10 best long-distance moving companies in Woodstock, IL

Long-distance or interstate moves include unique challenges that distinguish them from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges such as how to move their car, as well as complicated logistics and higher costs.

Ease your worries by picking the right moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve made this list of the top long-distance movers in Woodstock to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves differ from those that only offer local moves. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and frequently charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to such requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies usually set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies typically charge based on the length of time required for your move. However, some providers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

Local Woodstock moving companies are usually more familiar with moving in your area and offer lower pricing. Long-distance movers provide valuable knowledge and expertise, especially when relocating to another state. Long-distance moving companies 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 Woodstock

Hiring the right long-distance moving company is important, and the options may feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and trustworthy long-distance mover in Woodstock, we've put together some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of options for insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. To better protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in Woodstock several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Make sure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers offer financing plans to help you pay for your move. A moving or relocation loan can cover expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several loans to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about specific long-distance movers. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you suspicious. Reputable movers generally won't demand your complete payment before the move. Steer clear of moving companies with a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as outlined by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Scheduling your moving company far enough ahead of time is key when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure a stress-free move, hire your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need specialized 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 fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Making a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done 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 with necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as medications, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

Lastly, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers are required to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is more expensive, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. With this option, your movers will pay you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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