Cheap long distance moving companies: Ultimate Guide 2025

Your Guide to an Affordable Cross-Country Move

Finding cheap long distance moving companies can save you thousands on your relocation without forcing you to sacrifice quality or peace of mind. A successful cross-country move from Chicago isn’t about finding the absolute lowest price; it’s about finding the best value. With the right approach, you can secure a reliable and affordable mover that fits your budget.

Quick Tips for an Affordable Move:

• Compare multiple quotes: Don’t just accept the first offer. Get at least three written estimates from different companies. Look beyond the final price and compare the services included, insurance coverage, and delivery timelines.
• Move during the off-peak season: The moving industry is seasonal. Demand skyrockets between May and September, leading to higher prices. If your schedule allows, moving between October and April can result in significant savings due to lower demand.
• Ask about shared load services: Also known as consolidated shipping, this option combines your belongings with other shipments heading in the same direction. By sharing truck space, you split the transportation and fuel costs, making it a highly economical choice for those with flexible delivery dates.
• Always verify credentials: Before hiring any mover, verify their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database. This confirms they are licensed and insured for interstate moves.

Moving from Illinois doesn’t have to drain your savings. While the average long-distance move can be costly, smart planning is your best tool for finding quality movers at budget-friendly prices. The key is understanding that “cheap” shouldn’t mean cutting corners on safety or reliability. A suspiciously low quote can be a red flag for a moving scam, which could cost you far more in the long run. The goal is to find the sweet spot between affordability and trustworthy service.

Your moving costs will primarily depend on four factors: the distance of your move, the total weight of your belongings, the time of year, and any additional services you require, such as professional packing, unpacking, or temporary storage.

I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience in the Chicago moving industry, I’ve helped countless families navigate the complexities of relocation. I’ve seen firsthand what separates legitimate, affordable movers from potential scams, and my goal is to empower you with the knowledge to find cheap long distance moving companies that deliver exceptional, quality service.

Simple guide to cheap long distance moving companies:

• Cost to Relocate to Another State
• Moving Out of State Budget
• Things to Do Before Moving Out of State

Understanding Costs and Finding Reputable Cheap Long Distance Moving Companies

Planning a move from Illinois? You’re likely wondering how to find trustworthy movers without breaking the bank. The truth is, reputable cheap long distance moving companies exist – you just need to know what to look for and what questions to ask.

The key is finding the sweet spot between affordable pricing and reliable service. After nearly three decades in the moving business, I’ve learned that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal. Unscrupulous movers often lure customers with low-ball estimates, only to inflate the price with hidden fees on moving day. Sometimes paying a bit more for a reputable company with transparent pricing saves you from costly surprises and immense stress later.

Key Factors That Influence Your Moving Quote

Several factors determine your final moving price. Understanding them helps you identify areas where you can save and make informed choices that keep costs down.

• Distance: The mileage from your origin to your destination is a primary cost driver, affecting fuel and labor expenses. Moving from Chicago to a neighboring state will naturally cost less than moving cross-country to California. However, some high-traffic routes may have more competitive pricing.
• Weight and Volume: Most long-distance movers charge based on the total weight of your shipment. The single most effective way to save money is to declutter before you pack. Go through every room and decide what to sell, donate, or discard. The less you move, the less you pay. For the most accurate quote, insist on an in-home or live video estimate where a professional can see your belongings.
• Timing: Summer is peak moving season, along with the first and last weeks of the month and holidays. If possible, schedule your move for a weekday in the middle of the month between October and April to save 15% or more.
• Extra Services: A basic quote includes loading, transport, and unloading. Services like professional packing, custom crating for fragile items (like artwork or marble tabletops), appliance servicing, shuttle services (if a large truck can’t access your home), and long-carry fees (for long distances between the truck and your door) will add to your cost. Decide which services are worth the time and stress they save versus what you can handle yourself.

For a deeper dive, check out our guide on understanding moving costs and what to expect.

Choosing Your Moving Service

With a full-service mover like Bernard Movers, you have options that balance cost and convenience.

• Dedicated Service: This is the traditional full-service option where a truck is reserved exclusively for your belongings. It offers the fastest, most direct delivery and gives you precise control over your pickup and delivery dates.
• Shared Load Service: To save money, you can opt for a shared load (or consolidated move). Your belongings travel with other shipments heading in the same direction, splitting the transportation costs. This is a very affordable option, but it requires flexibility, as your delivery will occur within a wider window of several days or even weeks.

At Bernard Movers, we handle everything from packing your dishes in Melrose Park to setting up furniture in your new home. We’re also offering a special 20% discount for Georgia and Florida moves booked by March 15, 2025, making our full-service options more affordable than ever.

How to Spot a Reputable Mover and Avoid Scams

Finding affordable movers is great, but finding legitimate ones is essential. Here’s how to protect yourself while searching for cheap long distance moving companies.

