Understanding the Difference: Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Services

Understanding the Difference: Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Services

Moovick

20 February 2024 5 min read
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Whether you’re relocating to another city or country entirely, moving comes with its set of challenges. Moving challenges are mostly dependent on the nature of your relocation, which is either a local or long-distance move. 

 

Someone transitioning to a different country entirely will definitely have more to deal with than a person moving across a town or city. 

 

Plus, many individuals who hire moving companies for relocation don’t fully understand the nuances involved in long-distance and local moves. This article explains the difference between local vs long distance moving services. 

Local Movers Vs. Long Distance Movers

 

When you hire a moving company for relocation, your move will either be classified as local or long-distance. These classifications are one of the factors moving companies consider when determining prices for their services. 

 

As the names suggest, the difference between local movers and long-distance movers is the miles they cover when transporting the belongings of customers from one place to another. 

 

Typically, local moves extend as far as 50 miles or less, while long-distance moves go beyond that mileage. In addition, local movers have a somewhat limited base of operation. They move things within cities, towns, suburbs, and regions. 

Intrastate relocation is their forte, and they don’t cross state lines. Local movers typically complete their moving services in one day, given the short distance they move things, and they are well suited for residential and corporate moves.

 

Local moving companies hardly use heavy-duty trucks and moving equipment, given the short distance they travel and the nature of the clients they work with. 

 

On the other hand, long-distance movers do more work. They handle out-of-state relocations that could take days to complete, they use larger trucks and heavy-duty equipment for their moving services, and they are obviously more expensive.

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However, you should know most moving companies offer their customers a relocation distance parity package, meaning they offer the same quality of service and charge the same rates for relocation within a certain mile radius.

 

Here’s an example- if professional movers offer relocation distance parity within a 150-mile radius, it means every customer relocating within that range gets the same moving services and pricing. 

Comparing Local & Long Distance Moves

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There are specific factors that differentiate local moves from long-distance ones, and they include: 

  • Time

Local moves don’t require much time to plan and execute, given the short distance. On the contrary, long-distance moves take a lot of weeks (if not months) to plan.

 

Plus, long-distance moves can either be out-of-state or out-of-country, and this isn’t something that can be done on a whim. It requires careful consideration, planning, and effort. 

  • Complex Situations

Of course, local moves can accommodate last-minute changes given the short distance and typically fewer logistical problems. 

 

But with long-distance moves, you’ll have to deal with sorting paperwork for tolls and permits,  thinking about your new life in an entirely different state or country, learning a new language, changing doctors and so on. 

Which Should You Hire? Local Or Long Distance Moving Companies?

 

The obvious answer is to hire a long-distance company if you’re moving out-of-state of the country and hire a local one if you’re moving within a city or state. 

 

However, they both have their upsides and downsides. And there’s something you should know about these 2 moving services.

Benefits Of Hiring Local Moving Companies

 

One of the significant benefits of hiring local movers or local moving companies is the fact that they are quite familiar with short-distance relocation areas. 

 

This makes them offer hyper-personalised services to their customers. Plus, they

aren’t expensive. However, they all have their specific mileage limit. That’s why It’s advisable to know about a moving company’s limitations before paying for their services. 

Benefits Of Hiring Long-Distance Moving Companies

 

Now, even if you require local moving services, you’ll do yourself lots of good if you hire a long-distance one. Here are the reasons:

  • They Are More Professional Than Local Moving Services

Long-distance moving companies are used to the daunting tasks that come with long-distance relocations, and as such, they are more professional than local movers who do intrastate moves. 

 

Most long-distance moving companies have larger trucks, better moving equipment, and better professional movers. Thus, they are in a better position to move your belongings efficiently and with minimal damage.

  • They Are More Reliable

In business, reputation is everything, especially in the moving business and long-distance companies have a reputation to uphold. This makes them likelier to be more efficient, reliable and punctual than local moving companies. 

  • They Are More Experienced

Long-distance moving companies are more experienced in the relocation business, given the distance they cover on a regular basis and the different weather conditions they encounter while transporting their customers’ belongings to their destinations. 

 

Experience counts in the moving business, and that’s why most long-distance moving companies are much better in service delivery than local companies. 

  • They Offer Better Insurance & Liability Protection 

Unlike local moving companies, most long-distance moving ones offer better insurance and liability protection. Won’t you love to hire a company with specialized insurance plans with broader coverage on your belongings? 

 

This way, you’ll be at peace knowing your belongings are well protected. 

  • They Offer Better Full Moving Service

Many individuals prefer paying for a full moving service, which includes cleaning, packing, moving, unpacking, and fixing things in their new location or homes. 

 

Many long-distance moving companies out there offer better full-service solutions, given their experience and expertise.

 

Do you now see why long-distance moving companies are better? They may charge considerably more for their moving services, but they are worth it. 

Have A Secure And Efficient Relocation With Moovick Today

 

Whether you require long distance moving services or a local one, Moovick got you covered. We connect you with professional and well-experienced movers to help with your relocation.

 

We are a moving company with a wide range of services geared towards making your relocation hitch-free. We offer handyman solutions, cleaning, packing, and moving services. 

 

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Reach out to us today for your relocation!

 

 

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