10 best long-distance moving companies in Northfield, IL

There are several importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may have to deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help lessen your issues. We've created this guide to the best long-distance movers in Northfield so you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it to your new home without any problems.

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 movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic area. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on time. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when establishing their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving from one state to another. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Northfield

When you're selecting a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Northfield, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other insurance options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. In addition to the insurance coverage offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance movers in Northfield several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing options to help you pay for your move. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong choice to help cover cost. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Researching several options allows you to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a moving company. Since Northfield is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate movers won't ask for the full payment before the move. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest planning your move at least three months in advance, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we recommend starting a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medicine.

The night before your big move, remember to get a full night's sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your moving company will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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