10 best long-distance moving companies in Lockport, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may be dealing with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help ease your issues. We've made this overview of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Lockport so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers often only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that certain moving companies might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Lockport moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Lockport

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of options may be overwhelming. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate, reliable long-distance moving company in Lockport.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Lockport several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll 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 option to help pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what previous customers think about specific long-distance moving companies. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Lockport, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you wary. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key tip for long-distance moves is to schedule your movers far enough ahead of time. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving 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 sentimental, valuable, or fragile belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs 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 of your move, such as toiletries, medicine, and extra clothes.

Finally, on the night before your move, make sure you get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. This option 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 partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep 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