How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Kansas City
Consider each company's services, cost, customer reviews, and licensing before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Kansas City is $53. A two-bedroom move in the area costs approximately $4,155 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, your home size, any additional tasks you need done, and the season.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are crucial in this process. They should have a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the moving process is finished to ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Moving companies rely on solid customer feedback. Visit platforms such as Trustpilot, social media, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp to learn about customer experiences with that mover.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Kansas City must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, your mover needs an active motor carrier identification number, which the Kansas Corporation Commission regulates.
The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Compile a list of any basic or add-on services you might need and take a full inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Inform your moving company representative about any special conditions or needs to evaluate if the company can provide adequate service.
Types of Moving Services
For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. These services may result in increased pricing for your move:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Kansas City, KS
Here are some additional tips to consider when moving in Kansas City.
Schedule an Early Move
Kansas City traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more challenging than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. We suggest planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid heavy traffic and finish the move before evening.
Avoid Busy Season
The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with Kansas City's hot weather. This can impact your move if you start your search too late and can't find an available moving company. By planning and booking at least eight weeks before your move, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could pose difficulties for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most movers only carry items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before their arrival.
How Much do Movers Cost in Kansas City, KS
Movers in Kansas City cost $2,611 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $6,832 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,611 | $2,953 | $6,832 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,222 | $3,562 | $10,339 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,256 | $4,104 | $10,562 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,146 | $5,163 | $12,686 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Kansas City
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