Considering a move, in general, is a big step to take. When you decide to move your home, you’re entering a new phase of your life. If you’re considering a long-distance move, this is likely a bigger endeavor than moving across town.
There are a lot of factors that you have to consider when deciding whether to move far away from your current home. We understand that it’s hard already when you might be dealing with the emotional impact moving has on loved ones. But it’s important to understand all of the details you’ll have to take care of and the potential cost of moving your whole life somewhere else.
Ultimately, if you are moving across the country or if there is simply too much labor for you alone to do for a move, you’ll probably just want to hire movers. Read along to find out what choices you should be making for your own move.
Local Moving Classifications
You might be wondering about what classifies a local move as local. A short-distance move can be classified as one that does not exceed 50 miles in distance. Now, if your move is over 50 miles away but you stay within state lines, it’s considered an intrastate move.
Crossing state lines will likely be considered a long-distance move. So will moving to a different country. The actual distance might not even matter according to some moving companies. For example, if you’re moving across state lines but the actual distance is only 20 miles, it could still be considered a long-distance move.
But the general rule of thumb is that short distance moves are under 50 miles away in distance and usually within the same state. A move that involves traveling over 400 miles, however, is likely to cross state lines and will usually be considered a long-distance move.
Short-Distance Movers
If you are trying to decide whether you want to get movers, you might have to decide whether you want movers or not. For a long-distance move, getting movers is probably the first action to take. A short distance move is better if you want to be able to move everything by yourself or with some friends and family.
When your trip is over 400 miles, likely, you won’t have people who are available to help you move into your new place. This is why people who do long-distance moves typically need movers. Additionally, if you’re not the type of person that enjoys lifting and carrying things, you’ll probably want movers for a short-distance move as well.
Long-Distance Moves vs. Local Moves
The main difference between short and long-distance moving companies is generally the price. Local moves usually are priced based on the amount of labor that the movers provide. This also can be affected by how large the residence you’re moving to is and any additional fuel charges.
Interstate movers will be more expensive than short-distance movers, and there are a few factors that play into this. The first factor is the distance between destinations. Then there is the number of items being moved, and of course, the total weight of these items. Plus, movers are likely to charge for the fuel to get there and back.
Moves between states also will involve some more legal paperwork than local moves. This is because you will probably have to pay different wages depending on the labor laws in each state. This could mean an increase or a drop in wages depending on your destination. Additionally, interstate movers also must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
These are things you should consider when deciding whether you are going to move out of the state. Doing your research and creating a realistic budget can help you a lot before deciding on where you want to move to. If it seems like it’s out of your price range, you could either wait a little longer to save up or move locally. All of the decision-making should be done with your best interests and goals in mind.
Preparing for Short or Long-Distance Moves
It’s important above all to be prepared for your move, whether it’s short or long distance. Preparation makes the difference between a smooth move and a turbulent one. You want to start off in your new home on the right foot, so planning things out before moving is essential.
Sometimes organizing begins with simply making a list. To start your list, you have to sort out what you need to make happen for your short or long-distance move to be executed smoothly. So, make a list of all the things you need to do.
Organizing Your Move
You might want to hire a team of packers and movers or simply pack up on your own and just involve movers to help you get everything from one place to another. Once you make your list of things to do and begin executing them one by one, your move won’t seem like such a huge project to take on any more.
Additionally, if you’re packing your belongings up by yourself, you’ll want to do some research on packing hacks and tips. There are plenty of resources out there for those looking to move with the least amount of blood, sweat, and tears shed as possible.
If you have any questions about the difference between short-distance movers and long-distance movers, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Pack-Men Movers. We are happy to answer any questions about your own specific move or moving in general.
Additionally, if you’re moving in the Chicagoland/Illinois area, we are happy to lend a hand. If you’re looking to hire movers, start with us. We’re a family-owned and operated moving company that offers full-service moving for individuals as well as businesses. Visit our website and get a free quote today!
