How to Schedule a Long Distance Move Online

Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan

When you’re planning a long-distance move, your to-do list fills up fast. You’re trying to organize your home, wrap up work, handle school changes, and say your goodbyes—all while figuring out how to get everything from point A to point B in one piece.

The last thing you need is a complicated booking process.

The good news is that you can now schedule almost every part of your long-distance move online. From the first quote request to confirming your move date, a lot can be done by email, video, and secure forms—without spending hours on the phone.

At Mid-West Moving & Storage, we’ve guided thousands of families, professionals, and businesses through long-distance moves from the Chicagoland area and beyond. Below is a step-by-step look at how to schedule a long-distance move online, what information you’ll need, and how we handle the process on our end so you feel supported the whole way.

What it really means to schedule a long distance move online

Some people hear “book online” and picture a one click calendar tool. A long distance move requires more care than that. When you schedule a move online with a professional mover, you are really doing three important things:

Sharing enough information so the moving company can understand your situation.
Building an accurate estimate that fits your home, your timeline, and your budget.
Locking in dates and services in writing so everyone is on the same page.

The online part simply makes all of this easier. You do not have to sit on hold, repeat the same information over and over, or shuffle paper contracts. Most of the important steps can happen by email, secure forms, and a virtual survey.

Before you fill out any forms: decisions that make your online scheduling easier

You will get more value from any online quote form if you take a few minutes to think through the basics first. You do not need to have every detail figured out, but these three questions will save you time later.

1. When do you need to move

Ask yourself:

What month or week do you plan to move
Do you have a fixed date, such as a closing, lease end, or start date for a new job
Are you flexible by a few days on either side

Long distance moving calendars fill up quickly around holidays, weekends, and the summer months. Having even a rough window helps a company like Mid-West Moving & Storage give you realistic options.

2. How much are you planning to move

You do not need a box by box list yet, but try to be honest and realistic. Consider:

Number of bedrooms
Whether you are moving items from a basement, attic, garage, or storage unit
Large or heavy pieces such as sectionals, king beds, safes, pianos, exercise equipment, or large bookcases
Items that are fragile or sentimental and may need extra protection

This helps your move coordinator plan for the right truck size, crew, and equipment and creates a better starting point for your estimate.

3. Any special situations at either home

Think about access and building rules. For example:

Do you live in a high rise with elevators that must be reserved
Is there a long walk from your front door to the parking area
Are streets tight, steep, or difficult for large trucks
Does your new home have move in hours or a concierge that needs notice

Sharing details like these in your online form or in a follow up email allows your mover to plan ahead instead of reacting on move day.

Step 1: Research and shortlist long distance movers online

Once you have a basic sense of your timeline and what you are moving, it is time to choose who you will trust with everything you own. This is where online research really matters.

Here are a few practical things to check:

Reviews and ratings on Google and other platforms. Look for consistent patterns in what people say, not just the score.
Whether the company clearly states that it handles long distance and interstate moves, not only local moves.
Evidence that the company is properly licensed and insured. A reputable mover can provide this on request.
A website that lists services, service areas, and a clear process, not just a phone number and a slogan.

Mid-West Moving & Storage has served customers in and around the Chicagoland area for many years, and much of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients. That kind of track record is something you want to see when you are trusting a company with a long distance move.

Step 2: Request an online quote for your long distance move

Most moving companies, including Mid-West Moving & Storage, offer an online quote or estimate request form. Think of this as your introduction. It lets your move coordinator understand who you are and what you are planning, and it starts the conversation.

You will typically be asked for:

Your current address and your destination city or address
The type and size of home or business you are moving from
Your ideal move date or general time frame
A way to contact you, usually phone and email
Any notes about special items or concerns

A little extra detail here can go a long way. “Three bedroom house with basement, garage, and large sectional sofa” is more useful than simply “house.” You do not need to be perfect. Your coordinator will confirm and refine everything later, but you give them a strong starting point.

What happens after you click submit

At Mid-West Moving & Storage, an actual person reads your form. A move coordinator will usually follow up by phone or email to:

Confirm your basic information
Ask a few clarifying questions
Explain the next step, which is usually a virtual or in home survey

The goal at this stage is not to lock you into anything. It is to make sure you receive an estimate that reflects your real situation instead of a generic guess.

Step 3: Schedule a virtual or in home moving survey

For a long distance move, a proper survey is one of the most important parts of the process. This is where experience and attention to detail really show.

What a virtual survey looks like in real life

A virtual survey uses your smartphone or tablet to walk a coordinator through your home. You will connect by a secure video link at a time that works for you. Then you simply move from room to room while the coordinator asks questions and takes notes.

You will typically show:

Living and dining areas
Bedrooms, closets, hallways, and any nooks that hold furniture or boxes
Kitchen and pantry areas
Basement, attic, garage, and outdoor items such as patio sets or grills
Special items that might need extra care

The entire process usually takes thirty to sixty minutes. You do not need to have everything packed. In fact, it often helps if items are still in place, because your coordinator can see the full picture.

If you prefer a traditional visit, an in home survey can usually be scheduled as well.

Why the survey step matters

The survey is where a professional mover can really protect you from surprises. After seeing your home, a coordinator can:

Estimate the weight and volume more accurately
Plan for the right truck size, crew, and number of hours
Identify items that may need special packing, crating, or handling
Flag any access issues at either location that could affect time or cost

Skipping this step often leads to unrealistic estimates and frustration later. A thorough survey is a sign that your mover is taking your relocation seriously.

