Local and Long-Distance Home Moving Services

What’s the number one mistake people make when hiring movers?

They assume all moving services are created equal. But guess what… The difference between local vs long-distance moving services is enormous, and choosing incorrectly could cost you thousands of dollars.

A staggering 28 million Americans move every year. But most people are completely oblivious to the fact that the type of move they are planning has an enormous impact on everything from pricing to planning to the actual moving day itself.

In this post, we’re going to break it all down for you.

In this post, we cover:

• What is a local move?
• What’s different about long-distance moves?
• Local vs long-distance move costs: Which is more expensive?
• How far in advance should you plan your move?
• How do you know which service you need?

What is a Local Move?

A local move is a relocation within the same town or county as the origin address.

This typically means less than 50 to 100 miles, but some moving companies extend that range even further. These moves are characterized by same-day completion and hourly pricing for moving crews.

Characteristics of local moves include:

• Taking place under 50 to 100 miles from the point of origin
• Involving same-day or one-day completion
• Requiring only state licenses, no federal regulation
• Often being priced hourly with some additional mileage charges

The big selling point of local moves is the same-day completion time frame. You can wake up and sleep in your own home the same day that the move takes place. This is possible because local moves only use crew and truck resources within a limited geographic area.

Hourly pricing is standard with local moves, although individual moving companies may have different crew size or per-person pricing minimums. It’s a good idea to request itemized estimates to get the clearest picture of pricing structures.

Professional local moving companies typically offer:

• Flexible moving day scheduling options
• Truck rentals with drivers
• Hourly pricing
• Packing services

Local moves are easier to plan because they only require a single day on the calendar.

Local moving services are less stressful overall. You can make multiple trips yourself, so it’s easy to transport special items or make changes after the main move is complete.

What’s Different About Long-Distance Moves?

Moving long-distance is a completely different endeavor.

The differences:

Interstate moves that cover more than 100 miles (some say 400 miles) require a different type of license and follow federal as well as state regulations. When planning a move across state lines, working with professional California moving companies or other qualified long-distance specialists becomes essential since these relocations require specific licensing and expertise. Packing materials are usually sturdier and containerization is more common on long-distance moves.

Long-distance moving is priced differently as well. Hourly rates do not work when the move might take days or even weeks to complete. Long-distance relocations charge by weight and distance.

The typical cost for a long-distance move is $4,300.

Professional long-distance movers require significantly more lead time for bookings as well. They need at least 6-12 weeks advance notice before the actual move. This is due to the increased complexity of planning, truck dispatching, and scheduling.

The bottom line: Long-distance moves are priced by weight, typically require advance planning, and take multiple days.

Local vs Long-Distance Move Costs: Which is More Expensive?

Cost is a huge determining factor when it comes to the decision between local versus long-distance moving services.

The simple truth is that local moves cost significantly less.

The national average around $2,300 for a local move with prices ranging from $400 to $2,500 for most households. Local moves get this way due to hourly pricing and shorter distances involved.

Moving long-distance is much more expensive. Averaging at $4,300 nationwide, long-distance moves can cost from $2,000 all the way to $10,500 or more.

Long-distance moving services charge by the weight of your packed goods. They also factor in distance, packing materials, packing services, and moving insurance. Special items like pianos or antiques also add to the final bill.

Important fact:

Don’t get blindsided by inflation. 66% of moving companies say they are planning to increase prices in 2024. That means delaying a move now could cost you thousands of dollars later.

How do you save money on long-distance moving services? Downsize your household goods before moving. Since movers charge by weight, getting rid of excess possessions literally pounds off your bill. An average of $0.50 per pound means that a weight reduction of 1,000 pounds results in a $500 cost reduction.

The reality is that local moving services are much more affordable than their long-distance counterparts.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan Your Move?

Planning your moving day far in advance is easier with local vs long-distance moving services.

The ability to choose a specific date up to 2-4 weeks in advance is one of the selling points of local moves.

If you need long-distance moving services, we strongly recommend 6-12 weeks lead time when booking a moving company. This is particularly true during peak moving seasons like summer (May – September) and winter holiday (November – January) months. The further in advance you schedule, the more likely you are to get your preferred dates.

Lead time gets even more important when planning cross-country moves. Trucks need to be sourced, drivers scheduled, and routes planned in advance.

Long-distance moving services require more lead time than local movers.

How do you know which service you need?

Which service you need as a homeowner comes down to one simple fact.

Measuring the distance between the origin and destination addresses.

Over or under 100 miles? That’s the magic threshold.

Under 100 miles? You need local moving services.

100 miles or more, or are you crossing state lines? Long-distance moving services are the way to go.

Key resources for both types of moving services:

• Check for appropriate licensing (local or interstate)
• Look for reviews and compare company reputations
• Request written moving estimates with clear breakdowns

Don’t fall for the trap of hiring a local company for a long-distance move. It’s against the law for them to accept your business, and they won’t have the required licenses or expertise.

Always get 3 or more written estimates before making a final decision. The moving services market is growing by $3.92 billion between 2022-2027, so there are plenty of companies out there vying for your business. Shop around and take advantage of the competition!

The Final Word: Don’t Hire Moving Services Blindly

Local and long-distance moving services have nothing in common except the fact that they move things.

The rest, from pricing to regulations to how the move day is actually executed are completely different. Local services are cheaper and faster, and take less advance planning. Long-distance moves are more involved and take longer.

Which is better for your specific move? It all depends on the distance.

Get educated on the key differences, ask questions of prospective moving companies, and choose the right service for your needs.