10 best long-distance moving companies in Prairie Village, KS

Long-distance or interstate moves bring unique challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns such as how to move your car.

Picking the right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this overview of the top long-distance movers in Prairie Village to help you, your loved ones, and your possessions arrive safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ 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 an exorbitant rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance movers often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local moving companies usually set fees based on the time needed for your move. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Prairie Village moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Prairie Village

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of finding a legitimate and reliable long-distance moving company in Prairie Village, we've compiled some recommendations below.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of options for insurance coverage to their customers: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can inquire about these or other options. In addition to the insurance coverage carried by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance options in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as an indication that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Prairie Village several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these quotes include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover expenses. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several options to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what others think about particular long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to book and costlier if you’re moving during the summer months. Prairie Village also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you cautious. Additionally, legitimate movers won't request the full payment upfront. If a moving company has a long history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be familiar with your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company well before your move date is critical when getting ready for a long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months in advance. This gives you enough time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

When packing for your move by yourself, get started at least four weeks in advance. You might prefer to keep certain sentimental, fragile, or valuable possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Write a list of everything that needs 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 of your move, such as medicine, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra clothes.

Lastly, on the night before your move, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your items are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers must have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it has less protection. With this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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