10 best long-distance moving companies in Topeka, KS

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in many ways. Higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move a car are common difficulties for people moving long-distance.

The right moving company can help ease your challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the top long-distance movers in Topeka to help you, your loved ones, and your belongings make it safely to your new home.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies differ in a few ways. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers often only operate within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

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 they're moving. However, some companies use a mix of time and weight to calculate their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific city (and be less expensive), the knowledge and experience of a long-distance moving company is extremely valuable, particularly when moving between states. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the proper information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Topeka

Finding the right long-distance mover in Topeka requires research to ensure the company offers the services you need and works within your budget. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a legitimate and reliable long-distance mover in Topeka.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves within the same state, inquiring about these or similar options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, getting your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers 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 company. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for movers on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Reach out to several long-distance moving companies in Topeka several months before your move and request detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include costs for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you’ll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a good strategy to help cover cost. Ask your mover about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare several loans to make sure you find the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous clients have said about certain long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a moving company.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your entire payment upfront. If a moving company has a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to book your moving company well in advance of your move date. It's best if you book your move at least three months ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest getting started a month beforehand. When it comes to fragile, valuable, or sentimental belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

To stay organized, write a detailed list of all the necessary tasks before and after your move, such as notifying the Kansas DMV of your new address.

Pack necessities for the first couple of days of your move, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medicine.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is essential for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if some of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must offer two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash reimbursement for any possessions lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain possessions that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some movers. Full Value Protection is pricier but offers more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it provides less protection. If you choose this insurance, your movers will reimburse you up to 60 cents per pound for possessions that are lost or damaged.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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