10 best long-distance moving companies in Mehlville, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves present their own challenges that set them apart from local moves. When you're moving between states, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges such as how to move your car.

Selecting the right moving professionals can help lessen your concerns. We've created this guide to the leading long-distance movers in Mehlville so you, your loved ones, and your possessions make it to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ considerably from those that only assist with local moves. The main distinction between local and long-distance movers is the distance they're willing to cover. Local movers typically only work within a certain geographic area and will charge an exorbitant fee to work outside it if they're willing to at all.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to charge based on how long a job takes. Keep in mind that certain movers might incorporate both weight and time in their quotes, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. While local movers may have a better grasp of your specific city and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. Long-distance movers can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the relevant information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Mehlville

Picking the right long-distance moving company is important, and the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for finding a legitimate long-distance mover in Mehlville.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two kinds of insurance coverage to their clients: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Even if your long-distance move is within the same state, ask about the options provided by your mover. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your belongings. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance coverage, we've provided a more detailed overview below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. This registration serves as a sign that you're working with a qualified company. The FMCSA enforces certain rules, such as requiring movers to give clients a written estimate, and also publishes moving companies' complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: Start seeking out quotes several months before your move. For a comprehensive comparison, be sure to ask for detailed cost breakdowns from several long-distance movers in Mehlville. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you might need.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing plans as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. You may be eligible for a moving or relocation loan to cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. We recommend looking into several choices to select the one with the best rates and fewest fees.
• Read reviews: You can see what others have said about particular long-distance moving companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. You should also ask neighbors and loved ones for recommendations.
• 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 get a moving company. Mehlville also has a lot of college students living in the area, so June and August may be particularly busy as students move.
• Watch out for red flags: Movers that give you nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" estimates should make you wary. Additionally, reliable movers shouldn’t ask for the full payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of poor reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA details mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Finding your movers well before your move date is critical for a successful long-distance move. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days 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 more specialized services, like piano moving or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move by yourself, we suggest getting started a month in advance. You might choose to keep certain sentimental, valuable, or fragile possessions, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

Write a list of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move. The list should include tasks such as updating your address with the Missouri DMV.

Make sure you're not without essentials in the first few days of your move by packing a bag with items such as medicine, extra clothes, and toothbrushes.

Finally, make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is necessary for long-distance moves because it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

All interstate movers have to offer two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers must repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain possessions that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less protection. With this plan, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost possessions.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you carry over the same policy. It may be helpful to review your policy, even though they usually don't cover long-distance moves.

Sources

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