10 best long-distance moving companies in Mount Prospect, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in many ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help lessen your concerns. We've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Mount Prospect so you, your family, and your belongings arrive 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 distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. However, some companies use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

Local Mount Prospect moving companies are generally more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers bring valuable knowledge and experience, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mount Prospect

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Mount Prospect, we've gathered some recommendations below.

• 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. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out estimates several months ahead of your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to request detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Mount Prospect. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about certain long-distance movers. Also, get recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to book a moving company. Because there are so many college students living in Mount Prospect, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your moving company far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, hire your movers no less than 90 days before your move date, and potentially even more if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest starting a month in advance. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Put together 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 with necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable items (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection costs more, it provides greater coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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