10 best movers in Joliet, Illinois

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of Illinois. If you're moving in the Joliet area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Joliet

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Make sure the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving services below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Joliet is higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Joliet is above 85.8% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Supplies
• Fuel
• Storage
• Professional labor
• Junk removal
• Packing

These extra considerations can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. The following items commonly cost more to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Safes
• Family heirlooms or antiques

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s customary if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Bad weather, transportation emergencies, traffic and limited supplies can all add time and money to your move. There’s no way to prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Joliet.

Be communicative

To prevent surprise charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed in advance. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving company.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you lack the time or support system needed for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can cost less. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Joliet

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will tackle the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Illinois are also required to have a license from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

How does moving insurance work?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months from May to September is the peak moving time. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and increased costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from planning a summer move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping valuable technology with you while moving.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Perishable foods and produce
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Aerosols
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Batteries
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.