10 best long-distance moving companies in Galesburg City, IL

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Galesburg City to help you, your family, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their final cost, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Galesburg City moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and expertise, particularly when moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover 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 Galesburg City

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Galesburg City.

• 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 within the same state, looking into these or other insurance options is a good idea. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation 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 requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Galesburg City several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous clients have said about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding prices. Legitimate movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment before the move. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company far enough in advance is critical for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least three months 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 unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain items 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, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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