Before you can start out on an exciting new adventure in another part of the country, you have to organize and execute a long-distance move. Typically, our customers moving cross-country have more questions about how to tackle this type of relocation, so we've put together our top long-distance moving tips.
When Should I Plan My Move?
If you're looking for optimal weather and time off from school for the kids, summer is the best time for a residential relocation, although it may also be more expensive due to a high volume of other customers doing the same thing. We believe the best time to move cross-country is in the offseason, which is October through May, excluding major holidays.
How Much Time Do I Need to Plan?
You'll want to set aside at least eight weeks for a long-distance moving timeline. There will be many additional actions to take with this type of relocation, such as switching utility providers which can sometimes require a thirty-day notice.
Your eight-week cross-country moving timeline should begin with you calling around to possible long-distance moving companies for estimates and availability, and the last day as the final day your items get delivered to your new residence.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?
In general, any relocation over 400 miles is considered long-distance. In Illinois, an interstate move can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $11,600, depending on the length of the journey, affordable long-distance movers in your area and the number of items being moved. On average, homeowners in the Prairie State could expect around $4,800 for a long-distance move.
What Should I Ask Moving Companies When I Call?
We're answering this question with a list you'll want to bring up with potential long-distance moving companies you call. Aside from standard questions around pricing and scheduling, there are a few items you'll want to be sure to discuss before deciding to go ahead with their services:
- Licensure: Law requires every interstate moving company to have a registration number with the US DoT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).
- Accreditation: Check if the mover has official recognition with organizations like the BBB, the American Trucking Association's Moving and Storage Conference (ATA MSC) or Angi's List, or if there are any formal complaints lodged against them on the FMSCA website.
- Related Services: Double-check that the mover can handle all aspects of your relocation, such as piano shipping or furniture assembly, or if they offer any additional services such as storage that you may need to utilize.
What Type of Insurance Should I Get?
According to the FMSCA website, customers will receive coverage of .60 cents per pound at no extra charge during long-distance moves. By law, interstate moves must include full-value protection in the estimates, so customers will have to opt-out if they don't want to pay for it, but it typically offers a much higher compensation in the event of damaged goods.
Will My Bill be the Same as My Estimate?
There are two different types of estimates that a moving company can give:
- Binding Estimates: A binding estimate will be identical to your final bill, unless you have opted in for extra services since it was made.
- Non-Binding Estimates: A non-binding estimate is an approximation of what the final cost will be and could vary slightly in either direction.
How to Pack for a Long-Distance Move?
Because household belongings can get lost in the shuffle on moving day, we suggest throwing together a moving day bag with belongings you won't want to lose track of, such as:
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Important Documents
- Change of Clothes
Other items you'll likely need as soon as you move in, such as kitchen dishes or cleaning supplies, should be in labeled boxes so they'll be easy to identify when you begin unpacking.
Should I Be Present on Moving Day?
Our final piece of cross-country moving advice is to be at your current address in-person on moving day. This ensures the quickest and clearest communication between movers and customers, and a more seamless relocation in general.
If possible, it's also a good idea to arrive at your new home ahead of the movers to help direct the unpacking of boxes, so make sure to discuss the delivery window with your company ahead of time.
As agents of North American Van Lines, O'Mara Moving and Storage is part of a strong interstate network that allows us to seamlessly move our customers between any two states throughout the nation and maintain long-standing accreditation with the BBB and the ATA MSC for our professionalism and commitment to exceptional customer service.
Reach out to O'Mara Moving and Storage today for a free estimate on our long-distance relocation services and find out what else makes us the most reliable long-distance movers in Northern Illinois and Southwest Wisconsin.
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