Inexpensive long distance moving companies: Top 2025
Navigating Your Affordable Long-Distance Move from Chicago
Finding inexpensive long distance moving companies that you can actually trust can feel like an overwhelming challenge, especially when you’re planning a move from a busy metropolitan hub like Chicago. The excitement of starting a new chapter in a new home is often overshadowed by the immense stress of logistics, scheduling, and significant budget concerns. With the average long-distance move costing thousands of dollars, the pressure to find a service that is both affordable and genuinely reliable is immense. A cheap quote means nothing if your belongings arrive damaged or late—or if the final bill is loaded with unexpected fees.
This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge to steer the complexities of the moving industry. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find a moving company that fits your budget without sacrificing quality or peace of mind. We will dig into the key factors that determine moving costs, explain how to get accurate and binding quotes, provide a checklist for vetting potential movers, and offer actionable tips for a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective relocation. Our goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls and make an informed decision you can feel confident about.
With nearly 30 years of dedicated experience, Bernard Movers has been a cornerstone of the Chicago moving community, providing top-quality, budget-friendly moving solutions for countless families moving from the city and its suburbs to destinations across 45 states. We intimately understand the unique challenges of moving out of Illinois—from navigating tight city streets to coordinating with high-rise building management. We believe a stress-free move is not a luxury but a necessity, and our professional team is committed to making your transition as seamless and predictable as possible.
Finding Inexpensive Long Distance Moving Companies That Fit Your Needs
The journey to a budget-friendly move starts with a clear understanding of what movers charge for and how you can directly influence those costs. Whether you’re relocating from a downtown Chicago high-rise, a home in Melrose Park, or anywhere else in Illinois, the detailed strategies below will help you secure the best possible price without sacrificing the peace of mind that comes with a professional service.
Key Factors That Drive Up Long-Distance Moving Costs
Understanding the components of your moving quote is the first step toward controlling your budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the primary cost drivers:
- Move Distance: This is the most straightforward factor. The mileage from your origin in Illinois to your new home directly impacts fuel costs and driver’s time. The farther the move, the higher the base cost.
- Weight or Volume of Belongings: Most long-distance movers charge based on the total weight of your shipment. A smaller number may charge by cubic feet (the volume your items take up). In either case, the more you move, the more you pay. This is why decluttering is the single most effective cost-saving measure.
- Time of Year: The moving industry’s peak season runs from May through September. Weekends and the end of the month are also high-demand periods. Moving during these times means competing for limited trucks and crews, leading to higher prices. Booking during the off-season (October to April) or on a mid-month weekday can lead to substantial savings.
- Packing and Unpacking Services: A full-service move, where the company packs everything, offers maximum convenience but at the highest cost. Partial packing, where pros handle only fragile items, is a good middle ground. The most inexpensive option is self-packing, but factor in the cost of materials and your own time.
- Storage Requirements: If your new home isn’t ready when you move out, you may need Storage-in-Transit (SIT). This service involves storing your belongings in a secure warehouse. SIT is billed and adds a significant cost for storage and eventual re-delivery.
- Expedited Delivery: The standard, affordable service is consolidated shipping, where your belongings share truck space with other customers. This can mean a delivery window of several days or weeks. If you need items by a specific date, you can opt for expedited service, but this premium option comes at a much higher price.
- Insurance/Valuation Coverage: Federal law requires movers to provide two types of liability coverage. The default is Released Value Protection, which is free but provides minimal coverage (only 60 cents per pound per item). For a 50-pound television, that’s only $30. For true protection, you should opt for Full Value Protection, which costs extra but means the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged item.
For a deeper dive into budgeting, see our guide on Moving Out of State Budget.
Comparing Affordable Moving Solutions from Bernard Movers
At Bernard Movers, we believe in transparent options so you never pay for more help than you actually need. We structure our services to match your budget and desired level of involvement.
| Service Type | Approx. Cost | Your Effort | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service | Highest | Very Low | Maximum | Busy professionals or families who want a completely hands-off, worry-free move where our team handles everything from packing and loading to transport and unpacking. |
| Partial Packing | Moderate | Medium | High | Customers who are comfortable packing non-breakables like clothes and books but want professional assurance for fragile items, kitchenware, or bulky pieces. |
| Self-Packing | Lowest | High | Basic | The ultimate budget-focused option for movers who are willing and able to handle all their own packing and preparation to achieve the lowest possible cost. |
Learn more in our essential guide.
How to Find Genuinely Inexpensive Long-Distance Moving Companies
Finding a low price is easy; finding a low price from a reputable company requires strategy. Follow these steps:
- Move During the Off-Season: If your timeline is flexible, aim for a move between October and April. You’ll find lower rates and more availability. Even moving mid-week instead of on a weekend can save you money.
- Declutter Aggressively: Every pound you don’t move is money saved. Go through every room and sort items into four categories: keep, sell, donate, and discard. A pre-move garage sale can even help fund your move.
- Collect at Least Three Binding Quotes: Never rely on a single estimate. Contact at least three reputable companies for an in-home or video survey. Insist on a binding quote or a binding-not-to-exceed quote. This locks in your price and prevents surprise charges, unlike a non-binding estimate which is just a rough guess.
- Ask About Discounts: Don’t be shy. Many companies offer discounts for military personnel, veterans, seniors, or students. Sometimes there are even special rates for specific routes, so always ask what promotions are available.
