10 best long-distance moving companies in Orland, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your challenges. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Orland.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

Long-distance moving companies 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 providers use a mix of time and weight to calculate their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Orland movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers 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 Orland

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a trustworthy long-distance moving company in Orland.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers 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 insurance options provided by your mover. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more detailed information about long-term moving insurance choices below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Orland several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added 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 cover expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare several options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to see what others think about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a mover. Orland also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer 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" prices should make you wary. Additionally, legitimate movers shouldn’t request the full payment before the move. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A useful tip for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

It's also important to make 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.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as extra clothes, medications, and toiletries.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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