A man and a women lift a rust-colored couch so they can move into a new house.
A man and a women lift a rust-colored couch so they can move into a new house.

One of the most significant distinctions that moving companies make when determining pricing, services, availability, and necessary staff is distinguishing local versus long-distance moving. Knowing the differences between the two can help you, as a customer, understand what moving services to prioritize and what fees you may be responsible for. 

Let’s explore the critical differences that occur when moving short and long distances and why someone might move in these scenarios.

Key Takeaways

  • Local moves typically involve moving under 50 to 100 miles. 
  • Long-distance moves usually include those that involve distances over 100 miles. 
  • All moves require planning, but short- and long-distance moves have unique challenges. 
  • Because they involve more time and labor, long-distance moves often cost more because of unique fees.

Definition and Distance

The clearest difference between local and long-distance moving is in the name. Most movers view any move under 50-100 miles as local. In addition, a local move can be within one state. The distance can usually be measured “as the crow flies,” a straight line between the starting point and the destination. The exact definition varies depending on the context of the move or the company’s policies. 

Some moving companies use GPS-calculated driving routes to determine a move’s status as long-distance or local. The reason? GPS often provides a more accurate representation of the travel distances involved in the move.

Common Scenarios for Local Moves

People usually use local moves within the same city or metro area. That could involve upgrading to a larger home in a nearby neighborhood or downsizing to an apartment in the same town. In some cases it could mean relocating to a new job in the same region. Even moving to a nearby college can count as a local move. 

Knowing whether you need to hire movers for local vs. long-distance moving is critical because it affects costs, logistics, and available services. Because they can be completed in a single day, local moves generally allow for more flexibility.

Key Factors in Local Moving

The biggest differences between local and long-distance moving are as follows: 

  • Shorter distances: The most obvious difference is that local moves are sub-100-mile ones. 
  • Same-day completion often possible: It’s frequently possible to finish your move within the day if not a few hours. 
  • Simpler logistics compared to long-distance relocations: It’s much easier to navigate a local move because you may not have to worry about shipping your belongings, including vehicles. 
  • Lower costs due to reduced travel time and fuel expenses: Moving companies spend less on fuel and labor compensation thanks to reduced travel time.
  • Easier coordination with movers and utilities: Some long-distance moves mean that your belongings won’t arrive until a few days after you do. With a local move, you do not have to shut off utilities or wait as long to have the new ones turned on.

Understanding Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance moves involve moving more than 100 miles away and often include moving across state lines. Long-distance moving services are usually worthwhile because driving a moving truck hundreds of miles can be difficult. In addition, the logistics of shipping vehicles, hiring movers to handle the move, and paying more for certain services means long distance moves can be considerably more expensive.

Definition and Distance

Long-distance moves are typically relocations that cover more than 100 miles from their point of origin. As a move becomes “long-distance,” it typically impacts the process in several ways: 

  • Logistics become more complex, leading to multiple-day transports. 
  • Costs increase because of greater fuel consumption, travel time, and overnight accommodations for the moving crew. 
  • Additional planning becomes necessary for coordinating travel times and storage needs. 
  • Packing and protection for your belongings is even more critical, thanks to extended travel times.

Common Reasons for Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance moves happen for a wide variety of reasons. You may be required to move across the country or state lines because of a job relocation. You might also want to significantly change your lifestyle, whether moving from a small town to a major city or vice versa.

Unique Challenges of Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance moves have unique challenges that their local counterparts don’t. These challenges include, but aren’t limited to, the following: 

  • Increased costs: Long-distance moves cost more because of fuel, labor, and lodging expenses for movers, which can raise the price. 
  • Extended timelines: Transit can take several days or weeks, requiring thorough scheduling. 
  • More complex logistics: Coordinating pickup and delivery across state lines or regions requires more precise planning than a “same day” local move. 
  • Packing intricacies: Because of their longer journey, your belongings will likely need extra protection. That often requires professional packing services. 
  • Regulatory compliance concerns: All interstate moves involve adhering to federal (and occasional state) regulations and licensing requirements.
  • Heightened emotional stress: Being separated from your belongings for an extended period might add anxiety to your move.

Understanding Intra- vs. Interstate Moves

Interstate moves in the United States refer to moves between two different states. Any move that requires crossing state lines is long-distance, regardless of the specific distances involved. Moves within a single state (intrastate moves) can sometimes count as long-distance, too, especially if they exceed the 100-mile threshold. Other states might consider long-distance moves on a regional basis. 

Key distinctions in local vs. long-distance moving become particularly relevant once you compare intrastate and interstate moves:

  • Regulations: Interstate moves are governed by federal regulations, while intrastate ones usually only fall under your specific state’s jurisdiction. This impacts licensing requirements for moving companies. 
  • Insurance: Interstate relocations require movers to provide basic liability coverage. This can differ significantly from intrastate requirements. Ask your moving broker for more information. 
  • Pricing: Interstate moves involve more complex pricing structures because of the increased distance, logistics concerns, and regulations. 
  • Timing: Interstate moves usually take longer because of the distance and regulatory procedures at state borders. 
  • Paperwork: Interstate moves often require additional documentation, such as Bills of Lading and information about the moving company’s dispute settlement program(s).

Knowing the differences between these moves is important because it helps you choose the right moving company for your specific needs.

