10 best long-distance moving companies in Winfield, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common obstacles for people moving long-distance.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help ease your issues. That’s why we’ve created this overview of the top long-distance movers in Winfield to help you, your family, and your belongings get safely to your new home.

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 area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance moving company is that they typically charge based on the weight of your items, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your chosen movers about their pricing structure.

Local Winfield moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific city and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Long-distance movers can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Winfield

Selecting the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to pick a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Winfield.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or other insurance options. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Get detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Winfield. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help cover expenses. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review sites to see what others say about particular long-distance moving companies. Also, get recommendations from your neighbors and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a moving company. Winfield also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Trustworthy moving companies generally won't ask for your complete payment before the move. If a moving company has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful tip for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. We suggest scheduling 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.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed 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 few days, such as medicine, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover items that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you better coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it provides less protection. If you choose this option, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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