Sadie is moving from Dallas to Fort Worth. Is that a local move or is it a long-distance move? On one hand, it’s the DFW area, but on the other hand… the DFW Metroplex is larger than the state of Connecticut!
Across the state, Josh is moving from El Paso, TX to Las Cruces, NM. It’s only forty-five minutes away, but he’s crossing state lines. Should he hire local movers or long-distance movers?
Understanding local vs. long-distance moves can be confusing. You (like Sadie and Josh) might be wondering what’s considered local and what’s long distance. You might be wondering whether it’s better to hire local movers or long-distance movers for your situation. And beyond that, you might have questions about how to make your local or long-distance move as smooth as possible.
Here at Central Transportation Systems, we know that every move is unique and comes with its own set of challenges and emotions. In this article, we’ll break down the main distinctions between local and long-distance moves and share pro tips for planning — so you can plan your move with peace of mind.
Key Differences Between Local and Long-Distance Moves
To begin, let’s define local and long-distance moves and discuss the key considerations for each. Understanding these factors helps with planning, budgeting, and overall strategy. Let’s dive in:
Distance and Definition
What is the actual mileage of your move? Distance is the main factor in determining whether to hire local movers vs. long-distance movers and helps you anticipate challenges you might face along the way.
- Local Moves:
- These typically cover distances under 50–100 miles and are usually within the same city or region.
- They tend to be quicker and simpler since you’re not dealing with long transit times.
- Long-Distance Moves:
- These moves involve crossing state lines or covering distances greater than 100 miles.
- Due to the longer distances involved, there’s usually a need for more planning and sometimes even temporary storage. An experienced professional mover can manage the logistics and take that worry off of your mind.
Cost Factors
Cost is one of the most important aspects of any move. Understanding the pricing of local vs. long-distance moves can help you budget and avoid unexpected surprises.
- Local Movers:
- When hiring local movers, you generally pay based on hourly rates. This can make the cost more predictable for a move that’s completed within a day.
- This pricing model tends to be straightforward and easy to understand.
- Long-Distance Movers:
- Long-distance moves are priced according to several factors, including the weight of your belongings, the distance to your new location, and any extra services you might need (like packing or specialty handling).
- It’s important to get detailed estimates to understand the full scope of your move cost.
Whether you’re moving across the road or across the country, be cautious of moving brokers. These companies may promise low rates, but they actually outsource your move to other companies without a proven track record. The hidden costs and lack of transparency about who’s actually handling your belongings can turn a move into a nightmare. Make sure your mover is a trusted partner of a reputable van line like United!
Time and Logistics
Time management and logistical planning play a huge role in planning your long-distance vs. local move. Knowing the moving timelines for each helps to alleviate stress and stay organized.
- Local Moves:
- These moves can often be completed in a single day, which means less disruption to your daily activities.
- If you have a tight timeline, planning a relocation with a local mover is generally simpler than planning a long-distance move.
- Long-Distance Moves:
- Moving long distances requires a more detailed schedule and often takes multiple days. Long-distance movers have the experience to handle the more complex logistics.
- The complexity of a long-distance move increases with things like travel arrangements, potential stops along the way, and the need for temporary storage if your new home isn’t immediately available.
Packing and Preparation
Whether you’re moving a couple miles or several hundred, preparation is the name of the game. However, the way you pack can differ quite a bit depending on how far you’re moving.
- Local Moves:
- Packing for local moves may be less intensive since the travel distance is short.
- Even if you’re only moving a short distance, proper labeling and organization are an important way to streamline the unloading process and avoid confusion. Professional local movers can help you pack and load your items safely.
- Long-Distance Moves:
- Packing is always important — but secure and careful packing is especially important when your items will be on the move for longer and handled more frequently.
- If you’re packing your own belongings, make sure to use high-quality packing materials and take time to label boxes. Experienced long-distance movers (like Central Transportation Systems) use sturdy boxes, strong, reusable plastic totes, and expert packing techniques to make sure your belongings arrive safely.
Moving Regulations and Insurance
What are the differences in moving regulations and protection for belongings with local vs. long-distance moves?
Licensed moving companies are federally required to offer value protection at two different levels: released value protection (the basic level) and full-value protection. It’s important to note that valuation isn’t the same as insurance. These two are different legal processes that have different policy terms. Some movers also offer third-party insurance on top of valuation coverage. Because of the extra time and handling required during long-distance moves, many people prefer to opt for full-value protection (and sometimes also extra insurance).
Safety and compliance with regulations are important for protecting your belongings throughout the move. These tend to vary between local and long-distance moves. In the US, federal guidelines govern the transportation of items across state lines. These interstate moving regulations are meant to protect both customers and moving companies. Long-distance moves might face fewer federal regulations than local moves because they often involve crossing state lines.
- Local Movers:
- Moving within the same state often means fewer regulations.
- With shorter travel and less handling by local movers, customers might opt for lower valuation coverage (although full coverage is always an option).
- Long-Distance Movers:
- When you’re dealing with moves that cross state lines, you’ll often encounter additional regulations like FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) compliance.
- With longer distances and extra handling by long-distance movers, customers might choose full-value coverage and extra insurance to protect their valuables during the journey.
Choosing the Right Moving Company
Choosing the right mover is a huge factor in your moving experience. Knowing what to look for in local movers vs. long-distance movers helps you make an informed decision.
- For Local Moves:
- Focus on companies with strong reputations, transparent pricing, and reliable availability (like Central).
- Reach out to friends, check online reviews, and ask for referrals to find the right local movers for your needs.
- For Long-Distance Moves:
- Prioritize long-distance movers who have proven experience with cross-country relocations.
- It’s important to verify a mover’s licensing and certifications and make sure they have a track record of successfully handling long-haul logistics.
Pros and Cons of Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of move will help you balance cost, convenience, and the overall experience.
Local Moves: Pros and Cons
When considering a local move, here are some things to think about:
Pros:
- Generally more affordable since costs are based on hourly rates
- Can be completed in a single day, meaning minimal disruption to your daily routine
Cons:
- Limited to shorter distances, which may not work if you’re relocating further away
- Fewer additional services might be available compared to those offered by long-distance movers
Long-Distance Moves: Pros and Cons
Long-distance moving comes with pros and cons that are worth considering:
Pros:
- Ideal for relocating across states or significant distances, with tailored services like secure packing and storage solutions.
- Offers flexibility with additional services that can cater to the complexities of a long move
Cons:
- Typically comes with higher costs due to the increased distance, extended services, and extra insurance requirements
- Requires more detailed planning and may feel overwhelming without professional guidance
Low-Stress Moves Across the Street or Across the Country
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, it’s important to have a strategy tailored to your specific needs. We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between local and long-distance moves and whether a local mover or a long-distance mover is better for your situation. At Central Transportation Systems, we’re here to walk you through every step of the way, whether that’s near or far. With the right information, a solid plan, and a trusted moving partner, you’re on your way to a great moving experience!
