10 best long-distance moving companies in St. Joseph, MO

There are several importantfactors that differentiate long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. When you're moving long-distance, you may come up against complicated logistics, higher costs, and challenges like how to move your car.

The right moving company can help ease your worries. We've created this list of the best long-distance movers in St. Joseph so you, your family, and your possessions get to your new home safely.

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 keep in mind. Local moving companies generally provide moving services within a designated geographic area. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Local moving companies are also more likely to charge based on time, while long-distance moving companies more likely to charge based on the weight they're moving. Some moving companies, however, may use a combination of time and weight to determine their prices, so it's important to check your provider's pricing structure.

Local St. Joseph movers may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide more affordable services, but their experience with interstate moves is probably limited. Choosing a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the critical 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 St. Joseph

Picking the right long-distance mover in St. Joseph requires research to make sure the company offers the services you need and fits your budget. Below, we offer some guidance on how to choose a legitimate and trustworthy long-distance mover in St. Joseph.

• Ask about insurance: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), interstate movers must provide customers with two insurance coverage options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. For long-distance moves that don't cross state lines, inquiring about these or similar insurance options is a good idea. In addition to the insurance coverage provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. We discuss long-distance moving insurance choices in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT number. Qualified providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA enforces certain regulations, such as requiring movers to supply a written price quote, and also publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website.
• Compare costs: We recommend seeking out quotes several months ahead of your move. Get detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in St. Joseph. As you compare quotes, make sure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any added services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Many movers offer financing plans to help you afford your move. You may be able to get a moving or relocation loan to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. You should compare multiple choices to make sure you pick 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 movers. Neighbors and relatives can also provide valuable recommendations.
• Think about timing: If you plan on moving during the summer months, keep in mind that summer is the most popular time of year for moves. This can make it harder and more expensive to hire a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: Moving companies that provide nonbinding or seemingly "too good to be true" quotes should make you cautious. You should also be wary of a mover that asks for your full payment before the move. Avoid movers with 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

A valuable piece of advice when planning a long-distance move is to hire your moving company well before of your move date. We recommend hiring movers at least 90 days before your move date, or even farther ahead if you need unique moving 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. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as artwork and family heirlooms, with you in your car rather than in the moving truck.

We also suggest making a checklist of everything that needs to be done before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Missouri DMV.

Put together essentials for the first couple of days of your move, such as toiletries, medications, and extra clothes.

The night before your move, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

Moving insurance is incredibly important for long-distance moves because it'll pay you back if any of your possessions are lost or damagedby your movers.

The FMCSA requires all interstate movers to have two insurance options. Full Value Protection requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items 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. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but it will ultimately get you greater coverage. While Released Value Protection is offered for free, it gives you less protection. With this option, your movers will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for damaged or lost items.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy when you move. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but checking your policy might be worth a look.

Sources

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