10 best long-distance moving companies in Hazelwood, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance worry about challenges such as how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

The right moving professionals can help ease your concerns. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've put together this guide to the highest-rated long-distance movers in Hazelwood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance moving companies are distinct in several ways. Local moving companies generally offer moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a significant fee to do so.

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

Although local moving companies may have more experience moving in your specific area (and be less expensive), the expertise of a long-distance moving company is highly valuable, particularly when it comes to moving between states. Long-distance moving companies can save you time and headaches because they're more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Hazelwood

Hiring the right long-distance mover is important, and the choices may be overwhelming. Below, we provide some advice on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in Hazelwood.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to provide two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. You can look into these or other options for long-distance moves that don't cross state lines. To better protect your possessions during the move, we suggest getting your own moving insurance on top of the coverage offered by your moving company. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Reputable providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes complaint histories for moving companies on its website and enforces rules such as mandating that movers supply customers with a written price quote.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving providers in Hazelwood several months before your move and get detailed quotes. Confirm that these estimates include prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you think you’ll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with 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 options to make sure you get the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other platforms to learn what previous clients say about certain long-distance moving companies. Also, ask for recommendations from your neighbors and family.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most popular season to move in, it can be difficult and more expensive to hire a moving company. Hazelwood also has a lot of college students living in the area, so the beginning and end of the semesters may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: Be wary of movers that give you “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding quotes. You should also be wary of a moving company that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers with 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

Scheduling your moving company far enough ahead of time is essential for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you plan your move at least three months 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 specialized services, like piano or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. You might prefer to keep certain valuable, sentimental, or fragile items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

Writing a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both 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.

Put together necessities for the first couple of days in your new home, such as toiletries, extra clothes, 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 necessary for long-distance moves. It'll pay you back if any of your belongings 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. This policy may not apply to certain belongings that are extremely valuable (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some moving companies. Although Full Value Protection is pricier, it offers more coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it has reduced coverage. With this option, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost belongings.

If you keep your same homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy after you move, it may cover some of your belongings during your move. 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