Home is where the heart is… but sometimes, the heart wants a change of scenery.
Whether you’re shifting a few blocks over or across state lines, one thing’s for sure: moving isn’t just about packing boxes — it’s about making smart decisions that save you time and money.
And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck between choosing local vs long distance moves, wondering which one fits your situation best, you’re in the right place.
According to a survey, 28.2 million Americans moved in the previous year alone. That’s nearly 1 in 10 people wrapping dishes and Googling 'best movers near me' or comparing quotes from long-distance moving companies.
And 53.5% of those moves were local, while 17.3% crossed state lines.
Now, before you start stressing over bubble wrap and truck rentals, let’s break down local vs long distance moves. We’ll cover everything from costs to choosing between short distance movers or cross country movers.
What Is a Local Move?
Most moving companies define a local move as anything within 50 to 100 miles. Some are stricter and limit it to 50 miles, while others extend it to 100, depending on the state or company policy.
The key thing is you’re staying within the same state, and usually within the same general region.
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If you’re searching for local movers near me, you’re probably planning a move that falls into this category.
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These moves are typically charged by the hour, so the faster the crew works, the less you pay. No weight-based pricing like with long distance moving companies.
Typical Use Cases
Local moves are super common — they make up over half of all moves in the U.S. every year. Here’s when people usually go local:
- Moving to a new apartment across town
- Upgrading to a bigger house in the same city
- Downsizing after the kids move out
- Relocating for a new job within the same metro area
- College students moving from dorms to off-campus housing
And because it’s a short haul, you’ve got options. You can DIY with a rental truck or hire short distance movers who know the local streets like the back of their hand.
Need movers who actually show up? Compare the best local moving companies in the USA and avoid the stress of unreliable crews and unexpected fees.
What Is a Long Distance Move?
A long distance move typically means you're relocating over 100 miles, and in most cases, crossing state lines. You are not just changing neighborhoods; you’re changing zip codes and area codes.
- If your move exceeds 400 miles, most moving companies will definitely classify it as long distance.
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Moves that cross state borders are considered interstate moves, and they’re regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). That’s where your chosen interstate moving company needs to have a valid USDOT number to legally operate.
- Even if you’re staying within the same state but traveling a long stretch (150+ miles), it can still be considered long distance depending on the mover’s policy.
And unlike local moves, which are usually charged by the hour, long-distance moving companies base their pricing on weight and mileage.
Common Scenarios
Here’s when people usually find themselves in long-haul moving mode:
- Job relocation
- Family moves
- College transitions
- Retirement relocations
- Military transfers
And if you’re moving from New York to Florida, or California to Texas, you’re not alone — those are some of the most popular cross country movers routes in the U.S.
Going the long haul? Before you pack your snacks, explore the best long distance moving companies in the USA and find movers who actually show up.
Key Differences Between Local and Long Distance Moves
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the differences between local vs long distance moves go way beyond just mileage.
It’s like comparing a quick grocery run to a full cross-country road trip.
Distance & Scope
- Local moves usually cover 50 to 100 miles, staying within the same city or metro area.
- Long distance moves go beyond that — often 100+ miles, and especially when you’re crossing state lines, it becomes an interstate move.
If you’re hiring an interstate moving company, they’ll need to be registered with the FMCSA and have a valid USDOT number that’s how you know they’re legit.
Pricing Structure
- Local movers vs long distance movers charge differently. Local moves are typically billed hourly, based on how many movers and trucks you need.
- Long distance moves are priced based on weight + mileage so the more stuff you’ve got and the farther it’s going, the higher the cost.
Time & Scheduling
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Local moves can often be completed in a single day — wake up, pack, move, unpack, and done.
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Long distance moves? They're a multi-day affair. You'll need to plan for delivery windows, potential delays, and possibly temporary storage.
Packing & Logistics
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With local moves, you can get away with looser packing, you might even toss a few boxes in your own car.
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Long distance moves require pro-level packing. Think reinforced boxes, bubble wrap, and detailed labeling. Your belongings are going on a journey, and they need to survive the ride.
Regulations & Paperwork
- Local moves are governed by state-level rules, which are usually pretty chill.
- Long distance moves — especially interstate ones — are regulated federally. That means more paperwork, insurance options, and legal protections.
Always read the fine print in your contract, especially if you’re working with the best moving company in the USA.
Still stuck choosing movers? Don’t sweat it — learn how to choose the best movers and avoid the ones who ghost you on moving day.
Cost Comparison - Local vs Long Distance Moves
Now you must be thinking, “How much each move type will cost you?” The answer depends on several factors; let's break it down.