- Book Several Weeks in Advance: Booking at least 6-8 weeks ahead gives you the best chance to secure your preferred moving date at a better price. Last-minute bookings almost always cost more.
- Choose Consolidated Shipping: If you don’t need your belongings on a tight schedule, consolidated shipping is the most economical choice. Your items are loaded onto a large truck with others, and the cost of transport is shared. Just be prepared for a wider delivery window.
See the Least Expensive Way to Move Out of State for more cost-cutting strategies.
Essential Checks for Any Long-Distance Mover
Before you sign any contract, perform this critical due diligence to avoid scams and rogue movers:
- Verify Their USDOT Number: Any legitimate interstate mover must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Look this up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to check their safety rating, complaint history, and ensure their status is “Authorized for HHG” (Household Goods).
- Distinguish Between Carrier and Broker: A carrier owns its own trucks and employs its own crews (like Bernard Movers). A broker is a salesperson who arranges for a move and then sells the job to an actual moving company. You lose control over who shows up at your door, so always clarify if you are dealing with a carrier or a broker.
- Read Recent, Consistent Reviews: Check multiple third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Yelp. Look for recent reviews and pay attention to patterns in complaints or praise. How does the company respond to negative feedback?
- Understand Insurance Options: A reputable mover will clearly explain the difference between Released Value and Full Value Protection. They should provide the cost for Full Value Protection in writing and explain the deductible options.
- Confirm a Verifiable Physical Address: A legitimate company has a physical office and warehouse. Be wary of any mover that only has a P.O. box or no address listed. A quick search on Google Maps can help verify their location in Illinois.
More vetting tips: Reliable Long Distance Movers.
The Long-Distance Move Timeline and Process
A long-distance move is any relocation that crosses state lines. Standard consolidated service typically arrives in 4–14 business days, depending on the distance. Exclusive express shipping can reach nearby states in as little as 1–3 days.
Pricing is based on a combination of:
- Weight or cubic footage of the shipment
- Mileage between your Illinois origin and your destination
- Labor for loading, unloading, and driving
- Add-on services like packing, crating, or storage
- Move date and seasonal demand
Bernard Movers simplifies this by providing guaranteed flat-rate quotes. After a thorough survey of your items, we give you one all-inclusive price, so you know the exact cost before moving day, with no surprises.
Avoiding Hidden Fees and Preparing for a Smooth Move
Transparency is the hallmark of a good mover. Be on the lookout for these common add-on fees that can inflate your bill:
- Stair or Elevator Fees: Charges for carrying items up or down flights of stairs or for time spent using an elevator.
- Long-Carry Charges: If the truck can’t park close to your door (typically within 75 feet), you’ll be charged extra for the labor to carry items over the longer distance.
- Shuttle Truck Fees: If a full-size semi-trailer can’t access your street, a smaller “shuttle” truck will be needed to transport your goods between the main truck and your home, incurring a fee.
- Packing Materials: Unless you have a full-service packing quote, boxes, tape, and paper will be an extra charge.
- Appliance Disconnect/Reconnect: Movers are not plumbers or electricians. Specialized service to prepare major appliances for transit usually costs extra.
Preparation Checklist for a Cost-Effective Move:
- Declutter early to reduce the weight and volume of your shipment.
- Pack efficiently: Use proper moving boxes, fill them completely, label each box with its contents and destination room, and use plenty of padding for breakables.
- Create an inventory: Photograph or video your valuable items before they are packed. Keep a master inventory list that you can check off during delivery.
- Handle logistics: Transfer utilities, forward your mail with the USPS, and update your address with banks and subscriptions.
- Pack an essentials box: Keep a separate bag with documents, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries to have with you during transit.
- Read your quote and Bill of Lading thoroughly. Ask questions about any line item you don’t understand before you sign.
Grab our full Moving Out of State Checklist for step-by-step guidance.
Your Affordable Move from Chicago, Melrose Park, or Illinois Starts Here
Finding an inexpensive long distance moving company that you can genuinely trust is the cornerstone of a successful relocation. As we’ve explored, this process is about much more than just finding the lowest price; it’s about achieving the right balance of cost, quality, and reliability to ensure your belongings arrive safely and your move is as stress-free as possible. By diligently researching your options, understanding the factors that influence pricing, insisting on a binding quote, and thoroughly vetting every potential mover for proper licensing and a solid reputation, you can confidently make an informed decision that protects both your budget and your possessions.
At Bernard Movers, we are committed to embodying the principles of transparency and professionalism discussed throughout this guide. We provide budget-friendly moving solutions for your journey from Chicago, Melrose Park, or anywhere in Illinois, built on a foundation of honesty. That’s why we offer guaranteed flat-rate quotes after a detailed assessment—so you know the exact cost upfront, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. Our experienced, full-time team and our well-maintained fleet are dedicated to handling your move with the utmost care and professionalism from start to finish.
Ready to start your new chapter on the right foot? We want to make your decision even easier. For a limited time, we’re offering a special 20% discount on long-distance moves from Illinois to the popular destinations of Georgia and Florida. To qualify for this significant saving, your move must be booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
Let us take the uncertainty and stress out of your long-distance move. If you’re looking for a partner who values clear communication and dependable service, we’re here to help. Want to learn more about our services and get your own personalized, no-surprise quote? Click the link below to get started.