10 best long-distance moving companies in Aurora, IL

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Aurora.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to keep in mind. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Aurora

Picking the right long-distance mover in Aurora requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we provide some guidance on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Aurora.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start collecting estimates several months before your move. Request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Aurora. Make sure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Aurora also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. We advise booking your move at least three months beforehand, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and toiletries.

The night before moving day, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less protection. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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