10 best long-distance moving companies in Lyons, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance struggle with concerns like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Put your mind at ease by hiring the best movers for the job. We've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Lyons so you, your loved ones, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. The main difference 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 fee to work outside it 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 charge based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific 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 is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches 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 Lyons

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Lyons, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, inquire about the options provided by your mover. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. We provide more information on long-distance moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start getting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Lyons. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies have financing plans. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good option to help cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few loans to make sure you select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask friends and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Lyons also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't demand the full payment upfront. Steer clear of movers 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

Scheduling your moving company well before your move date is extremely important when planning a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Making a checklist of all the things that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, medicine, and toiletries.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

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