3 best long-distance moving companies in Dodge City, KS

There are factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

Choosing the right moving professionals can help lessen your challenges. To help make sure you, your family members, and your belongings get to your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Dodge City.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in many ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to set fees based on the weight. However, some movers use a mix of time and weight to set their prices, so be sure to check with your specific provider about its prices.

Local Dodge City moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Dodge City

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of choosing a licensed and reliable long-distance moving company in Dodge City, we've put together some advice below.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, asking about these or other options is a good idea. We also suggest getting your own moving insurance to fully protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a reputable mover. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start asking for quotes several months before your move. Get in touch with multiple long-distance moving providers in Dodge City and request itemized quotes. As you compare estimates, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the expenses. Talk with your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We advise looking into several options to get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that offer “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has a history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your movers far enough ahead of time is essential when getting ready for a long-distance move. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than three months before your move date, and possibly even more if you need unique services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move on your own. You might prefer to have certain items, such as electronics and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done before and after your move. The list should include things such as updating your address with the Kansas DMV.

Pack essentials for the first couple of days in your new home, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is a necessity since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must provide two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to repair, replace, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. While Full Value Protection is pricier, it gives you greater coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it gives less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for items that are lost or damaged.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy when you move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, it might be a good idea to check your policy.

Sources

Kansas Department of Revenue U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration