10 best long-distance moving companies in Quincy, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves bring their own challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

The right movers can help put your mind at ease. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home without incident, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Quincy.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in many ways. Local movers only offer services within a specific geographic area and frequently charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service circle if they agree to these jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's necessary to check your provider's pricing structure.

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Using 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 Quincy

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to hire the right one for your move. Below, we have compiled some guidance on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Quincy.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves inside one state, asking about these or other insurance options is a good idea. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to provide a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Reach out to multiple long-distance moving providers in Quincy and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few options to make sure you find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful tip for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough in advance. We recommend booking movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we recommend starting a month ahead of time. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also recommend making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

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

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your belongings are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain items that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. 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 at no additional cost, but it gives 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 cover some of your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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