10 best long-distance moving companies in Kirkwood, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves include their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may be worried about higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help relieve your worries. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings make it to your new home safely, we've created this list of the leading long-distance movers in Kirkwood.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ from those that only assist with local moves. Local moving companies generally provide 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.

Long-distance moving companies are also more likely to charge by weight, while local moving companies are more likely to charge by time. However, some providers use a combination of time and weight to set their rates, so be sure to ask your specific provider about its prices.

When faced with a long-distance move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local moving companies. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the expertise that long-distance movers have in taking on interstate moves is invaluable. Long-distance movers are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of interstate moves, which can save you time and headaches.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Kirkwood

When you're picking a long-distance mover, the wide range of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we have compiled some advice on how to find a licensed and reliable long-distance mover in Kirkwood.

• 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. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, look into the options provided by your mover. In addition to the insurance options offered by your mover, purchasing your own moving insurance will give you full protection for your belongings. You can find more thorough information about long-term moving insurance plans below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan your move. Request itemized cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Kirkwood. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include costs for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: To help with the financial aspect of your move, quite a few moving companies offer financing options. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help with cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We suggest looking into several loans to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others thought about certain long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Friends and family can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: Because summer is the most common season for moves, it can be challenging and costlier to hire a mover. Because there are so many college students living in Kirkwood, June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Be suspicious of movers that provide “too good to be true” prices or nonbinding estimates. Trustworthy movers generally won't request your complete payment upfront. Steer clear of movers that have 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

An important tip for long-distance moves is to hire your movers far enough in advance. To ensure a smooth move, reserve your movers no less than 90 days ahead of your move date, and potentially even more if you need more unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we advise getting started a month in advance. You might prefer to keep certain possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than packed in the moving truck.

We also recommend making 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.

Pack essentials for the first few days of your move, such as toothbrushes, extra clothes, and medications.

Lastly, on the night before moving day, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash reimbursement for any items lost or damaged during your move. Some moving companies may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 a pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will pay 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. 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