Relocating Residence in Illinois: A Guide to Discovering the Optimal Moving Company
Relocating to a new residence is not a straightforward undertaking. Even if you've secured a new abode to move into and successfully sold your previous one, you've only accomplished a significant step towards your objective. The actual process of moving and finding reliable moving companies in Illinois can sometimes be perplexing. There are numerous Illinois moving companies providing various types of services at different prices, making it challenging to determine the best choice for you. Whether you need a local mover or an interstate or long-distance moving company, Shiply offers a wide range of companies ready to provide you with customized quotes, often up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. However, to obtain the most cost-effective and precise quotes, you first need to supply them with a few details about your move.
The Expense of Moving Companies in Illinois
While it's challenging to provide a realistic estimate of what relocating in Illinois could cost you, the average price for a small, local move ranges from $300 to $500, while large moves, interstate, or longer distances can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. However, several factors can influence this, and we've listed the main ones below:
1. Moving Company Service Type - The primary factor affecting the price of your move is the type of service you select. There are three main types of moving company services:
- Self-Service Move: This is the most economical option, where you only require the moving company to provide a vehicle to transport your belongings. All packing, loading, and unloading is your responsibility. If you have a large family or friends who can assist you, this can be very cost-effective.
- Loading Service Move: This is the most common type of service quoted by moving companies and involves them helping to load & unload as well as transporting your possessions to your new residence. It will generally be more expensive than a self-service move.
- White-Glove Moving Service: This is the most expensive option for relocating, but it significantly reduces stress. A white-glove moving service will pack and protect all of your items for you, load them, help you unload, and even assemble furniture at your new location.
2. Distance - Distance will obviously impact how much a moving company quotes you. A local move may not end up costing you that much, but if the move is of a longer distance, such as an interstate move, it may require more man-hours and fuel, so you can expect this cost to be passed on to you.
3. Residence Size - The number of possessions you have will also affect the price as it determines the size of the vehicle needed to transport your items, as well as how long loading and unloading will take on either end.
4. Time Of Year - Time of year can also influence the cost of relocating as adverse weather conditions such as wind, ice, and snow can often block some available routes, meaning the journey could take longer than usual.
Why People Frequently Move to and from Illinois
Illinois, situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, is a popular destination for those seeking to relocate. The state is renowned for its diverse economy, excellent education system, and vibrant culture. Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is a major hub for business, finance, and transportation, attracting many professionals to the area. Additionally, the state boasts a lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas, making it an appealing option for families and retirees.
On the other hand, some individuals choose to move away from Illinois for various reasons. Some may seek job opportunities in other states, while others may desire a change in climate or lifestyle. Retirement is another common reason for leaving Illinois, as some seniors prefer to spend their golden years in warmer, more tax-friendly states.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Moving Companies in Illinois
As you can see, there are several different factors that come into play when selecting a moving company that's right for you. With all the options available, it can seem like an overwhelming task to go through various websites and phone books collecting quotes and comparing services. This is where Shiply can help you.
On Shiply, all you need to do is complete a simple form stating where you need to move your belongings to, where they need to be picked up from, and how much there is to move. Moving companies will then send you custom quotes for your move, providing you with one place where you can compare prices & services. There is a rated feedback system on our platform that allows you to see previous reviews by users of a moving company to get an idea of their service, as well as look at their overall score. You also have the ability to send them messages where you can inquire about particulars such as timings, insurance, and the level of service you may require.
Quotes on Shiply can often be up to 75% more affordable than usual as drivers are usually making similar journeys already and are looking to fill up their empty space. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it also reduces unnecessary CO2 emissions, helping the Earth.
Preparing for the Moving Company
Once you've assessed your options with moving companies and selected one you feel comfortable with, it's time to prepare for your move. The level of preparation you need to do will vary based on the service you chose, but here are the most important steps when preparing to relocate:
1. Inform People - Whether it's your friends, work, bank, or utility company, anyone who needs to know your current address will have to be updated with your new residence. While it isn't the most enjoyable step, it's definitely the most crucial. Try making a list of everyone you can think of who needs to be informed and work your way through it.
2. Cleaning - Cleaning before a move is a bit like spring cleaning in that it's a fantastic opportunity to get rid of lots of old clutter. Not only does this mean you're getting rid of old, unwanted items, but it also means your move could potentially be more affordable because of the reduced amount of things needing to be transported. Aside from discarding old possessions, cleaning gives you an opportunity to sort your belongings into piles to go in boxes and means you aren't handling dirty items when unpacking and setting up your new home.
3. Materials - If the moving company you selected isn't providing materials, you'll need to procure them yourself. The main things you need are tape, bubble wrap or some protective material, and cardboard boxes. You'll most likely have to purchase the tape, labels, and protective wrap, but one great tip for cardboard boxes is to ask around in local shops and supermarkets. Often, they have lots going spare, which is also great for the environment!
4. Packing - One crucial tip when packing to move is to have an overnight bag that's ready to go with all the essential items you need for a night. This avoids the pressure of NEEDING to unpack everything to get what you need. The best way to pack is to go room by room, ensuring everything is well protected and labeled. This allows you to easily sort which boxes need to go in which room in your new home. You should also disassemble any furniture as this reduces the amount of space they take up, reduces the risk of damage during transit, and makes them easier to carry.
What to Do After the Move
Once everything has been unloaded, you'll want to do a quick check and make sure everything is there. It isn't feasible to check the condition of everything you own, but a quick once-over to spot any glaring issues is highly recommended. You should keep a record of any damages you find as you unpack if you want to go back to the moving company with any questions or complaints. We also ask that you leave feedback for your chosen moving company on our platform to allow future users to browse with the same level of confidence that you were able to.
In conclusion, relocating in Illinois can be a stressful experience, but by choosing the right moving company and preparing adequately, you can make the process much smoother. Shiply is here to help you find the best Illinois moving company for your needs, ensuring a successful and affordable move.