10 best long-distance moving companies in Hoffman Estates, IL

There are a variety of importantfactors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help relieve your problems. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings reach your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Hoffman Estates.

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. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically 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 charge 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.

Local Hoffman Estates movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Choosing a long-distance moving company 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 Hoffman Estates

When you're picking a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on picking a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Hoffman Estates.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance options carried by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation 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 regulations, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Request itemized quotes from several long-distance movers in Hoffman Estates. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies offer financing plans. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what other clients think about particular long-distance movers. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Hoffman Estates, the beginning and end of the semesters 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" estimates should make you suspicious. Trustworthy moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a 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

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, hire your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks 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, medicine, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your items are lost or damagedin the move.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers better coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides reduced coverage. If you choose this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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