Step 4: Review your written estimate in detail

Once your survey is complete, your coordinator will prepare a written estimate. This is usually sent by email so you can read it carefully and refer back to it. A solid long distance moving estimate should clearly explain:

How the price was calculated, such as weight, distance, and services
Which services are included, such as loading, transport, unloading, and basic protection
Optional services, such as packing, unpacking, storage, and debris removal
Any conditions that could change the final cost if your plans change
Expected dates or delivery windows, especially for long distances

Take your time with this document. Set aside a few minutes when you are not distracted. If anything is confusing, ask. You have every right to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

Questions you can send to your coordinator

You can send questions by email or discuss them on a call. Examples include:

What would happen if we remove a room of furniture before the move
How does the estimate change if we add packing service for the kitchen only
Can you explain the valuation or protection options in plain language
Is there anything we can do to keep the cost closer to the lower end of the range

At Mid-West Moving & Storage, we see this part of the process as a conversation, not a one sided proposal. Clear answers now prevent stress later.

Step 5: Reserve your move dates and sign electronically

Once you feel comfortable with the estimate and the services, the next step is to reserve your dates. Most of this can be handled online.

You can expect:

An electronic version of your agreement that can be signed digitally
A secure method to pay any required deposit, often by credit card or other traceable payment
A written confirmation that lists your move dates, addresses, and agreed services

Keep your confirmation email in a safe place, such as a dedicated moving folder in your inbox or a cloud folder where you store all move related documents.

A quick note about red flags

If you are booking online, be very cautious if you are:

Asked to pay a large cash deposit with no receipt
Pressured to sign before you see a written estimate
Given a price that is much lower than other reputable movers with no clear explanation

Professional movers are transparent. They know that trust is important, especially for long distance work, and they are willing to answer questions.

Step 6: Fine tune your move plan through email and online tools

Scheduling your move online is not a single moment. It is a series of small decisions and confirmations that happen over time. After you reserve your date, you will likely adjust and refine your plan as your move gets closer.

You might:

Add full or partial packing services if your schedule gets tight
Request temporary storage if your closing dates do not line up perfectly
Share building rules, loading dock instructions, or elevator reservations with your coordinator
Update contact information if you change phone numbers or email addresses
Confirm special instructions for items that are sentimental or fragile

Most of these changes can be made entirely through email. At Mid-West Moving & Storage you will typically work with one primary move coordinator who tracks these updates and makes sure your crew arrives with the right information.

Step 7: Use checklists and timelines to stay organized

Online scheduling works best when paired with a simple plan. You do not need anything fancy. A basic checklist can keep you from feeling scattered.

Here is a sample timeline you can adapt. You can keep this in a document, spreadsheet, or even a notes app on your phone.

Six to eight weeks before your move

Request quotes from your short list of movers
Complete your virtual or in home survey
Choose your mover and reserve your dates
Start a digital folder for all emails, estimates, and confirmations

Four to six weeks before your move

Begin sorting and donating items you do not want to move
Confirm school transfer records, medical records, and important documents
Decide whether you will pack yourself or use packing services from your mover
Order packing supplies if you are doing your own packing

Two to three weeks before your move

Submit online requests for utility shut off and start dates
Confirm any time off work needed for packing or move day
Share building and access information with your move coordinator
Aim to have most non essential items packed and labeled

One week before your move

Pack a first night box for each family member with clothing, toiletries, and essentials
Set aside important documents, medications, and items that will travel with you personally
Confirm arrival time and contact details with your mover
Walk through your home and note anything you still need to disassemble

Day before and move day

Clear walkways so the crew can move safely through your home
Keep phones and chargers handy so you are reachable
Walk through your home with the crew leader before loading begins to confirm the plan
Do a final walk through after the truck is loaded to be sure nothing was left behind

This structure keeps your online scheduling from feeling abstract. You can see what needs to happen and when, and you can use your email and digital tools to support each step.

Step 8: Stay in contact while your belongings are in transit

With a long distance move, your shipment may take several days to arrive, depending on distance and route. During this time, communication is important.

With Mid-West Moving & Storage, you can:

Stay in touch with your move coordinator by phone or email
Receive updates on your estimated delivery window
Confirm last details for your new home, such as parking, building access, and key hand off

Knowing that you have a direct point of contact who knows your move history and details can make the waiting period much less stressful.

Why work with Mid-West Moving & Storage for an online scheduled long distance move

Anyone can put a quote form on a website. What matters is what happens after you click submit. When you schedule a long distance move online with Mid-West Moving & Storage, you benefit from:

A dedicated move coordinator who serves as your main point of contact and keeps an eye on every detail.
Crews who are trained and background checked and who handle your belongings with care from loading to unloading.
Clear written estimates and agreements so you always know what is included and what to expect.
Flexible service options that can be adjusted as your plans evolve, including packing, storage, and special handling.
A team that understands the realities of long distance moves from and to the Chicagoland area and is prepared for the challenges that come with tight streets, building rules, weather, and timing.

We understand that behind every move there is a story. Sometimes it is a new job, sometimes it is a return home, sometimes it is a fresh start. Our role is to make the physical part of that transition as organized and predictable as possible.

Ready to schedule your long distance move

If you are planning a long distance move to or from the Chicago area, you can start the process today without leaving your home. Mid-West Moving & Storage makes it easy to get the ball rolling with a simple online estimate calculator and a quick quote request form.

Kari-Ann Ryan

Director of Marketing & Development

Kari-Ann Ryan is a dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record in brand development, corporate visibility, and business growth. As the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, she leads all branding, marketing, and business development initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across multiple industries.

With extensive experience in multi-brand marketing, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and retail management, Kari-Ann brings a comprehensive and results-driven approach to her role. She is a dedicated leader in the business community, actively involved in the Schaumburg Business Association and the GOA Regional Business Association. She also serves as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.

In addition to her corporate role, Kari-Ann is the founder of LMJ’s Lost Souls – Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, education, and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and is Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing, with expertise in social media strategy and digital engagement.