Local Move Costs (Short Distance)
Local moves are usually charged by the hour, and the price depends on how many movers you need, how long they work, and how many stairs they have to climb while carrying your grandma’s antique dresser.
- Average hourly rate: $80–$120 for two movers and a truck
- Studio/1-bedroom: $400–$800
- 2-bedroom: $800–$1,500
- 3-bedroom: $1,500–$2,500
- 4-bedroom+: $2,500+
Long Distance Move Costs (Interstate or Cross Country)
If your move crosses state lines or goes beyond 100 miles, welcome to the world of long distance moving companies. They charge based on weight and mileage, not time.
Average cost for 1,000-mile move:
- Studio/1-bedroom: $1,500–$3,000
- 2-bedroom: $2,500–$5,000
- 3-bedroom: $5,000–$8,000
- 4-bedroom+: $8,000–$12,000+
Other cost drivers:
- Fuel surcharges (5–15% of total bill)
- Tolls and route fees
- Temporary storage
- Insurance upgrades
- Packing services (can add $1,000–$2,000)
If you’re hiring cross country movers or an interstate moving company, ask for a binding estimate so your bill doesn’t expand afterwards.
Cost Comparison
Here’s the average cost for local vs long distance moves based on home size and distance:
| Home Size | Local Move (Hourly) | Long Distance Move (1,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $400–$800 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | $640–$1,200 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,200–$1,800 | $3,000–$5,800 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,800–$2,500 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 4-Bedroom+ | $2,500+ | $8,000–$12,000+ |
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Source: Two Twigs Moving, ConsumerAffairs |
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Thinking about costs? Don’t guess — check out how much moving companies charge and dodge those surprise fees.
Services Offered for Each Move Type
Whether you’re going local or long distance, moving companies offer a buffet of services — some basic, some bougie.
Local Move Services
Local movers are fast, flexible, and usually done in a day. Here’s what they typically offer:
- Loading & Unloading: They’ll haul your stuff from your old place to the truck, and then into your new digs.
- Packing & Unpacking: Some local movers offer full packing services, including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Others let you DIY and just handle the heavy lifting.
- Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: Got a bed frame that’s more complicated than IKEA instructions? They’ll take it apart and put it back together.
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Specialty Item Handling: Moving a piano, antique mirror, or that weirdly shaped lamp? They’ve got the gear to handle those specialty items.
- Short-Term Storage: If your move-in date doesn’t line up perfectly, they can stash your stuff for a few days or weeks.
- Insurance Options: Basic coverage is usually included, but you can upgrade if you’re moving valuables.
Long Distance Move Services
Long distance moving companies offer more robust services because your stuff's going on a journey, sometimes across multiple states.
- Full-Service Packing: They’ll pack everything, from your socks to your spice rack. You can even request fragile-only packing if you want to DIY the rest.
- Inventory Management: Movers tag and track every box so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
- Loading, Transport & Unloading: Your items are loaded onto a dedicated truck or shared shipment, then delivered to your new home.
- Storage-in-Transit: Need to delay delivery? They’ll hold your items in secure, climate-controlled facilities.
- Vehicle Shipping: Moving your car, motorcycle, or even a boat? they do that too.
- Debris Removal: Some movers will even come back after delivery to haul away empty boxes and packing materials.
- Real-Time Tracking: Many interstate moving company options offer GPS tracking so you can follow your stuff like it’s on a road trip.
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Insurance & Valuation Coverage: You'll have options for full-value protection, especially when working with the best moving company in the USA.
Quick Comparison
| Service Type | Local Moves | Long Distance Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Packing Services | Optional or partial | Full-service or fragile-only |
| Loading & Unloading | Hourly-based | Included in flat-rate pricing |
| Furniture Assembly | Basic disassembly/reassembly | Full setup at destination |
| Specialty Item Handling | Available | Highly recommended |
| Storage Options | Short-term | Short-term & long-term |
| Insurance Coverage | Basic included | Multiple upgrade options |
| Vehicle Shipping | Rare | Common |
| Tracking & Logistics | Minimal | GPS tracking available |
| Debris Removal | Rare | Often included |
Want to move smart, not stressed? Use our moving cost calculator to get a real estimate before your budget starts sweating.
Pros and Cons of Each Type of Move
Pros & Cons of Local Moves
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower cost overall, usually charged hourly, | People often underestimate the effort and end up scrambling |
| Flexible scheduling — easier to book last-minute or even same-day movers | DIY moves can drag out over several days |
| Familiar territory — you know the roads, traffic, and shortcuts | Limited insurance coverage — basic protection only unless you upgrade |
| Friends and family can help — you’re still in the same area, so extra hands are easier to find. | Hidden fees — stairs, long carries, or bulky items can add to your bill |
| Easier to DIY — renting a truck and doing it yourself is totally doable | Skipping prep can lead to broken stuff and lost time |
Pros & Cons of Long Distance Moves
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Professional handling — movers are trained for long hauls | Pricing is based on weight and mileage, and it adds up fast |
| Structured timelines — delivery windows and tracking keep things organized | Longer wait times — your stuff might take days (or weeks) to arrive |
| Full-service options — packing, unpacking, storage, and even vehicle shipping | Once your items are loaded, you’re just trusting the process |
| Better insurance coverage, especially with licensed interstate moving companies | Emotional toll — leaving friends, routines, and familiar places can be tough |
| Ideal for big life changes | Logistical headaches — paperwork, route planning, and legal stuff. |
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Mover
Picking a mover isn’t just about who shows up with a truck — it’s about trusting someone with your life in boxes. Whether you’re going local or long haul, here’s how to choose the right team without getting played.
Know Your Move Type First
Before you even start Googling local movers near me or calling up long distance moving companies, figure out what kind of move you’re dealing with:
- Local move: Under 100 miles, same city or metro area.
- Long distance move: Over 100 miles or crossing state lines.
- Interstate move: State-to-state — you’ll need an interstate moving company with a valid USDOT number.
- Cross country move: Coast-to-coast — call in the big guns, aka cross country movers.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first estimate that lands in your inbox. Get at least three written quotes and make sure they’re based on an in-home or virtual survey, not just a phone call.
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Use a moving cost calculator to compare apples to apples.
- Watch out for low-ball estimates— they’re often bait-and-switch traps.
- Ask if the quote is binding (fixed price) or non-binding (subject to change).
Check Credentials
You wouldn’t hand your car keys to a stranger, right? Same goes for your stuff.
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For interstate moves, verify the mover’s USDOT number via the FMCSA database.
- For local moves, check with your state’s consumer affairs agency.
- Look for BBB accreditation and solid online reviews — not just stars, but actual stories.
Ask the Right Questions
Here’s your sheet of questions to ask before signing anything:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are your movers full-time employees or temps?
- What kind of insurance do you offer?
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Do you charge extra for stairs, elevators, or long carries?
- What happens if something breaks or goes missing?
Match Services to Your Needs
Not all movers offer the same stuff. Choose based on what you actually need:
| Need | Mover Type |
|---|---|
| Just loading/unloading help | Short distance movers or labor-only services |
| Full packing + transport | Long distance moving companies |
| Vehicle shipping | Cross country movers |
| Temporary storage | Both, but more common with long distance |
| Fragile or specialty items | Movers with specialty handling experience |
Want to move smart, not sweaty? Check out our full-service vs self-service moving breakdown and pick the right option.
How to Prepare for Your Move
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, prepping like a pro is the secret sauce to a smooth transition. You don’t need a 10-page checklist — just a plan and a few smart moves.
Local Move Preparation Checklist
Local moves might seem like a walk in the park, but don’t let the short distance fool you — chaos doesn’t care how far you’re going.
- Declutter first: Less stuff means less cost. Toss, donate, or sell anything you haven’t touched in a year.
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Book your crew early: Whether it’s friends or local movers, lock it in before your calendar fills up.
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Pack smart: Label boxes clearly, keep fragile stuff separate, and don’t overpack.
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Essentials box: Pack a bag with toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a fresh shirt. You’ll need it.
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Confirm logistics: Parking, elevator access, building rules — don’t wait till moving day to figure it out.
Long Distance Move Preparation Checklist
Long distance moves are a whole different beast. Here’s how to prep without losing your mind:
- Inventory everything: Know what’s coming with you and what’s getting left behind. Use a spreadsheet or an app — whatever works.
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Get quotes early: Use a moving cost calculator to compare prices from long distance moving companies. Ask for binding estimates so your budget doesn’t explode.
- Declutter hard: You’re paying by weight. So, declutter properly to save money.
- Pack properly: Reinforced boxes, bubble wrap, and labels that actually make sense.
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Confirm credentials: If you’re crossing state lines, hire an interstate moving company with a valid USDOT number. No sketchy business.
- Plan delivery timing: Your stuff might take days to arrive. Pack an "arrival survival kit" with essentials like clothes, medications, and snacks.
- Vehicle shipping: If you’re not driving, book with cross country movers who offer auto transport.
