10 best long-distance moving companies in South Moline, IL

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

Put your mind at ease by hiring the best movers for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in South Moline.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers 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.

Local movers are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some movers use a combination of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local South Moline moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches 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 South Moline

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the options can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some guidance on finding a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in South Moline.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to supply customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Start requesting quotes several months ahead of your move. For a thorough comparison, be sure to ask for itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in South Moline. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing options to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can help pay for some of the cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several loans allows you to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about specific long-distance movers. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Since South Moline is home to so many college students, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" prices should make you cautious. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment upfront. Avoid movers with a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Reserving your movers far enough ahead of time is critical for a successful long-distance move. To ensure an easy move, hire your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move by yourself. You might prefer to have certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of everything that needs to be done before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before moving day, remember to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. With this insurance, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

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