10 best long-distance moving companies in Bloomington City, IL

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your challenges. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Bloomington City to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to consider. Local moving companies only operate within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Bloomington City moving companies are often more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers offer valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bloomington City

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Bloomington City, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer 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 insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies 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 qualified mover. 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: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Bloomington City several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options 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 cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several choices to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors 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.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company far enough in advance is critical when planning a long-distance move. We advise booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Illinois DMV of your new address.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive items (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. 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