10 best long-distance moving companies in Dundee, IL

There are a range of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Dundee so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in several ways. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

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

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Dundee

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Dundee, we've put together some recommendations 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 fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to provide clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Dundee. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies have financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous customers think about specific long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a moving company. Since Dundee is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reputable movers won't ask for the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company far enough in advance is key for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both 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 medicine, extra clothes, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement 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 better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less protection. If you choose this plan, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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