10 best long-distance moving companies in Carol Stream, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Lessen your issues by picking the best movers for the job. We've made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Carol Stream so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies only work within a specific geographic area and usually charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Carol Stream moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. 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 Carol Stream

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Carol Stream, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own 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 discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is taking care of your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Start asking for estimates several months before your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Carol Stream. 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 provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise researching several options to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what other clients say about specific long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover. Carol Stream also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. We advise booking your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we advise starting a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Putting together 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 toothbrushes, medications, and extra clothes.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

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

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your 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