Great organization and careful planning lay the groundwork for any successful move. When it comes to an interstate relocation from the Windy City, it’s even more important to find the very best long-distance movers in Chicago.
Even if you’ve moved locally multiple times, there are more details you’ll need to pay attention to during an interstate move. And even when you’ve gotten a few estimates, it can be difficult to know that you’re choosing the right company. Read on for tips to help you have the very best long-distance moving experience possible.
Differences Between Long-Distance Moves and Local Moves
All moves have certain things in common. Regardless of whether you’re moving one mile away or 1,000 miles away, you’ll need to get multiple estimates to identify your budget (the best practice is usually to obtain estimates from three companies), declutter your home, and pack up your possessions. You’ll also need to research each moving company to ensure their legitimacy so you can avoid moving scams.
On top of those details, there are a few more things to consider when you hire long-distance movers in Chicago. For example:
- Transportation. Long-distance moves aren’t as cut-and-dry as local moves. The transportation time is longer when the moving truck travels across state lines.
- Timeline. Moves within the Chicago Area often include same-day pickup, transportation, and delivery—but that’s not the case for most long-distance moves. Ask your moving company what their estimated timeline is to deliver your inventory to your new home.
- Rules and regulations. Different states have different requirements for movers. Make sure your moving company is legally allowed to perform the move to your new state.
As with any move, always ask your family and friends about their experiences. Listen to their advice about which long-distance movers in Chicago to request estimates from and which movers to avoid. Check out each company’s website and online reviews so you feel good about them before you even request an estimate.
Comparing Long-Distance Movers in Chicago
Not all long-distance movers in Chicago are created equal. While some companies might tout themselves as long-distance movers, they might not actually have the credentials needed to move across state lines. In other words, they can perform intrastate—but not interstate—moves. Before you start requesting estimates, make sure your mover can actually handle your unique move.
The next step in picking your long-distance movers in Chicago is to request detailed estimates. Provide the same inventory and information to each moving company so their estimates let you compare apples to apples.
Once the estimates hit your inbox, it’s time to compare them. Don’t just look at the bottom line—take the time to compare each item. Here are a few charges you might see:
- Labor rate
- Cubic footage charge
- Fuel surcharge
- Included versus a la carte materials
- Moving coverage options
You’ll also need to look at the fine print to see what’s included…and what’s not. For example, do the movers have additional charges for specialty or oversized items? If your home involves a lot of stairs, will there be an added fee? Make sure you thoroughly understand what the estimates do and do not include.
Additionally, think about any additional services you might want to explore. For instance, if the timing of your move changes unexpectedly, which long-distance movers in Chicago offer on-site storage service at their facilities? And, since packing is one of the most arduous chores involved in any move, can your mover provide professional packing service?
Once you’ve crunched the numbers, don’t automatically pick the lowest estimate. Oftentimes, what looks like the cheapest option could cost you more in the long run.
How to Pick the Right Long-Distance Moving Company
Choosing an interstate mover is one of the biggest and most common moving mistakes you’ll want to avoid. If one of the estimates is much lower than the other pricing structures you received, chances are the company will add on fees that you won’t see until you’re handed the final bill. If a company truly is much, much cheaper than the others, there’s also a very good chance that you’ll get what you pay for…and your home’s inventory deserves more than the cheapest long-distance movers in Chicago.
So, how do you pick the right moving company? Here are a few tips:
- Reviews. Read up on the company, and pore over their reviews. See what other customers say about their communication, promptness, professionalism, and pricing.
- Services offered. If a moving company can’t provide all of the services you need, like packing, storage, and interstate transportation, cross them off your list.
- Transparency. Which movers offer clear and transparent pricing in their estimates, and which take a more veiled approach by relying on their fine print? Transparency often means credibility and trustworthiness.
- Customer service. Call each potential mover over the phone to ask questions. If they’re friendly and happy to help, the company likely has a culture centered around positivity and solid service. However, if they seem annoyed or unwilling to provide information, that lackluster attitude might transfer to the crew that handles your actual move.
- Logistics. Moving companies that are upfront about their interstate moving process, timeline, and your go-to contacts throughout the move are likely organized and professional. If your movers seem reluctant to explain their process to you, it’s possible that they don’t have the answers and won’t provide the level of service you expect.
Finally, don’t ignore your gut. After researching long-distance movers in Chicago, getting multiple estimates, and speaking live with at least one company representative, you’ll have an idea of which company you’re most comfortable with. You need the peace of mind that you’re working with a helpful and reliable company, so listen to what your instincts tell you.
De-Stress Your Interstate Relocation: Choose Our Long-Distance Movers in Chicago
Moving is always a big deal, and moving to a new state is an even bigger event. You’ve got enough to do when you prepare for your new life after your long-distance relocation. Let us help with the planning and logistics…and maybe the packing and storage, too!
Contact us today to chat with one of our team members and learn for yourself why we’re the most trusted long-distance movers in Chicago!