Local Vs. Long Distance Moves: What’s The Difference In Costs And Services?
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Local Vs. Long Distance Moves: What’s The Difference In Costs And Services?

Jun 18, 2024

Moving house is not easy, particularly for people who have never done it before or do not do it frequently. The process of moving to a new city or country can be filled with unknown challenges. These problems are highly dependent on the type of move because local moves have different challenges than long-distance ones. People relocating to another state will have more things to handle than families moving across a city or town.

Besides challenges, there are some visible differences betweenboth types of moves. The most obvious one is the cost. Learning about the costs of local and long-distance relocations is vital to prepare the budget. There are also differences in moving services provided by budget removalists Sunshine Coast.

So, when planning a move, considering all the factors is important to ensure success. Here are the differences in local and long-distance moves. This breakdown will make your preparation easier.

1. What is a Local Move?

Any move that occurs within 80 to 160 km of someone’s current location is considered a local move. If your new home is within the same city, town, or suburb, it will be classified as a local move. It does not involve crossing the state lines.

Generally, such relocations are less complicated and easier to plan. It can be completed on the same day in most cases. Because the trip is more manageable and short, it is much less stressful. Most moving companies typically charge an hourly rate for short-distance moves. Regardless of how close your new home is, hiring experienced professionals is important to transport all the items safely.

2. What is a Long-Distance Move?

couple inside of their house sitting on the floor

If your move crosses the state borders or is above 650 km, it will be considered a long-distance move. So, it is a must to hire professionals who offer professional removals Sunshine Coast. Since long-distance moves are generally time-consuming, you must get help from family and friends. One of the most vital tips to follow is to start the preparation as early as possible to handle all the complications involved. Furthermore, purchasing moving insurance is highly recommended to ensure the maximum protection for all household belongings. Most moving companies usually provide basic coverage or full-value protection.

3. Cost of a Local Move

There are plenty of factors that affect the costs of a short-distance move. Local moving companies will calculate the expenses depending on factors such as:

  • Distance between the two houses
  • Required number of professionals
  • Hours it will take to complete the relocation
  • Any additional services required, such as packing or moving large items

Remember that people who own a lot of stuff will need numerous packing materials, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, etc., and their costs will also add up. On the other hand, individuals moving fewer items will have an easier time completing a budget-friendly move. Generally, a short-distance move will be cheaper because the professionals will charge on an hourly basis, and the fuel use will be limited.

4. Cost of a Long-Distance Move

Apart from the obvious difference in the overall distance between the local and long-distance moves, they are also priced differently. Unlike a local one, the professionals will estimate the expenses for a long-distance move based on the overall weight of the shipment and the distance between both locations.

Plus, businesses specialising in long-distance moves are likely to charge more because they utilise heavy-duty trucks and equipment. Additionally, because most people will need moving insurance, the costs will increase. Also, individuals who require additional services, such as storage solutions, will need to pay more to their preferred cheap removalists Sunshine Coast.

5. Difference between Short and Long-Distance Removalists

Many moving companies vary in their service offerings and prices. Although few cover both short and long-distance relocations, most limit their services to a specific area or region. Short-distance moving companies offer limited services and focus more on efficiency and speed. They may not provide anything more than basic packing, loading, and transporting services.

For a local move, it is unlikely that homeowners will need anything more than that. On the other hand, long-distance companies will provide some additional services due to the complications involved in relocating to a new city. It includes packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, storage solutions, etc. People who are moving interstate will likely need these extra services to ensure a successful relocation.

6. Benefits of Hiring Removalists

Hiring a business that specifically offers local moving services is beneficial because they are more familiar with the region and can offer personalised services. On the other hand, long-distance movers maintain professionalism and are more reliable. They have more experience in completing complex moves and are aware of the best way to load and transport bulky items. Regardless of whether you are moving long-distance or short-distance, it is ideal to hire professionals for the best removals Sunshine Coast.

Tip: Do a cost-benefit analysis between DIY and professional movers to make the right decision.

What are the Differences Between Local and Long Distance Moving?

difference between local move and long distance move

Wrapping Up

Hiring a reliable moving company is important to move all your household belongings, especially the fragile ones, safely. Knowing whether your move is short-distance or long-distance, along with the differences, is highly crucial to making an informed decision when choosing removalists.