How many miles is considered a long distance move?

If you’re moving home, there are more things to consider than just packing up and unpacking. Moving encapsulates more processes than you might initially think. There’s some paperwork that needs to be handled, as well as a lot of before and after planning. But, all of this becomes even more complicated when you’re relocating long distance. But, how many miles is considered a long distance move? Well, usually we’d say 400 miles or more means you’re preparing for a long-distance move. Here at Master Moving Guide, we’ve decided to share some of our thoughts as well as tips for long distance moving.

What is considered a long distance move?

Basically, a long distance move is a moving process where you go from point A to point B via a long route. That is to say around 400 miles or more. Long distance moving usually takes more preparation and planning. You’re moving, probably, from one state to the other, or to a completely new country. This means you need to take care of everything at your starting location before moving. Local moving, for example, is much more forgiving. If you forget to cancel your utilities, chances are you’ll need an hour or two to go back and cancel them. Moves between 50 and 100 miles are usually considered local moves.

You might have seen a lot of different listings for movers that confuse you. Long distance movers are often called cross-country movers, interstate movers, or long haul movers. Now, these specifications consider both the distance, type, and location of the move. For example, cross-country and interstate movers are specifically for moving from one state to the other. Not all long distance movers move between states, though. A lot of long-distance movers operate in one state, but if you’re moving from one edge of the state to the other, it is still considered long distance moving.

Distance differences

The question of “How many miles is considered a long distance move?” isn’t easily answered. Many companies offer different estimates of what is considered a long distance move. Apart from the terminology we’ve covered, distance is the next thing that differentiates the different types of moves. You need to arrive at an estimated mile number for your move before you contact your movers. Not very often, but it can happen that your movers surprise you with higher rates if you don’t emphasize the type of move you need. The base costs you see on the site of the interstate movers you’re interested in will likely differ according to your specific move.

What should you consider before talking to a moving company?

• The distance – Calculate an approximate distance of your move.
• How many items you’re moving – When it comes to pricing, the more items you have the more expensive the move is. To get an adequate moving quote from your movers, try to calculate how many items you’re moving.
• The time – What people often don’t know is that the time of the move influences the price. For example, moving in the days between Friday and Sunday will always be more expensive. Also, a move in the morning hours is more expensive than a move in the evening.
• How urgently you need movers – If you hire your interstate movers in advance, chances are the move will be more cost-effective. For last-minute relocations, moving companies tend to charge more.

What is the difference between local moving and long distance moving?

So, what is the main distance? Let’s take a look.

• Local or intrastate moves – A local move will usually be less than 400 miles of distance. Be it just 20 miles, or 350, it is still considered a local move. This distance usually fits many smaller states, but your “intrastate” move can still be a long distance move. Even if you’re moving within a state, a move of more than 400 miles is considered a long distance move.
• Long distance or interstate moves – These moves usually happen when you’re moving from one state to the other. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving to a neighboring state or a few states over. This means your movers will need to transport your belongings between various states. Each state has different regulations and taxes. So, it’s important to create the best route possible for your items.

Be sure to find cross-country movers as soon as possible! The best way to reduce costs is to book your movers ahead of time.

Your long distance movers’ experience

When hiring long-distance movers you might want to hire the best ones. And the best ones are usually the movers with the most experience. But, moving companies spend time building their image and skills. Obviously, an experienced moving company will give you higher moving rates. What many people don’t know is that you can easily check if these companies are trustworthy. You could even hire a relatively young company with more affordable prices and still be sure they’re the ones for you. How? The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has a list of all the reputable, licensed moving companies.

You can trust any company approved by the FMCSA. Moving companies need to follow specific policies the FMCSA has instated. These policies are concerning the safety of your items and the necessary insurance policies. Basically, if FMCSA approves a moving company, you do not have to worry. These people know all of the protocols and can easily transport your items from one location to the other. And even if things do go sour, you will have the power of an insurance claim. For some additional help with the various costs of a move, be sure to check out our moving costs checklist.

So, how many miles is considered a long distance move? It’s all of the moves with a higher distance than 400 miles! And they can be interstate and intrastate, depending on the size of the state.