Time, Planning, and Cost Differences

Local moves typically require far less time for planning and execution compared to long-distance relocations. Consider the following table:

Time Requirements for Local Moves

  • Planning: 2-4 weeks 
  • Packing: 1-2 Days 
  • Moving Day / Transit Time: Usually one day 
  • Delivery Window: N/A 
  • Unpacking: 1-3 days

Time Requirements for Long Distance Moves

  • Planning: 6-8 weeks (or more) 
  • Packing: 2-5 days 
  • Moving Day / Transit Time: 2-7 days (or more) 
  • Delivery Window: 1-14 days after pickup 
  • Unpacking: 3-7 days

Planning Stages

The planning stages for local and long-distance moves look different. Most local moves usually require you to set the move date around two to four weeks in advance, including booking movers or renting a truck. You’ll also need to gather packing supplies and notify your local utilities. Packing and labeling boxes for a local move can also be less stressful; depending on the overlap between leaving one home and moving into another, you can make multiple trips to get items from Points A to B. 

Long-distance moves, meanwhile, take around six to eight weeks of planning. That includes researching and booking a specialized long-distance mover, although a broker can simplify this process. You’ll also need to plan travel arrangements, especially if you are shipping vehicles instead of driving them. Depending on the time it takes to get to your new home, you may need temporary storage for your belongings and to create an inventory for insurance purposes.

Packing and Preparation Variations

Packing and preparation vary significantly between the different move types, too. Local moves often involve less rigorous box labeling and simplicity; you don’t need to secure every item with towels or padding. Furniture may also require minimal protection, and you can move non-essential items on their own. 

Compare that to a long-distance move, which requires high-quality, durable packing materials and detailed labeling for all boxes. Furniture often needs thorough wrapping and protection for transit. Because of the time spent in the truck, climate-sensitive items may need special consideration. Finally, an inventory list can simplify the process.

Local and Long-Distance Moving Cost Comparison

We’ve talked a lot about how the costs of local and long-distance moving can differ, but what drives those differences?

Local Moving Costs

Local moves are typically charged hourly. The rates, however, will vary based on: 

  • The number of movers required. 
  • The size of the move (for example, a studio apartment versus a three-bedroom home) 
  • The day of the week and season 

The average studio or one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 to move. Two to three-bedroom homes may cost as much as $1,000, and larger homes can even cost $2,000.

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Compared to local moves, long-distance ones are often priced based on weight and distance. It will typically cost anywhere from $0.50 to $0.80 per pound for 1,000 miles. That equates to up to $2,800 for one-bedroom homes and between $5,000 and $8,000 for three-bedroom houses. 

Both types of moves can incur extra costs. Packing services for these moves can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, depending on your home size and how much the movers pack. Specialty item handling for goods like pianos or artwork can add as much as $1,000 per item. Storage fees and insurance can add to the price tag, too.

Moving Logistics and Regulations

The regulations that govern local and long-distance moves can differ significantly.  

In addition to the logistics differences, there are regulatory ones, too. Most local moves are governed by state regulations, and basic insurance is often sufficient. Simpler licensing requirements for moving companies reduce red tape. 

Long-distance or interstate moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any moving company that operates across state lines must have a USDOT number and proper licensing. Your mover will also offer mandatory liability insurance with optional additional coverage and a booklet that shares your rights and responsibilities when moving. Finally, there are specific rules they must follow for estimates, contracts, and dispute resolution.

Logistical Complexity Comparison

While local moves usually involve direct transport from origin to destination and can be completed in a single day, long-distance moves are a multi-day process that might involve complex scheduling and delivery. Additional logistical hurdles include an increased risk of delays thanks to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues.

Different Movers for Different Types of Moves

Choosing the right moving company for your relocation makes a world of difference, which is why you should pick one with the appropriate experience and capabilities. 

Local moving companies specialize in moves within a limited area and are familiar with local regulations or parking restrictions. Because they focus on your area, they can have more flexible scheduling or offer personalized services. While they charge by the hour, their smaller trucks and crews are perfect for those local moves. 

Long-distance moving companies are equipped for interstate or even cross-country relocations. Their larger trucks and more extensive resources are appropriate for these types of moves. In addition, they have experience with complex logistics and multi-day transports, including tracking systems for long-haul moves. Finally, they must comply with federal regulations for interstate moves. 

Choosing the right mover ensures proper handling of any challenges that may come up during your move. Their pricing structures will align with the nature of your move, and the crew attached to your relocation will have experience with your move type’s specific quirks.

Choosing the Right Mover for Your Needs

Ultimately, long-distance and local moves have critical differences in price, logistics, and necessary services. Choosing the right moving company for your relocation can go a long way in avoiding unnecessary hassle and frustration. Long-distance moves have a lot of moving parts, which is why finding a moving company for those relocations requires attention to detail. 

Moving brokers can help simplify this process by taking on the heavy lifting of sourcing moving quotes from qualified movers. Safe Ship Moving Services is a moving broker that can facilitate those decisions for long-distance relocations throughout the United States. Contact us today to learn more about how moving brokers can reduce the stress of moving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What distance is considered a long-distance move?

Long-distance moves are those relocations that cross state lines or exceed 100 miles.

Local moves are relocations within a 50 to 100-mile range or less.

Local moves can generally be completed in one day or less, although some local moves may only take two hours, depending on the size of the home to be moved or the services required.