Americans are constantly moving. There are many reasons to relocate, whether it is a change of job, moving to a larger apartment, expecting a new family member, or a military move.
Currently, the average moving rate of Americans is roughly 12.6%, but the state-to-state moving rate is more than 18%.
While most moves stay local, a significant portion crosses state lines.
In this blog, we will provide a breakdown of all the factors to consider before choosing a local or long-distance moving company for your next move.
Local Movers: Who Are They?
Local moving companies handle relocations within a 50- to 100-mile radius, typically completed in a single day.
A local moving company in Los Angeles, for instance, charges by the hour, often including two movers and one truck. For local moving services, you can expect packing assistance, storage services, furniture assembly, and disassembly.
Long-Distance Movers: What You Need to Know
Long-distance moving companies, however, are responsible for moves beyond the city where you live. Any move beyond 100 miles is when you hire long-distance movers.
For instance, when hiring movers from Arlington, VA, to Houston, TX, you look at movers who are licensed, well-trained, and knowledgeable about state laws.
Additionally, for your complex and large moves that require full-service moving, including packing, loading, unloading, furniture dismantling, and storage services, long-distance movers come into play.
Comparative Analysis: Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
| Factors | Local Movers | Long-Distance Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling and Planning | Typically same-day | 3-4 months |
| Pricing | By the hour | By the distance and volume of items |
| On-Demand Season and Available Times | Available last-minute | Not readily available |
| Local Regulations | You may need a U.S. DOT number | Need FMCSA registration |
| Logistics | Manageable and small-scale | Complex and large-scale |
5 Factors to Consider When Comparing Local vs. Long-Distance Movers
Choosing the best mover for you requires research. However, it does not depend solely on distance. There are other important factors to consider when finalizing your choice.
Let’s find out what they are.
1. How to Plan and Schedule a Move with Local Vs. Long-Distance Movers
Planning a move is the first thing every person considers. By planning and scheduling, we mean booking a mover ahead of your moving date.
When choosing local movers, the scheduling aspect is quick, cost-effective, and flexible. Moving within the city sometimes requires same-day relocation, which makes scheduling faster. This type of move is less complex, as the local mover can adapt to last-minute changes.
Long-distance moves, however, require you to pre-plan at least six months prior to relocation, followed by creating an inventory checklist and comparing quotes from multiple movers.
Commercial moves for large corporations are also considered long-distance moves, for which you need a mover with expertise in moving office furniture, managing corporate cleanouts, and migrating IT.
2. Pricing Differences
When it comes to relocations, big or small, the cost of moving is something you should not ignore.
The primary difference between local and out-of-state moving costs is the distance. Other differences include the volume and weight of your items, the need for extra movers, packing services, storage options, and junk removal. Additionally, the costs for moving pianos or specialty items vary in both situations.
Moving Cost for Local Moves
If you are moving within the same vicinity or a city under 50 miles, the cost to hire local movers averages between $417 and $2,590.
The average cost of local movers ranges between $139 and $150 per hour, depending on how complex your condo move is, the number of flights of stairs, or the services you add.
Moving Costs for Long-Distance Moves
Typically, the cost of long-distance moves ranges from $2,000 to $10,500 or more, depending on factors such as the number of movers, fuel charges, packing valuable items, and distance involved.
3. On-Demand Season and Available Times
With local moving, you have the flexibility of booking a mover anytime, even last-minute. The peak moving months are from early spring to fall, which means from May to September, booking a long-distance mover becomes challenging as it restricts last-minute scheduling.
A cross-state move requires prior booking due to the limited availability of movers. In contrast, local moves offer more options since most moving companies are readily available due to the shorter distance.
4. How the Local Regulations Differ
Every mover needs to be licensed and insured. For instance, when hiring movers locally within NYC, it is important to verify if they have a valid license from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
With such a densely populated city, movers also need to be familiar with local building rules, parking regulations, and elevator restrictions.
Long-distance movers are, however, governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They also have a U.S. DOT number, enabling them to be a certified mover across state lines.
5. Logistics For Local vs Long-Distance Move
The logistics of a local move involve apartment moving challenges, item handling, and other risks associated with the process.
Local moving companies ensure they have the right-sized truck, typically a 12-foot moving truck, along with adequate packing supplies for your belongings. Additional logistical challenges for local moves include navigating narrow stairways, managing loading docks, parking, and adhering to building restrictions.
Long-distance moves are somewhat more complex and encompass a larger number of items, sometimes including a piano or other heavy or fragile items.
Such relocations require long-distance movers to provide well-equipped trucks, suitable moving supplies, and high-quality moving boxes suited for long hauls.
Moreover, determining routes, securing lodging, and covering greater distances make long-distance logistics even more complex.
In both cases, the chances of mishaps are high; local move risks are managed by a single team, while long-distance moves are overseen by a larger team.
Conclusion
Choosing between local and long-distance movers depends on how far you want to relocate and what items you have. Local movers possess local expertise and navigate area restrictions, routes, and state laws. Long-distance movers, on the other hand, are suitable for out-of-state moves that cover larger distances. When moving within the same city, pre-planning is generally overlooked; however, with long-distance moves, it is essential. In both cases, before hiring them, analyze your moving budget, calculate your moving cost, and check their license.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest option for moving long-distance?
The cheapest way to do a long-distance move is by renting a truck. Renting a truck or a moving container costs you less than professional moving companies. They charge you per mile. For example, you pay on average $750 and $1,900 plus fuel charges for a move beyond 200 miles. Remember, renting a truck might be a lot of effort, especially if you also opt for storage services.
2. Is $100 enough to tip movers?
Yes, it is good for a long-distance move. However, if your move is local, tipping movers around $20-$50 is also sufficient. The tipping amount depends on the complexity of the move, including long flights of stairs, larger distances, volume of items, and building restrictions.
3. How are local moves calculated?
Local moves are calculated by the hour. The rate depends on factors like the number of movers required, the size of the truck, heavy item fee, fuel charges, and any other complexities. You can use a moving cost calculator to get a rough estimate of your costs.
