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

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in significant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right moving professionals can help put your mind at ease. That’s why we’ve made this list of the leading long-distance movers in Highland Park to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive 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 offer local moves. Local movers only work within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Highland Park movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and stress 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 Highland Park

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your move. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance mover in Highland Park.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Highland Park several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what previous clients say about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask neighbors and family for 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 during the summer months. Highland Park 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: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. Reliable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. Avoid movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to secure your movers far enough ahead of time. 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 specific services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before moving day, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it provides better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings 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. 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