experienced in driving big trucks.

Moving a long distance is not easy, but hiring movers makes it easier. To learn more, look for long-distance moving companies like Michael's Moving and Storage.