10 best long-distance moving companies in Belleville, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be dealing with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Belleville to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Belleville

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance mover in Belleville.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Belleville. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what previous customers thought about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and relatives for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Belleville 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: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding quotes. Additionally, reliable movers won't request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of poor 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

Booking your movers far enough in advance is key for a successful long-distance move. We suggest booking your move at least 90 days beforehand, or even earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might choose to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

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

The night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but includes better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. It may be helpful to review your policy, 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