Moving Tips: MAKE SURE YOU HIRE A LICENSED AND INSURED MOVING COMPANY
ONLY USE A LICENSED MOVER. The most important thing you can do is choose from among the nearly 350 movers
licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (Ill.C.C.). Licensed, professional movers must comply with Ill.C.C.
standards for handling, loading, moving, and unloading your property; and they must perform their services at
reasonable rates and within a reasonable time. Unlicensed movers operate outside the law, and they may provide
little protection for loss or damage to your property -- or none at all. For your protection, it's against the
law to hire an unlicensed mover.
GOOD REPUTATION. A good reputation is a valuable asset to a mover. Get recommendations from neighbors, friends,
co-workers, real estate agents, or any newcomer who has used a mover recently, then get estimates from movers
with satisfied customers. You also can call the Ill.C.C. and the Better Business Bureau to inquire about complaints
against carriers. If possible, visit a mover's facilities.
COMPARE COSTS. Your moving costs will be calculated by one of two methods: For moves less than 35 miles OR entirely
within the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will charges are based on the number of workers
and hours for the loading, moving and unloading. For moves over 35 miles (and outside the counties listed above),
charges are based on the total shipment weight and the distance of the move. For local moves remember that the lowest
hourly rate does not guarantee the least expensive move. Charges are based on actual time and number of workers.
NOTE: The lll.C.C. does not regulate how much movers charge for moves outside of Cook County if they begin and end
in the same incorporated community plus the area within ten miles beyond its corporate limits. Even in a rate-exempt area,
the mover always must be licensed.