10 best long-distance moving companies in Wichita, KS

There are a range of factors that distinguish long-distance or interstate moves from local moves. Many people moving interstate or long-distance come up against challenges like how to move their car, as well as higher costs and complicated logistics.

Alleviate your concerns by selecting the best moving professionals for the job. We've made this list of the highest-rated long-distance movers in Wichita so you, your loved ones, and your belongings arrive to your new home without any problems.

What Makes Long-Distance Movers Different From Local Movers?

When you're comparing local and long-distance moving companies, there are many key differences to consider. Local movers usually only offer services within a certain geographic radius. They'll frequently charge an exorbitant rate to work outside that circle if they’re willing to at all.

Another benefit of choosing a long-distance mover is that they typically charge by weight, while local moving companies more often set fees based on time. Keep in mind that certain movers might use both weight and time in their estimates, so ask your specific movers about their pricing structure.

Local Wichita moving companies may have a more knowledge of your specific area and provide less expensive services, but their experience with interstate moves is most likely limited. Using a long-distance mover for an interstate move gives you the benefit of the necessary knowledge and experience to handle the logistics and legal requirements, while also saving you time and stress.

How To Choose a Long-Distance Mover in Wichita

With so many long-distance movers to choose from, the options may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right one for you. Here are some tips for picking a legitimate long-distance mover in Wichita.

• Ask about insurance: Interstate moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to offer two types of insurance coverage to their clients: 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. In addition to the insurance choices provided by your mover, obtaining your own moving insurance will give you better protection for your belongings. You can find more detailed information on long-term moving insurance options below.
• Assess qualifications: Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number and must be registered with the FMCSA. Trustworthy providers will have these qualifications. The FMCSA publishes movers’ complaint histories on its website and enforces regulations such as requiring movers to provide customers with a written estimate.
• Compare costs: Contact several long-distance moving companies in Wichita several months before your move and request detailed quotes. As you compare quotes, ensure that they include prices for the physical move, insurance coverage, and any additional services you'll use.
• Look at financing options: Plenty of movers provide financing options as a way to help customers pay for their moving expenses. You may be able to take out a moving or relocation loan to help with expenses. Ask your mover about relocation loans or financing plans if you need financial assistance for your move. We recommend researching several loans to get the one with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Read reviews: You can find out what previous customers thought about specific long-distance moving companies by reading Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other online review websites. Also, get recommendations from your friends and loved ones.
• Think about timing: Summer is the most popular time of year to move, which means moving companies may be harder to get and costlier if you’re moving between May and September. Because there are so many college students living in Wichita, June and August may be particularly busy because of students moving.
• Watch out for red flags: A moving company giving you a suspiciously low or nonbinding quote is a red flag. You should also be cautious of a moving company that asks for your entire payment before the move. If a mover has an extensive history of negative reviews or BBB complaints, it's best to avoid them. You should be knowledgeable about your mover rights and responsibilities, as described by the FMCSA.

Long-Distance Moving Tips

A helpful piece of advice for long-distance moves is to reserve your movers far enough in advance. We advise scheduling your move at least three months ahead of time, or even earlier if you need unique services, like piano moving or car moving.

Start packing a full four weeks in advance if you plan on packing for your move without professional help. When it comes to valuable, fragile, or sentimental belongings, such as electronics or family heirlooms, you may choose to carry them in your car rather than the mover's truck.

It's also important to make a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done both before and after your move, such as updating your address with the Kansas DMV.

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

Lastly, make sure to get enough rest the night before your big move.

Moving Insurance for Long-Distance Moves

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

All interstate movers need to have two insurance options, according to the FMCSA. Under Full Value Protection, movers have to replace, repair, or provide a cash settlement for any belongings lost or damaged while moving. Some moving companies might not cover belongings that are very expensive (usually those worth more than $100 per pound) under this policy. Full Value Protection is more expensive but gives you better coverage. Alternatively, Released Value Protection is offered for free, but it has less protection. If you choose this plan, 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 carry over the same policy. This typically isn’t the case for long-distance moves, but it may be worth checking your policy.

Sources

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