10 best long-distance moving companies in Moraine, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in severalsignificant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and issues like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Alleviate your problems by hiring the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've compiled this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Moraine.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to consider. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge based on the weight of your items, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. Keep in mind that some movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Moraine movers may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving 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 Moraine

Picking the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Moraine.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, asking about these or other options is a good idea. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we recommend purchasing personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Moraine several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might 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 eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Moraine also has a lot of college students living in the area, so 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" estimates should make you cautious. Additionally, trustworthy moving companies shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. If a mover has a history of bad 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

Reserving your movers far enough in advance is key when planning a long-distance move. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. When it comes to sentimental, fragile, or valuable belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as medications, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before moving day.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers must offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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