10 best long-distance moving companies in Round Lake Beach, IL

There are a range of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the best movers for the job. To help make sure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've compiled this overview of the leading long-distance movers in Round Lake Beach.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge an exorbitant rate to do so.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when setting their final cost, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and stress because they're more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Round Lake Beach

Finding the right long-distance mover in Round Lake Beach requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Here are some tips for picking a reliable long-distance mover in Round Lake Beach.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. We also suggest purchasing your own moving insurance to fully protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as mandating that movers supply clients with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months before your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from multiple long-distance movers in Round Lake Beach. Make sure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers have financing plans to help you pay for your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest researching several options to find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients thought about certain long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• 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 hire a moving company. Since Round Lake Beach is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your entire payment before the move. Avoid moving companies that have an extensive history of bad reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We suggest booking movers at least three months before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need more specialized moving services, like piano or car moving.

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

To stay organized, make a detailed list of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as notifying the Illinois DMV of your new address.

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

The night before your big move, remember to get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is critical since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

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