The Best Long-Distance Movers in St. Joseph, MO
The best long-distance mover in St. Joseph, MO is Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.62/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Missouri, per moveBuddha's analysis of 55 Missouri movers and 45 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in St. Joseph average $75/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Missouri range from $619 for a 1-bedroom to $2,713 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from St. Joseph right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving St. Joseph, MO?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 14 full-service interstate movers serving St. Joseph, drawing on 45 verified customer reviews across St. Joseph.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for St. Joseph based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in St. Joseph, MO for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 2 local movers serving St. Joseph licensed for long-distance moves within Missouri, drawing on 45 verified customer reviews across St. Joseph. Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.62/5) was named the top-rated St. Joseph-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 2 of the 2 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving St. Joseph are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve St. Joseph but stay within Missouri:
- Metro Wide Movers, LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Moving Proz: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Professional Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- A Friend With A Truck Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 4.48 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Metro Wide Movers, LLC has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.3
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Metro Wide Movers, LLC has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 271 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Metro Wide Movers, LLC.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Metro Wide Movers, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Jacob, Elijah, and Peyton were professional, friendly and FAST! They were very careful with our belongings and consistently communicated to ensure that furniture and boxes went into the right rooms."
"Hutch and crew did a fantastic job! I'm going to hire and request this specific crew for my next move after our build is finished. I can't thank them enough! Best moving crew to date!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Moving Proz has been in business for 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.3
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Moving Proz has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 290 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Moving Proz, and Moving Proz makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Moving Proz emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were extremely efficient, polite, and had great attitudes the entire time, despite us changing our mind MULTIPLE times on where we wanted furniture placed."
"They packed our whole house today and did a great job! They were friendly and nice and strong and like I said before did a great job! Thank You!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Professional Moving & Storage has been in business for 28 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Professional Moving & Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 240 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Professional Moving & Storage, and Professional Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Professional Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers showed up on time, were very efficient, and took great care with our things. I highly recommend Professional Moving and Storage!"
"Joseph and his crew did an excellent job. They were fast, efficient and very careful with our stuff. Very friendly, courteous and professional."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. A Friend With A Truck Movers has been in business for 15 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. A Friend With A Truck Movers has about 83% positive reviews across roughly 393 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from A Friend With A Truck Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. A Friend With A Truck Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They moved my 3 BR townhome to a 4 BR house fast and efficiently. Very personable and took pride in their job. Would hire again 10/10."
"Best moving company I’ve used. Efficient, professional, and able to solve solutions swiftly when needed. The booking process was easy and straightforward, and they were able to get us on the schedule quickly."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. You Move Me has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. You Move Me has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 8573 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from You Move Me.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. You Move Me emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Brayden, and Eli from You Move Me did a fantastic job moving me from Manhattan KS to Shawnee. The guys were awesome, cheerful and careful with my belongings. Not a single unhappy face. Amazing!! I recommend this company without hesitation."
"The guys at You Move Me were beyond fantastic! They had me moved into my new home even earlier than my allotted time! They worked hard and made sure everything was wrapped and cared for like it was their own! Highly recommended!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 55 Missouri moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Missouri. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do St. Joseph, MO movers offer?
Not every mover in St. Joseph offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 2 St. Joseph movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 100% of St. Joseph movers, compared to 29% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Metro Wide Movers, LLC.
- Piano moving: offered by 100% of St. Joseph movers, compared to 67% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Metro Wide Movers, LLC.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer art handling?
No St. Joseph movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer art handling. Statewide, 23 of 55 Missouri movers offer this service (41.82%), compared to 45.9% nationally. Moving Proz (4.62/5) is the top-rated Missouri option for St. Joseph residents needing this service.
| Art handling in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Missouri provider | Moving Proz (4.62/5) |
| Per-piece handling fee | $39 to $385 |
| Custom crating per item | $116 to $154 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer junk removal?
No St. Joseph movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer junk removal. Johnson Storage & Moving (4.52/5) is the top-rated Missouri option for St. Joseph residents needing this service.
| Junk removal in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Missouri provider | Johnson Storage & Moving (4.52/5) |
| Typical cost per load | $116 to $385 |
| Single large item | $58 to $116 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 2 of 2 St. Joseph movers (100.0%). Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.62/5) and Moving Proz (4.62/5) rate highest in St. Joseph.
| Fragile-only packing in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated St. Joseph providers | Metro Wide Movers, LLC Moving Proz |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer storage?
No St. Joseph movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer storage. Johnson Storage & Moving (4.52/5) is the top-rated Missouri option for St. Joseph residents needing this service.
| Storage in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Missouri provider | Johnson Storage & Moving (4.52/5) |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $198 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $385 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $198/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
No St. Joseph movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer hot tub relocation. Moving Proz (4.62/5) is the top-rated Missouri option for St. Joseph residents needing this service.
| Hot tub relocation in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Missouri provider | Moving Proz (4.62/5) |
| Bundled with full-service move | $116 to $308 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $231 to $616 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does St. Joseph have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 2 of 2 St. Joseph movers (100.0%). Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.62/5) and Moving Proz (4.62/5) rate highest in St. Joseph.
| Piano moving in St. Joseph | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated St. Joseph providers | Metro Wide Movers, LLC Moving Proz |
| Upright piano | $616 to $1,155 |
| Baby grand piano | $924 to $1,925 |
| Grand piano | $1,386 to $2,695 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in St. Joseph, MO for small long-distance moves?
Metro Wide Movers, LLC leads St. Joseph's small-move providers with a 4.62/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Moving Proz at 4.62/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your St. Joseph, MO long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for St. Joseph residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in St. Joseph?
2 of 2 St. Joseph movers (100.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 60.0% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Move It With M & S LLC (4.42/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in St. Joseph, followed by Moving Proz (4.62/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for St. Joseph residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance St. Joseph moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of St. Joseph. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from St. Joseph, MO?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of St. Joseph. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for St. Joseph residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in St. Joseph, MO
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in St. Joseph, MO?
Moving costs across Missouri range from $440 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $179/hour) to $4,183 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Missouri mover quotes. The table below shows Missouri statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in St. Joseph. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Missouri* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $440 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $619 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,012 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,363 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,713 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,183 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Missouri. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Missouri statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in St. Joseph?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance St. Joseph move:
- Distance: The farther you move from St. Joseph, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in St. Joseph, MO
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Missouri | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Metro Wide Movers, LLC | 4.62/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Moving Proz | 4.62/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Metro Wide Movers, LLC | 4.62/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from St. Joseph, MO
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from St. Joseph, MO.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 2 movers moveBuddha tracks in St. Joseph, 1 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving St. Joseph against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Missouri.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your St. Joseph, MO move. Interstate costs from Missouri range from $440 for a studio to $4,183 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from St. Joseph, MO: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in St. Joseph need?
1 of the 2 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in St. Joseph hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from St. Joseph?
Local St. Joseph movers offer the best value for moves within Missouri, with average hourly rates of $75 across the 2 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 1 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from St. Joseph?
Movers in St. Joseph run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 18°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in St. Joseph typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of St. Joseph?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of St. Joseph, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my St. Joseph apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in St. Joseph frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do St. Joseph movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from St. Joseph, MO
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Metro Wide Movers, LLC for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 2 St. Joseph movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.