10 best long-distance moving companies in Glendale Heights, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in important ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the best movers for the job. We've created this list of the best long-distance movers in Glendale Heights so you, your family, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are several key differences to be aware of. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Keep in mind that some moving companies might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their 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 extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Glendale Heights

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for choosing a legitimate long-distance mover in Glendale Heights.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans 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 reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving providers in Glendale Heights several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Glendale Heights, the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding estimates. Legitimate movers generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your moving company well before your move date is essential when preparing for a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, fragile, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

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

The night before moving day, don't forget to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it provides less protection. If you choose this plan, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy during your move. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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