10 best long-distance moving companies in Elgin, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Lessen your worries by hiring the right moving professionals for the job. We've compiled this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Elgin so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to such jobs at all.

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

Local Elgin movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Hiring a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Elgin

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Elgin.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, inquire about the insurance options provided by your mover. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. 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 movers in Elgin several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend looking into several options to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors 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 get a moving company. Elgin also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you suspicious. Legitimate movers generally won't demand your complete payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your movers far enough ahead of time is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to have certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as notifying the Illinois DMV of your new address.

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 toiletries.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

If you keep 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 usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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