10 best long-distance moving companies in Belton, MO

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

The right moving company can help lessen your issues. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've created this list of the best long-distance movers in Belton.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in a few ways. Local moving companies only offer services within a specific geographic radius and often charge a significantly higher fee for moves beyond their standard service radius if they agree to these jobs at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on time, while long-distance movers more likely to charge based on the weight. Certain moving companies may use a mix of time and weight when establishing their prices, so make sure to discuss pricing with your chosen provider.

While local movers may have more experience moving in your specific location (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, especially when moving from one state to another. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Belton

When you're choosing a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can feel overwhelming. See the list below for some advice on finding a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Belton.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, looking into these or similar insurance options is a good idea. We also suggest obtaining your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written price quote.
• Compare costs: We suggest seeking out quotes several months before your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Belton and get itemized cost breakdowns. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing options 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 option to help with cost. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend researching several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what other clients think about specific long-distance movers. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year for moving, which means movers may be harder to hire and more expensive if you’re moving between May and September. Belton also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy due to students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that offer “too good to be true” estimates or nonbinding estimates. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t demand the full payment upfront. Avoid movers that have a history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A great piece of advice for long-distance moves is to find your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you schedule your move at least 90 days ahead of time. This gives you plenty of time to hire a moving company. You may even want to start planning earlier than that 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 probably have fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as plants or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to have in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

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

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a suitcase with items such as extra clothes, toothbrushes, and medications.

The night before moving day, don't forget to get plenty of rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions 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. Full Value Protection is pricier but includes more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it gives you less protection. With this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. Checking your policy might be worthwhile, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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