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

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in several ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help lessen your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Champaign City to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only assist with local moves. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these jobs at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers usually charge based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 Champaign City

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance mover in Champaign City.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. To fully protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We advise asking for quotes several months before your move. Request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Champaign City. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients thought about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to get a mover. Champaign City also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't ask for the full payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your movers far enough in advance is critical when planning a long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you enough time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that 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 without professional help. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

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.

All interstate movers need 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 possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are lost or damaged.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Illinois Office of the Secretary of State U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration