10 best long-distance moving companies in Leyden, IL

There are a range of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right movers can help alleviate your problems. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Leyden.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only do local moves. Local movers typically only operate within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant fee to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Leyden

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. See the list below for some recommendations on finding a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Leyden.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get in touch with multiple long-distance moving providers in Leyden and request detailed cost breakdowns. Estimates should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help with cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Leyden, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that give you “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding prices. Additionally, legitimate movers won't demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. We suggest scheduling movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

We also advise making a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, 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 packing a bag with items such as medications, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

The night before your big move, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have 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 movers. Full Value Protection costs more but includes more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this usually doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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