10 best long-distance moving companies in Addison, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help lessen your issues. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best long-distance movers in Addison to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers commonly set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers usually charge based on the time needed for your move. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Addison moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when relocating to another state. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Addison

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for your move. See the list below for some recommendations on picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Addison.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, looking into these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Addison several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Addison also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend booking your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might choose to keep certain fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Illinois DMV of your new address.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a good night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you reduced coverage. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Illinois Office of the Secretary of State U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration