The Amazing Benefits of Hiring a Professional, Moving Company

5 Differences Between Long-Distance And Local Moves You Should Be Aware Of

18 October 2016

Russell King

If you have completed a local move in the past and are currently preparing for a long-distance move, you may think there is not much of a difference between the two types of moves. While both types of moves require similar research and preparation, there are some key differences between a long-distance move and a local move that you should be aware of. 

Long-Distance Moves Require More Careful Packing 

Long-distance moves require careful packing for a variety of reasons. First of all, during a long-distance move, your belongings are more likely to get shifted around several times. For example, during a local move, your belongings are loaded on a truck and then unloaded at your destination. However, for a long-distance move, your belongings may be loaded on one truck, switched to another, held in a storage facility, and then switched to a final truck for delivery. This means that you should take the time to make sure all of your belongings are well packed and padded. 

Another thing to be aware of is that certain items may not be allowed across state lines. For example, you may have to clean outdoor furniture more carefully for a long-distance move to ensure there are no clumps of dirt or larvae on them. 

You Are More Likely to Receive a Non-Binding Estimate for a Long-Distance Move 

Local moves are usually billed hourly, whereas long-distance moves are more likely to be billed by weight. Because of this major difference, you are more likely to receive a binding estimate for a local move than for a long-distance move. The best type of estimate you can get for a long-distance move is a "not-to-exceed" estimate, which guarantees the maximum you will pay but lowers the price you actually pay based on the actual weight of your items. 

You May Have a Longer Pick-Up Window With a Long-Distance Move

For local moves, most moving companies will give you a 1-2 hour moving window. However, for a long-distance move, you will be more likely to get a longer pick-up window—even up to a couple of days. Even if you get a specific day for your pick-up, your movers may arrive in the morning or in the afternoon. It is important to be flexible with your timing when arranging a long-distance move. 

A Long-Distance Move Will Have a Larger Delivery Window 

Most long-distance moving companies offer a large delivery window that can span multiple weeks. Whereas with a local move you may only need an overnight bag and to designate a few boxes as important, for a long-distance move you will need to prepare a few weeks' worth of supplies. For example, you may transport air mattresses, toiletries, and clothing in your personal vehicle as opposed to on the moving truck. You may even want to book a hotel room while you wait for your furniture to be delivered. 

You Will Have to Be More Diligent Researching Extra Fees That May Occur at Your Delivery Destination When Moving Long-Distance 

With a local move, you and your moving company are more likely to be familiar with your final destination, which can make it easy to estimate extra fees such as shuttling or elevator fees. However, if you are moving far away, you may not be as familiar with your new neighborhood or apartment building. Additionally, long-distance moves generally utilize larger trucks, which need more parking and maneuvering room than smaller, local trucks. It is important to fully research your destination so you know which additional moving fees you may be accountable for. 

For more information on long-distance moves, check out websites like http://www.wheatonworldwide.com.

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