10 best long-distance moving companies in Mundelein, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves have their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Alleviate your concerns by choosing the right moving professionals for the job. We've created this guide to the top long-distance movers in Mundelein so you, your family, and your belongings arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in many ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on time. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to talk to your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is indispensable. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mundelein

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Mundelein, we've collected some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the options provided by your mover. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a reputable company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Mundelein several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help with expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several choices to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers have said about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your friends 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 for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to hire a moving company. Mundelein also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Reputable movers generally shouldn't request your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a 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

A useful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough ahead of time. To ensure an easy move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done 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 putting together a bag with items such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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 some of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. While Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you more comprehensive coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it has less coverage. This plan requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over 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