10 Best Movers in Kansas City, MO (2024) - USA Today (2024)

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Missouri is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Kansas City area, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Kansas City

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Check that the mover you choose has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These reliable and experienced movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Missouri moving companies that operate across state lines must have state and federal licensing. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates Missouri movers. All licensed movers in the state are alphabetically listed on the DPU’s page.

Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Kansas City is greater than the national average, making itfairly costly. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Kansas City is above 77.7% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Storage
• Supplies
• Packing

Your total cost may also be impacted by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. The following items often are more expensive to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos
• Safes

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide good service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as transportation emergencies, bad weather, traffic and limited supplies. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Kansas City.

Be communicative

Prevent surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Notify them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory you gave the movers.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these item and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

Most people book movers from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you have difficulty finding an economical moving company that meets your needs.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more affordable. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Kansas City

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will handle the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Missouri are also required to have a license from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime moving time is between May to September, leading to much higher demand and pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photographs, financial records, identification documents and computers.

Moving companies frequently cap insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Take irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and items prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fertilizers
• Fuel sources
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.