10 best long-distance moving companies in Bartlett, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right movers can help relieve your worries. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Bartlett to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Bartlett moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies are more likely to have the relevant 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 Bartlett

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bartlett, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Bartlett several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can help with expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other clients have said about particular long-distance movers. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Bartlett also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reputable movers won't ask for the full payment upfront. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers well before your move date is essential for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized 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. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medicine, toiletries, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is key for long-distance moves because it'll reimburse you if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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