• Check the USDOT Number: Every legitimate interstate mover must have an active USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify this on the FMCSA website. Check their safety record and ensure their authority is listed as “Authorized for HHG.” No number means no deal.
• Verify Insurance: Reputable movers carry proper insurance. Ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance (COI) to prove they have both liability and cargo coverage.
• Read Reviews Critically: Check platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. Look for patterns of complaints about hidden fees, damaged goods, or holding items hostage for more money. Be wary of a flood of generic, five-star reviews with no details, as they can be fake.
• Understand Your Estimate: A binding estimate locks in your price, provided you don’t add items. A non-binding estimate is a guess, and the final bill can be higher. The best option is a binding-not-to-exceed estimate, which means your final cost will not go over the estimate, but it could be lower if your shipment weighs less than anticipated.
• Watch for Red Flags: Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true (they usually are), demands for large cash deposits upfront, movers who answer the phone with a generic “movers” instead of a company name, or companies that don’t have a physical address listed on their website.
• Get It in Writing: Your contract, called a Bill of Lading, is a legal document. Ensure all services, costs, pickup dates, and delivery windows are clearly documented before you sign anything.

Preparing for Your Move and Finalizing the Details

Once you’ve vetted your options and chosen one of the best cheap long distance moving companies, it’s time to prepare. This phase is all about smart planning and organization, from strategic packing to understanding what happens on moving day.

A smooth long-distance move hinges on preparation. A little foresight can save a lot of headaches, time, and money down the line. Your moving company will handle the heavy lifting, but your organizational efforts are what truly pave the way for a seamless transition.

What to Expect: Services, Timelines, and Insurance

Professional long distance moving companies typically include loading all items onto the truck, transportation, unloading at your destination, and basic furniture disassembly/reassembly (e.g., beds, table legs). Delivery timelines for a long-distance move average 10-14 days but can vary. Your mover will provide a “delivery window,” which is a range of dates you can expect your shipment to arrive. This accounts for logistics, distance, and potential shared loads.

Understanding your insurance options is crucial for protecting your belongings.

• Released Value Protection: This is the default, no-cost option mandated by federal law. However, it offers minimal protection, covering your items at just $0.60 per pound per item. For example, if your 50-pound flat-screen TV is destroyed, you would only be reimbursed $30 (50 lbs x $0.60). This is not recommended for valuable belongings.
• Full Value Protection: This is a more comprehensive option available for an additional cost. With this coverage, the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged item. They can choose to repair the item, replace it with a similar one, or offer a cash settlement for the current market replacement value. This is the recommended option for peace of mind.
• Third-Party Insurance: You can also purchase a separate moving insurance policy from a third-party provider, which may offer even more extensive coverage options.

For a complete overview of your rights, refer to the FMCSA’s guide, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”

Smart Packing Tips for an Efficient Long-Distance Move

Efficient packing not only protects your belongings but can also make your move smoother and more affordable.

1. Declutter Ruthlessly Before You Pack: Start this process 6-8 weeks before your move. This is the best way to lower your moving costs. The less you move, the less you pay. Sell, donate, or discard anything you no longer need, use, or love.
2. Create a Home Inventory: A detailed list of your belongings, often with photos or videos, is essential for tracking and for insurance purposes. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated moving app.
3. Label Boxes Clearly and Strategically: Label boxes on the top and at least two sides with the destination room (e.g., “Main Bedroom,” “Kitchen”) and a summary of the contents (e.g., “Pots and Pans,” “Sweaters”). Consider using a color-coded system with different colored tape for each room.
4. Protect Fragile Items: Use plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, or moving blankets. Pack plates vertically, not flat, and wrap the stems of glassware. Use specialized boxes (dish packs) for kitchenware and wardrobe boxes for clothing on hangers. For appliances, ensure they are clean, disconnected, and secured properly.
5. Pack an Essentials Box: This is the last box you’ll load and the first you’ll open. It should contain everything you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home: toiletries, medications, chargers, a change of clothes, important documents (passports, birth certificates, moving contract), basic tools, pet food, and some snacks.
6. Know What Not to Pack: Movers are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane tanks), perishables (food), and plants. You should also personally transport valuables like jewelry, cash, and important family heirlooms.

For more tips, check out our Packing guide for your move.

Finding the Best Cheap Long Distance Moving Companies in Illinois

When searching for cheap long distance moving companies in the Chicago area, local expertise matters. Our team at Bernard Movers is intimately familiar with the logistics of moving from Illinois communities like Melrose Park, Park Ridge, and Evanston. We understand local building regulations and traffic patterns, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

We pride ourselves on offering competitive rates without compromising on quality. We’ve built our reputation on the principles discussed here: transparent pricing, clear communication, and professional, reliable service. And for those moving from Illinois, we’re offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.

If you’re planning a move beyond Illinois state lines, consider us your trusted partner.

Ready to see how affordable your move can be? Get a free quote for your out-of-state move today.