10 best long-distance moving companies in Bristol, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Bristol so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to consider. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that area if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Bristol moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. These 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 headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Bristol

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Bristol, we've gathered some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: 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. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance choices 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 movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Bristol several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several loans to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what previous clients have said about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Bristol 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: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need particular moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

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

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep 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