There are many types of moves to consider when moving. What is a local move? In this article, we’ll take a look at what qualifies as a local move, how it differs from other types, and what you can expect when planning a local move.
A local move is generally defined as a move within a certain radius, typically 50-100 miles. This can vary depending on the moving company and the specific location, but a move within the same city or metropolitan area is generally considered a local move. Local moves are typically charged based on an hourly rate, and the cost will depend on factors such as the size of your move, the distance of your move, and the services you require.
How Does a Local Move Differ from Other Types of Moves?
One of the main differences between a local move and other types of moves is the distance of the move. Local moves typically involve shorter distances, whereas long-distance moves may involve moving across state lines or the country. Because of the shorter distance, local moves are cheaper than long-distance moves. Because of the shorter distance, local moves are less expensive than long-distance moves. Local moves also tend to be less complex.
What to Expect When Planning a Local Move
If you’re planning a local move, there are a few things you can expect regarding the moving process. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Scheduling Your Move When scheduling a local move, booking your moving company well in advance is essential to ensure availability. Most moving companies will offer a range of dates and times, so you can select a time that works best for your schedule.
- Getting an Estimate Before your move, you’ll want to get an estimate from your moving company to get an idea of the total cost of your move. This will typically involve an assessment of the size of your move, the distance of your move, and the services you require. Be sure to ask your moving company about any added charges that may apply, such as packing materials or fuel surcharges.
- Packing Your Belongings When it comes to packing for a local move, you can either choose to pack your belongings yourself or have the moving company pack them for you. If you pack yourself, label your boxes clearly and use plenty of packing materials to ensure your items are protected during the move.
- Loading and Transporting Your Belongings On the day of your move, your moving company will typically arrive at your home and begin loading your belongings onto the truck. They will then transport your belongings to your new home and unload them. This process may take several hours, depending on the size of your move and the number of items you’re moving.
- Unpacking Your Belongings Once your belongings have been unloaded at your new home, you can begin unpacking. Take your time and carefully unpack your items to avoid damage. If you had the moving company pack your belongings for you, they might also offer unpacking services to help make the process easier.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Local Move
The cost of a local move can vary depending on several factors. Aside from the time of the year, here are some of the critical factors that can impact the price of your move:
- Distance: While local moves are generally shorter than long-distance moves, the distance of your move can still impact the price. Moving within a city or metropolitan area will typically be less expensive than moving between cities or states.
- Size of your move: The size of your move can also impact the cost. The more items you need to move, the more time and resources it will take, which can increase the cost.
- Services needed: If you need additional services such as packing, unpacking, or storage, this can also impact the price. These services may come with additional fees, so discuss them with your moving company in advance.
How Much Does a Local Move Cost?
The cost of a local move is typically based on an hourly rate, with the average cost ranging from $80 to $100 per hour. However, the total cost of your move will depend on the factors listed above and any extra charges or fees that may apply.
For example, if you’re moving into a three-bedroom apartment within the same city, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 for a local move. This cost includes the hourly rate for the moving crew and any additional fees, such as fuel surcharges or packing materials.
Why Consider Local Movers
There are several reasons why you should consider hiring local movers for your move:
- Familiarity with the area: Local movers better understand the local area, traffic patterns, and the best routes to take. This can help ensure your belongings are transported efficiently and without delay.
- Cost-effective: Local movers usually charge less than long-distance movers because they do not have to travel as far. This can make them cost-effective, especially if you are moving within the same city or town.
- Personalized service: Local movers often offer personalized service because they are smaller companies that focus on serving the local community. This means that you are more likely to receive individual attention and care during your move.
- Faster turnaround: Since local movers are based in your area, they can often accommodate last-minute requests and provide faster turnaround times than long-distance movers.
Local moves are generally less expensive and less complex than long-distance moves. They involve various steps, including scheduling your move, getting an estimate, packing your belongings, and unpacking them. Understanding what to expect during a local move can help ensure a smooth and stress-free moving process.