10 best long-distance moving companies in Wauconda, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves differ from local moves in severalimportant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Alleviate your concerns by hiring the best moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Wauconda.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are some key differences to note. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Keep in mind that some moving companies might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Wauconda

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing a trustworthy long-distance mover in Wauconda.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the insurance options provided by your mover. To better protect your belongings during the move, we suggest obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview 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 reputable company is taking care of your move. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as mandating that movers provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Wauconda several months before your move and ask for detailed quotes. As you compare estimates, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. A moving or relocation loan can help cover cost. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, 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. Because there are so many college students living in Wauconda, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Legitimate movers generally shouldn't demand your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Hiring your movers well before your move date is extremely important for a successful long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, secure your movers no less than three months ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done both 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 of essentials for the first few days of your move, such as medicine, toothbrushes, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is a must for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any belongings lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection costs more but offers more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it provides less coverage. With this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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