10 best long-distance moving companies in East Peoria, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Ease your concerns by selecting the best movers for the job. We've created this overview of the top long-distance movers in East Peoria so you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local East Peoria moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in East Peoria

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate long-distance moving company in East Peoria.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in East Peoria several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many 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 cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest researching several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Legitimate movers generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

It's also important to make 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.

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, medicine, and extra clothes.

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 critical, as it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. 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 pricier but offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. With this plan, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy after you move. This usually 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