Nearly 40 million Americans move houses each year, so you are likely going to be part of that statistic at least once in your life.
When moving, it is important to understand how a long-distance move differs from a local one when it comes to planning and preparation.
So, what is a local move? What is considered a long-distance move? Read on to find out.
What Is a Local Move?
If your move is less than 50 miles and stays within the state, then it is classified as a local, intrastate move. If you cross state lines, then it is an interstate move and is sometimes considered long-distance by moving companies regardless of the length traveled.
Local moves usually require less planning and time than a long-distance one. Because you are moving within a reasonable distance, you can afford to forget a few things or make a few mistakes along the way. Shorter moves allow you to make more trips and enlist the help of close friends and family.
What Is Considered a Long-Distance Move?
A long-distance move is anything over 50 miles, inside or outside of state lines.
Long-distance moving requires a lot of time and planning, as many people prefer to make one giant trip with all of their belongings. You also generally sink more money into a long-distance move since you often need to enlist the help of professionals.
Long-Distance Moving Tips
Here are a few long-distance moving tips to ensure you make the most of your time and money.
Plan, Plan, Plan
There is nothing more important than planning when it comes to moving long-distance. Make a detailed itinerary mapping out the months, weeks, and days prior to your move. Also, consider making a checklist with all of the tasks you need to complete.
Hire a Reliable Moving Company
It is incredibly important to hire professional movers that will take care of your belongings. Make sure you get quotes from multiple companies in order to weed out any that may be overcharging you. It is also smart to read online reviews and ask friends and families for recommendations.
Downsize
It can be both costly and difficult to move everything from one house to another. Take your time and decide which belongings you want to take and which you can afford to get rid of. Garage sales, donations, or giving to friends and family are all great ways to make sure your used items go to a good home.
Pack Smart
You need to make sure your belongings are ready to endure rough road conditions. Make sure not to leave empty space in boxes for breakable items to move around and become damaged. If you have any items that are extremely valuable, you may want to look into special crating or shipping options.
Get Ready for Your Long-Distance Move Today
If you have been asking yourself, “what is considered a long-distance move?” then we hope you now have all the answers you need.
Long-distance moving can be stressful, but with the proper planning, it can be done without any major slip-ups. If you enjoyed this article, then feel free to check out the rest of our site for more moving advice.