10 best long-distance moving companies in Elmwood Park, IL

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

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your issues. We've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Elmwood Park so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in several ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be more affordable), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 Elmwood Park

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Elmwood Park, we've compiled some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar options. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Elmwood Park several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans 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: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what previous customers say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since Elmwood Park is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, reputable moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your movers far enough in advance is key when planning a long-distance move. We recommend planning your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or possibly earlier 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 valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include items 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 extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

The night before your move, 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 some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it has less coverage. With this plan, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after 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