10 best long-distance moving companies in Rich, IL

There are a range of factors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move a car are common worries for people moving long-distance.

Selecting the right movers can help lessen your issues. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Rich.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only offer local moves. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some movers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's key to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local Rich moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Rich

Picking the right long-distance mover in Rich requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Here are some tips for finding a reliable long-distance mover in Rich.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: 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. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Rich several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help with expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance moving companies. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Rich, the beginning and end of the school year 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 moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your movers far enough in advance is critical when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, schedule your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least a month in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

Creating a checklist of all the things that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack a bag with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. This option requires your movers to pay you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

If you carry over 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