10 best long-distance moving companies in Wheaton, IL

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

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your worries. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best long-distance movers in Wheaton to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific area and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance moving companies 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 Wheaton

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Wheaton, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you complete protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Wheaton several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options 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 pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what other customers think about certain long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be difficult and costlier to book a mover. Since Wheaton is home to so many college students, the beginning and end of the summer 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. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be aware of your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to schedule your moving company well in advance of your move date. We advise hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need specialized moving services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest getting started a month ahead of time. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll cover the cost if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers need to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but gives you more coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered at no additional cost, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

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