10 best long-distance moving companies in Crystal Lake, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Crystal Lake.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in a few ways. Local movers generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's necessary to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Crystal Lake

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices may feel overwhelming, making it challenging to select the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing a reliable long-distance moving company in Crystal Lake.

• 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. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Crystal Lake several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Neighbors 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 book and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Crystal Lake also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Booking your moving company far enough ahead of time is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. We recommend scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

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

Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll reimburse you if any of your possessions are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers must provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. This option 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 partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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