10 best long-distance moving companies in Lansing, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Picking the right movers can help lessen your concerns. We've made this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Lansing so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are different in several ways. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic area and often charge a significantly higher rate 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 moving companies are more likely to charge by time. Some movers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Lansing moving companies are typically more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. 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 Lansing

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. Below, we provide some advice on how to choose a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Lansing.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Lansing several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help pay for some of the expenses. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. Looking into several loans allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to get and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Lansing, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers far enough in advance is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of 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 without professional help. 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.

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

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, medications, and a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The night before your big move, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. While Full Value Protection costs more, it gives you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy when you move. While this typically 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