10 best long-distance moving companies in Frankfort, IL

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your problems. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Frankfort to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such jobs at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when moving from one state to another. Choosing 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 Frankfort

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Frankfort.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, inquiring about these or other options is a good idea. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Frankfort. Ensure these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can with cost. 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 find 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 other clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to get a moving company. Since Frankfort is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a moving company has a 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

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to secure your moving company well before of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend getting started a month beforehand. You probably have valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

To stay organized, prepare a detailed list of all the necessary tasks both 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 a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Finally, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

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. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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