10 best long-distance moving companies in Gladstone, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves are different from local moves in significant ways. When you're moving between states, you may encounter complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

Put your mind at ease by selecting the right movers for the job. We've put together this guide to the top long-distance movers in Gladstone so you, your family, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are a few key differences to note. Local movers only operate within a specific geographic radius and usually charge a significantly higher rate for moves beyond their standard service area if they agree to these jobs at all.

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

Local Gladstone 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. Selecting a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary 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 Gladstone

Selecting the right long-distance mover is important, and the options may be overwhelming. To help you navigate the process of picking a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Gladstone, we've put together 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 similar insurance options. We also recommend obtaining your own moving insurance to better protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance plans, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to supply a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Request quotes several months in advance to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Contact several long-distance moving providers in Gladstone and request itemized quotes. As you compare estimates, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, many moving companies offer financing plans. A moving or relocation loan can 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. We suggest researching several choices to find the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what other clients have said about specific long-distance movers by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar online review websites. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and relatives.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving between May and September, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and costlier to book a moving company. Gladstone also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the school year may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you suspicious. Additionally, reliable moving companies won't demand the full payment before the move. Avoid movers with an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A key piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well in advance of your move date. 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 unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full month in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to fragile, sentimental, or valuable belongings, such as artwork or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everything that needs to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Missouri DMV.

Pack essentials for the first few days, such as extra clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and medications.

The night before moving day, don't forget to 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 any of your items are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Under Full Value Protection, movers are required to replace, repair, or provide money back for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 per pound), for some moving companies. Full Value Protection is pricier but includes better coverage. The second option, Released Value Protection, is offered for free, but it has less protection. This insurance requires your moving company to reimburse you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for belongings lost or damaged during the move.

If you carry over your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy during your move, it may partially cover your belongings during your move. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they typically don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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