Comparing Local and Long-Distance Moving Services for Homeowners
Are you moving to a new home?
Whether you live across the country or across the street you can save thousands hiring the right moving service.
The biggest problem most homeowners have is understanding the vast differences between local vs long distance movers.
Let’s cover the dirty details…
The wrong decision could leave you overpaying by THOUSANDS. In fact, a whopping 25.87 million Americans moved in 2024 alone. And most paid much more than needed.
Your Ultimate Guide To Moving Services:
- Important differences between local vs long distance moving
- How movers determine your costs and fees
- Hiring the right service for your move
- Insider money-saving tips you don’t want to miss!
The Differences Between Local vs Long Distance Moves
Moves within your town are incredibly different than moves across the country.
Here’s why you need to understand the difference.
Local Moves Explained
If you’re moving locally, it means you’ll be staying in the same state and traveling under 100 miles.
Hourly Rates – Local movers will charge you by the hour. This means your final cost depends on several factors like how many movers are sent, how much the movers charge hourly (usually between $25 – $100 per mover) and how long your move takes.
On average most local moves cost homeowners anywhere between $270 to $8,000 depending on home size. While a small one bedroom apartment can take as little as 3-5 hours for movers to complete. Upsize that to a 4 bedroom house and you’re looking at 8+ hours of labor.
Long-Distance Moves Revealed
Whenever you travel over 100 miles or move to another state you’ll be dealing with long distance movers.
Unlike local movers who charge hourly rates. Long distance moving companies charge a price depending on…
- Weight of your shipment
- Distance you are traveling
- Additional services you may need
- Time of year you move
Long-distance moves can range from $2,000 to upwards of $8,000 on average. Anything larger than that or moving coast-to-coast could set you back $10,000 or more.
Now you know…
Once you know how each moving company determines their cost, you can make a much better informed decision about who to hire.
How To Determine Your Moving Costs
One thing most homeowners fail to realize is…
Not all movers calculate your move the same way.
Local Move Costs
Since local movers charge by hourly rates. You can expect the movers to keep track of time from the moment they arrive at your home until your boxes are unloaded on the truck and into your new home.
This includes drive time to your location, loading your items, driving to your new home and unloading everything. Most local movers will charge a minimum of anywhere between 2-4 hours even if your move only takes an hour. Not to mention if you move during heavy traffic you can expect your prices to go up.
Long-Distance Move Costs
Long distance moving costs are going to be a bit more complex than just hourly rates.
You can expect prices to range anywhere from $.50 to .80 per pound your shipment weighs. The higher the poundage, the more you’ll pay on moving day. Some long-distance movers charge based on cubic feet instead.
The biggest cost factor will be distance. Naturally a 1,000 mile move is going to cost you way more than a 300 mile relocation. Most long distance moves can take anywhere from 2-7 days.
Additional Costs To Consider
Keep in mind that whether you use local or long distance movers there are always additional fees.
Your movers can charge ridiculous fees for add-ons. Know these so you can avoid getting bashed with fees you didn’t know about.
Some common fees include:
- Packing services
- Furniture assembly/disassembly
- Stairs/Elevator fee
- Long carry fees
- Shuttle fee for small spaces
- Storage charges
Keep in mind…
Did you know most homeowners spend $237.50+ on average for packing supplies if they have a one or two bedroom home? Imagine that multiplied by three or four bedrooms.
How Do You Choose Which Moving Service To Use?
Knowing the differences between local vs long distance moves, now it’s time to figure out which service is right for you.
When To Hire Local Movers
If any of the following situations apply, then you’re better off hiring local movers to handle your relocation.
- Moving within the same city
- Relocating less than 100 miles
- Not crossing state lines
- Moving short distances
Local moves tend to be much simpler than long distances. You typically can book your move with as little as 2 days notice. And have your movers finished within one day.
When To Hire Long-Distance Movers
Long-Distance moving is your best option if any of these apply.
- Moving more than 100 miles
- Crossing state lines
- Relocating for a new job
- You have a significant life event that requires moving
Always double check that your long distance movers are certified through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Any reputable company will have their MC number displayed on their website.
Full-Service vs DIY Moving Services
Here’s another important decision you have to make when using moving companies…
Full-service vs Partial moving services.
Full-Service Moves
Full-service means the movers you hire will do everything. This includes packing, loading/unloading and even unpacking your boxes.
Pros Of Full Service…
The biggest downside to full service moving is you can easily pay 40-60% more for everything. Because you’re paying for all the labor.
Partial / Self Service Moves
A partial or self-move means you transfer some of the work to yourself in order to save.
Here are some popular DIY moving services:
- Renting your own moving truck
- Moving containers (think pods)
- Hiring movers for load/unload only
- Packing boxes yourself but hiring movers to transport them
You can even hybrid your move. Want to move everything yourself but need help with heavy furniture? Sure thing.
How To Save Money On Moving Costs
You can save money when moving!
Between increased competition in an already booming $23.2 billion moving services industry in 2024, there are always ways to save money on your move.
Compare Moving Quotes
Always get multiple quotes from at least 3 different moving companies. Not only does this help you find the best price. You now have negotiation power when discussing terms.
Move During Off-Peak Season
Believe it or not, when you move matters.
The busiest time to move is between May and September. As you can imagine prices are at an all-time high during these months. Try to move between the months of October and April to save.
Don’t move at the beginning or end of the month. You’ll usually save an additional 20-30% by moving mid-month.
Pack Yourself
If you’re looking to save money, do as much as you can on your own.
Packing services are expensive. If you have the time, pack everything yourself. Grab free boxes from your local grocery store or online.
Less Stuff = Less To Move
This one kind of flies into the last tip. Take inventory of your stuff before you decide to move.
Sell, donate or trash all unwanted items you no longer need or want. The less you have to move, the less you pay.
Moving Day!
Deciding between local movers vs long distance moving companies is easy when you know the differences.
Local movers charge by hourly rates. Everything else is charged by distance, weight, timing and additional services.
Remember…
- Get everything in writing quotes. Make sure all fees are included.
- Confirm the moving company is licensed and insured.
- Obtain multiple quotes from at least three different companies
- Move during off-peak times to save money.
- Declutter your home before packing.
There’s a reason some moving companies have bad reputations. Don’t get caught up in those hidden fees. Take your time, do your research and ask questions.
Moving to your new home should be exciting, not cause you stress by spending too much money.
