10 best long-distance moving companies in Rockford, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in significant ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Alleviate your issues by hiring the right movers for the job. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings reach your new home without incident, we've put together this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Rockford.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are distinct in a few ways. The main difference between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Some moving providers, however, may use a mix of time and weight to determine their rates, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Rockford movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Choosing a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Rockford

With so many long-distance moving companies to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to select the right one for your needs. Below, we provide some recommendations on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Rockford.

• 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. You can ask about these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to better protect your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified company is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We advise seeking out quotes several months before your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Rockford. Confirm that these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to find out what others say about certain long-distance movers. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means movers may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Rockford also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, trustworthy movers shouldn’t request the full payment upfront. Avoid moving companies with an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A good piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough in advance. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed 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.

Put together a suitcase with essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll give you money back if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but includes greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. This option requires your movers to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. 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