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The Difference between Local Moving and Long Distance Moving

Moving requires a lot of preparation, and we know that not a lot of homeowners actually take the time to prep for their move. Our team of professional Boulder movers can help you prepare for your move in a few easy steps. The first is knowing the difference between local vs long-distance moving. Knowing the difference will help determine what kind of moving service you’ll need.

Quite naturally, the difference between local vs long-distance moving is going to affect the amount of preparation that is needed to properly carry out the move. However, our local boulder movers want you to know that regardless of how short a distance you are moving, always give yourself ample time to prepare.  Another aspect of moving locally or long-distance is the amount of money that your move will cost. Local moving can be fairly inexpensive if done right, but moving long-distance can sometimes cost you thousands.

What is Considered a Long-Distance Move?

Are you moving within 50 miles, 100 miles, or 450 miles of your home? A general rule of thumb for most moving companies is that if a move is over 400 miles, it is considered long-distance. A long-distance move can also be called long-haul moving or interstate moving if you are moving out of one state and into another.

How to Save on Long-Distance Moving Costs

If you are moving long-distance, one way that you can alleviate a portion of the moving cost is by downsizing the items that you have to move. This will help with linehaul charges. A linehaul charge is a term that you may see on your moving estimate (and if you don’t you should make sure that you ask about it), and it is a basic charge for long-distance moves. 

Linehaul charges are calculated by the mileage and weight of your shipment. A rough example is a cost per mile that is set by the moving company (typically a standard for the area), added to the weight per pound of your belongings. Typically, a moving service will weigh the moving truck while it is completely empty and then weigh it again once it’s packed with all of your belongings. Since the average price per pound is around $0.50, downsizing your belongings is the best way to save on long-distance moving costs. 

You will want to try to be present at the initial truck weigh-in so that you know the loaded weight and price is accurate.

What is Considered a Local Move?

If you are moving to Boulder from less than 100 miles away, your move will most likely be considered a local move, short-haul move, or intrastate move because you are relocating to another city within the same state.

The benefit of local vs long-distance moving is that local moves are usually less time and less expensive than long-distance moves. Our movers can get your home packed and moved in just a few short hours, compared to the sometimes days it may take to complete a long-distance move. 

Now that you have assessed how far you are moving, thus determining if you need to hire a local Boulder moving company or a long-distance one, you can do your research on movers in your city and state. Narrow your choices down to three or four moving companies and have them visit your home to assess your move and give you a rough estimate. Make sure that the mover gives you a written estimate for your records. If a moving company tells you on the phone that they do not do in-home estimates, then do not consider hiring them.  A reputable move, like our residential Boulder movers, will come to your home to give you a more accurate estimate. This way, you are more likely to not be misquoted and end up having to pay significantly more money than promised.

Now that you know the difference between local vs long-distance moving, contact our team of professional movers for your free, no-obligation quote! We can assess your moving needs and tell you whether you’re making a local or long-distance move.