10 best long-distance moving companies in Bourbonnais, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Ease your concerns by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Bourbonnais to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive 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 movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often set fees based on time. Some moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

Local Bourbonnais moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Bourbonnais

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate, trustworthy long-distance moving company in Bourbonnais.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds 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 look into these or similar options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Bourbonnais several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. 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 hire and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, reliable moving companies shouldn’t demand the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure an easy move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You probably have fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items 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 toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (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 coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

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