10 best long-distance moving companies in Chesterfield, MO

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

Lessen your worries by picking the right movers for the job. That’s why we’ve created this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Chesterfield to help you, your family, and your possessions make it safely to your new home.

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 radius. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

When it comes to pricing, long-distance moving companies often charge based on the weight of your belongings, while local movers commonly charge based on the time needed for your move. Some moving companies may use a combination of time and weight when calculating their rates, so make sure to discuss pricing with your specific provider.

Local Chesterfield movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Choosing a long-distance mover 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 stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Chesterfield

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the choices can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for picking a reliable long-distance moving company in Chesterfield.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two kinds of options for insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or similar insurance options. To completely protect your possessions during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. You can find more thorough information on long-term moving insurance coverage below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified mover. The FMCSA enforces certain policies, such as requiring movers to give clients a written price quote, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Chesterfield several months before your move and get detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, plenty of moving companies have financing options. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to pay for some of the cost. Talk with your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial assistance for your move. You should compare a few choices to make sure you pick the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what other clients thought about certain long-distance movers by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. 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 difficult and costlier to get a moving company. Chesterfield also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the summer may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. Steer clear of movers that have an extensive history of bad 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 book your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you plan your move at least 90 days beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to hire movers. You may even want to start planning earlier than that if you need more specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move yourself, we suggest starting a month ahead of time. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may opt to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

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

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get a full night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any possessions lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 a pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you more comprehensive coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it gives less coverage. 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 partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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