10 best long-distance moving companies in Northbrook, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in several ways. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against concerns such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Northbrook.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in several ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only work 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 charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers are more likely to charge by time. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Northbrook 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. 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 Northbrook

When you're choosing a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Northbrook.

• 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 doesn't cross state lines, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend looking for quotes several months before your move. Get detailed quotes from several long-distance movers in Northbrook. Ensure these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing options to help you afford your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help cover expenses. 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 fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about particular long-distance movers. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving during the summer months. Northbrook also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you wary. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure an easy move, find your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity 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. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but offers greater coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. This insurance requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions 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 after 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