10 best long-distance moving companies in Wentzville, MO

Long-distance or interstate moves are distinct from local moves in significant ways. If you’re moving interstate or long-distance, you may deal with higher costs, complicated logistics, and challenges like how to move your car.

Hiring the right moving professionals can help lessen your problems. We've put together this list of the top long-distance movers in Wentzville so you, your family, and your belongings get to your new home safely.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

Moving companies that perform long-distance moves differ significantly from those that only do local moves. Local movers generally provide moving services within a designated geographic location. They either won't work outside that area, or they'll charge a much higher rate to do so.

Long-distance movers are also more likely to charge by weight, while local movers are more likely to set fees based on time. Some moving providers, however, may use a combination of time and weight to calculate their prices, so it's key to talk about your provider's pricing structure.

When faced with an interstate move, it's important to weigh the benefits of hiring long-distance versus local movers. Although local movers may have a better grasp of your specific location and potentially offer more affordable rates, the knowledge and experience that long-distance movers have in handling interstate moves can't be beaten. 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 Wentzville

When you're selecting a long-distance moving company, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. Below, we offer some tips on how to pick a licensed and trustworthy long-distance moving company in Wentzville.

• Ask about insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to offer two types of insurance coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. If you're moving long-distance but not across state lines, you can look into these or other options. To better protect your belongings during the move, we recommend obtaining your own moving insurance on top of the coverage provided by your mover. We discuss long-distance moving insurance plans in more detail below.
• Assess qualifications: Movers performing interstate moves must be registered with the FMCSA and 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: Request quotes several months beforehand to ensure you have enough time to plan your move. Ask for detailed quotes from multiple long-distance movers in Wentzville. As you compare quotes, confirm that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any other services you'll need.
• Look at financing options: Many movers provide financing plans 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 option to help cover cost. Ask your moving company about financing plans or relocation loans if you need financial help with your move. Researching several choices allows you to pick the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: Read online reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and similar platforms to learn what other customers say about certain long-distance movers. You should also ask friends and relatives 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 to move. This can make it harder and costlier to book a mover.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a "too good to be true" or nonbinding estimate is a red flag. Additionally, legitimate moving companies 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. Familiarize yourself with the FMCSA's guidelines on your mover rights and responsibilities.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Securing your moving company far enough ahead of time is key for a successful long-distance move. We recommend scheduling your move at least 90 days ahead of time, or possibly earlier if you need specialized services, like piano or car moving.

If you decide to pack for your move on your own, we suggest starting a month beforehand. You might choose to keep certain fragile, valuable, or sentimental items, such as plants 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 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 a toothbrush and toothpaste, medications, and extra clothes.

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

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, moving insurance is key since it'll protect you if any of your belongings are lost or damaged.

The FMCSA requires that all interstate movers must have two insurance options. The first, Full Value Protection, requires movers to repair, replace, or provide a cash settlement for any items lost or damaged during your move. This policy may not apply to certain extremely valuable possessions (typically those valued at over $100 a pound), for some movers. You have to pay more for Full Value Protection, but in the long-run you'll get more coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection doesn't cost you anything, but it provides less coverage. If you choose this insurance, your moving company will compensate you up to 60 cents per pound for belongings that are damaged or lost.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might partially cover your belongings during the move if you keep the same policy. 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