10 best long-distance moving companies in East Chicago, IN

There are a variety of importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Ease your problems by picking the right moving professionals for the job. To help ensure you, your loved ones, and your belongings get to your new home without incident, we've put together this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in East Chicago.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to be aware of. Local movers only work within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these requests at all.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers typically charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Certain moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer less expensive rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves can't be beaten. Selecting a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in East Chicago

Finding the right long-distance mover in East Chicago requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. To help you navigate the process of picking a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in East Chicago, we've collected some guidance below.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move doesn't cross state lines, ask about the options provided by your mover. To completely protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining personal moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a reputable mover is handling your move. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces rules such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance movers in East Chicago several months before your move and ask for 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. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good choice to help cover expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We suggest looking into several options to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to book a mover. East Chicago 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: Be suspicious of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reputable moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. If a moving company has a history of bad reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days 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 probably have valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Put together a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Indiana DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves. It'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damagedby your movers.

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable belongings (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it has reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. This usually isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration