Moving is moving right, right?
One mile or one thousand, it stinks.
We get it: not everyone shares our passion for moving. But there are some significant differences between long-distance and local moves that should not be taken lightly. Regardless of your enthusiasm level. Keep reading as we dive deep into this topic and help you plan for a future relocation!
Key Differences Between Long-Distance and Local Moves
Here are some of the primary differences between long-distance and local moves:
- Distance (local moves occur within the same state and are less than 100 miles)
- Planning time
- Budget
- Documentation (interstate moves require extensive documentation for compliance with federal regulations)
- Packing standards (long-distance moves necessitate more robust, commercial-grade packing materials. “Good skin,” as it’s referred to in the industry)
- Insurance
These factors can have a significant impact on whether you will attempt a DIY move or find the right professionals.
Lead Times and Moving Duration
Booking a moving company for a local move can be done in as little as two weeks ahead of your move date. Reputable professionals can complete a local move in a single day. Sleep in your old house today. Sleep in your new house tomorrow.
A moving company will need at least 6 weeks’ lead time for a long-distance move. This helps them ensure all necessary documentation is in place. It gives them time to formulate an accurate quote. It guarantees availability on your preferred dates. Once a date is booked, expect several days for interstate move completion. Some coast-to-coast moves may take as much as 10 days.
Planning Timeline
The key to planning a move is giving yourself enough time without causing weeks of unnecessary stress.
For a local move, budget 2-4 weeks. Use the first week to research and book professional help. Declutter during the second week, leveraging residential dumpster rental Colorado (among other places) for the most mindful and efficient waste disposal possible. Use the final week or two to carefully pack your valuables.
On the long-distance side, start planning 6-8 weeks. You will need multiple weeks to research companies and find the most competitive quotes. Getting adequate insurance coverage may also take some time. You will also need to pack a bit more carefully to ensure that your items are not damaged during long-haul transit. Be careful not to add unnecessary bulk that will cause fuel surcharges.
Budgeting and Cost
Most local moves are billed hourly. Homeowners will pay for crew labor, truck usage, fuel, and any additional services requested. Some extra fees may include:
- Stairs
- Upgraded packaging
- Special handling
Because local moves can often be completed within a single day, the total cost will typically range between $500 and $2,000 for professional service.
Long-distance moves will be significantly more expensive. In addition to the aforementioned fees, overnight accommodations and/or crew shift logistics must also be factored into the equation.
Insurance costs for local vs. long-haul moves will also vary significantly. Standard insurance for local moves will be much less than full-value coverage for long-distance moves, which can cost up to 2% of your declared shipment value.
In addition to the cost of moving itself, it is crucial to think of the opportunity costs associated with moves. You may not need to take time from work for a local move, whereas a long-distance move will almost always require some level of PTO. Childcare is another consideration. It is recommended to plan for care to keep little ones out of the way during the packing and unloading phases of a move.
DIY vs Professional Move
The upfront cost of moving quotes may give some homeowners pause. Where will you come up with thousands of dollars to hire professional movers when you just emptied your nest egg for a down payment on a new home?
To be fair, there are some times when a DIY move may be the better option. Moving out of a small apartment to a starter home. Few possessions. Flexible work hours. No kids.
However, when balancing the logistics of keeping family life flowing as seamlessly as possible, hiring a professional begins to make all the sense. They handle all of the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively) so you can stay in your daily lane as much as possible.
Start Planning Your Move Early and Request a Quote Today
There you have it. A local move is quick. It’s relatively economical. It comes with fewer variables. A long-distance move takes more strategic planning, comes with a higher cost, and is best left to the professionals. Finding the right solution is about reducing stress and optimizing cost. It will take the dread out of the moving process. If you’re ready to cover all bases regarding an upcoming move, contact All Around Moving and request a quote today!
We hope you enjoyed and learned from reading Long-Distance Vs Local Move. Check out also this blog post: How to Move Furniture Long Distance. Additionally, we put together this newsletter to share with your friends and family.
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