10 best long-distance moving companies in Elk Grove Village, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves present unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've created this list of the best long-distance movers in Elk Grove Village.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only work within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers typically charge based on the time required for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when setting their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer less expensive rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Elk Grove Village

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Elk Grove Village.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or similar options. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Elk Grove Village several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing options to help you afford your move. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Elk Grove Village 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: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reputable movers won't demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you book your move at least three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

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 because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has less protection. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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