10 best long-distance moving companies in Raymore, MO

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

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your worries. To help ensure you, your family members, and your belongings arrive at your new home safely, we've compiled this list of the leading long-distance movers in Raymore.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Local and long-distance movers are different in many ways. Local movers usually only operate within a certain geographic radius. They'll usually charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that radius if they’re willing to at all.

Local moving companies are also more likely to set fees based on how long a job takes, while long-distance movers more likely to set fees based on the weight. Some moving companies, however, may use a mix of time and weight to set their final cost, so it's necessary to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

Local Raymore movers may have a more knowledge of your specific location and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Long-distance moving companies can be especially valuable for interstate moves. These companies are more likely to have the right information and experience to help with the logistics and legalities of a long-distance move.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Raymore

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may be overwhelming, making it difficult to pick the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for picking a reliable long-distance mover in Raymore.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must offer customers two insurance coverage choices: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can ask about these or similar insurance options. We also recommend purchasing your own moving insurance to completely protect your possessions. To help you better understand your long-term moving insurance options, we've provided a more detailed explanation below.
• Assess qualifications: Moving companies performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and have a USDOT number. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces policies such as mandating that movers give clients a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Ask for quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have plenty of time to plan your move. Get in touch with several long-distance moving providers in Raymore and ask for itemized cost breakdowns. Quotes should include an itemized list with prices for the actual move, insurance coverage, and any added services you think you might use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers afford their moving expenses. If you need financial assistance for your move, a moving or relocation loan might be a strong strategy to help with expenses. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple options to make sure you choose the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Look at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review sites to find out what others say about specific long-distance moving companies. You should also ask neighbors and family for 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.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. Additionally, reliable movers won't ask for the full payment upfront. If a moving company has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. The FMCSA describes mover rights and responsibilities of which you should be aware.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

An important tip for long-distance moves is to book your movers far enough ahead of time. It's best if you book your move at least 90 days beforehand. 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 or car moving.

When packing for your move on your own, get started at least four weeks in advance. You probably have sentimental, valuable, or fragile items, such as electronics or family heirlooms, that you would prefer to keep in your car rather than in the moving 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.

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

The night before moving day, make sure you get enough rest.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

The FMCSA mandates that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to replace, repair, or provide money back for any items lost or damaged while moving. Some movers may exclude certain items that are extremely valuable (generally those valued at over $100 per pound) from this policy. Full Value Protection is pricier but includes more comprehensive coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered at no additional cost, it gives you reduced coverage. This option requires your movers to compensate you a maximum of 60 cents per pound for items damaged or lost during the move.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might cover some of your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. While this typically doesn't apply to long-distance moves, checking your policy could be beneficial.

Sources

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