10 best long-distance moving companies in Wayne, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in severalimportant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help put your mind at ease. We've compiled this list of the top long-distance movers in Wayne so you, your family, and your possessions arrive to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies are more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain movers might use both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Wayne 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. These companies are more likely to have the right 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 Wayne

Picking the right long-distance moving company in Wayne requires research to make sure the company meets your needs and works within your budget. Below, we offer some guidance on how to choose a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Wayne.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar options. To fully protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting personal moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Wayne several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Ensure these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers have financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients thought about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year to move. This can make it harder and costlier to get a mover. Wayne also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that give you “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. Reliable moving companies generally shouldn't demand your complete payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA outlines mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

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

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Illinois DMV.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

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

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 are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable items (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you 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