3 best long-distance moving companies in Cape Girardeau, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in important ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may have to deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and concerns like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by choosing the right movers for the job. We've compiled this overview of the top long-distance movers in Cape Girardeau so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

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

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies typically set fees based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly charge based on the length of time needed for your move. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their rates, so it's key to discuss your provider's pricing structure.

Local Cape Girardeau movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Selecting a long-distance moving company for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Cape Girardeau

When you're hiring a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. Below, we provide some guidance on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Cape Girardeau.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can inquire about these or similar options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your moving company. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed discussion below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration gives you peace of mind that a qualified mover is handling your move. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start getting estimates several months ahead of your move. Ask for itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Cape Girardeau. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any other services you think you might need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Talk with your moving company about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. Looking into several options allows you to pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients think about specific long-distance movers. Neighbors and loved ones can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season to move in, it can be challenging and more expensive to get a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Cape Girardeau, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be cautious of movers that provide “too good to be true” quotes or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment upfront. Avoid movers with an extensive 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 useful piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. To ensure a smooth move, secure your movers no less than three months before your move date, and potentially even more if you need specific services, like piano moving or car moving.

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

Putting together a checklist of all the things that need to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Missouri DMV, is a great way to stay organized during a long-distance move.

Pack a bag of essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, toiletries, and medications.

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is crucial for long-distance moves. It'll cover the cost if any of your belongings are lost or damagedin the move.

All interstate movers are required to provide two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain extremely valuable possessions (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less protection. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for possessions lost or damaged during the move.

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

Sources

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