10 best long-distance moving companies in Oak Park, MI

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in significant ways. When you're moving long-distance, you may be worried about complicated logistics, higher costs, and concerns like how to move your car.

Ease your concerns by picking the best moving professionals for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best long-distance movers in Oak Park to help you, your family, and your possessions get safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only do local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only offer services within a certain geographic radius and will charge an exorbitant rate to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local movers more often set fees based on time. Keep in mind that certain movers might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

While local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when it comes to moving between states. Hiring a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Oak Park

When you're hiring a long-distance mover, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. Below, we offer some advice on how to pick a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Oak Park.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is inside one state, inquire about the options provided by your mover. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest purchasing your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance choices, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an assurance that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for itemized quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Oak Park. Ensure these quotes include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple loans to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what others thought about particular long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and relatives.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and more expensive to hire a moving company. Oak Park 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: Moving companies that offer nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. You should also be cautious of a mover that asks for your full payment upfront. If a mover has a long history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to find your moving company well in advance of your move date. To ensure an easy move, book your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than having them packed in the mover's truck.

Creating a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Michigan 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 extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

Finally, on the night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is key 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. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide money back for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover very expensive belongings (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but provides more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less coverage. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged belongings.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

Michigan Department of State U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration