Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: What’s the Difference?
Most people don’t realize how much can go wrong during a move until it’s too late. From tripping hazards and parking tickets during local moves to lost shipments and customs headaches on long-distance jobs, the challenges are real—and so are the consequences. Even simple missteps, like forgetting to measure doorways or not securing fragile items, can lead to major losses and safety risks.
Moving shouldn’t be a game of chance, especially when your valuables and your timeline are on the line. Academy Movers brings skill, structure, and a customer-first approach to every relocation, large or small. Our team of professional movers in Arizona has seen—and solved—it all, helping you avoid the pitfalls that turn a new beginning into a stressful ordeal. The difference between a good move and a great one is in the planning and the people you trust.
What Makes a Move “Local”?
A local move is generally defined as any relocation within the same city, metropolitan area, or region—usually up to 50 miles from the starting point. This can include moving from a home in Chandler to Tempe, Arizona, or relocating a business from downtown Seattle to a neighboring suburb. Even a move from one side of Surrey, BC to another qualifies as local under most movers’ terms.
Defining features of local moves:
- Distance – Typically less than 50 miles (though some companies set their local boundary at 100 miles, it varies by region).
- Timing – Usually completed within a single day, often in just a few hours.
- Rates – Local moves are commonly billed hourly, rather than by total weight or volume.
- Eligibility – Available to homeowners, renters, students, small businesses, and anyone staying within the general metro area.
Local moves are far more common than interstate or cross-country relocations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 60% of Americans who moved in the past years did so within the same county. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy or stress-free. Packing, loading, transporting, and unloading—even for a short trip—requires care and planning.
Common examples:
- A family moving from a rental home in Mesa to a newly purchased house in Scottsdale.
- A business upgrading to a larger office just a few blocks away in Seattle’s tech district.
- College students moving from dorms in downtown Phoenix to apartments nearby.
- Seniors downsizing within the same neighborhood in Surrey.
With professional movers in Arizona guiding each step, you’ll know exactly what to expect—from your first quote to the final box unpacked. Here’s how to can get started on your local move:
Step 1: Request a Quote and Assessment
A local move typically begins with obtaining a clear, no-obligation quote. Most moving companies will arrange an in-person or virtual walkthrough to accurately evaluate the size and scope of the move. During this assessment, details such as the number of rooms, presence of large or specialty items, stairs, and parking or building access are reviewed. This step ensures a realistic estimate of time, resources, and cost, and helps identify any unique considerations early in the process.
Step 2: Planning and Coordination
Once the initial assessment is complete, the next step involves developing a customized moving plan. This plan outlines the schedule, number of movers needed, size of the truck, and any necessary equipment or supplies. Coordinating the move date with building management (if applicable), securing elevator reservations, and arranging parking permits are often addressed at this stage. The plan is typically tailored to accommodate the specific requirements of the household or business.
Step 3: Packing and Preparation
Packing is a crucial part of the local move process. Individuals can choose to pack their own belongings or hire the moving company to provide full or partial packing services. Packing involves labeling boxes, wrapping fragile items for protection, and disassembling large furniture or appliances if needed. Ensuring everything is properly organized and ready to go on move day can prevent delays and minimize the risk of damage.
Step 4: Moving Day
On the scheduled day, the expert moving crew arrives to carefully load items onto the truck, using equipment such as dollies, moving blankets, and straps for safety. Items are arranged in the truck to maximize space and protect against shifting during transit, even for short distances. Once at the new location, everything is unloaded and placed according to instructions. Some moving companies may also assist with reassembling furniture and removing packing materials, leaving the new space ready to settle in.
Attempting a “DIY” move may save a little money upfront, but risks abound: injuries from heavy lifting, damaged items, and hidden costs like truck rentals and fuel. Professional movers in Arizona from Academy Movers provide exceptional service, making your local move smooth and stress-free.
What Makes a Move “Long-Distance”?
A long-distance move is generally defined as any relocation that extends beyond the boundaries of a single metropolitan area or crosses state, provincial, or even national lines. Typically, a move is considered long-distance if it exceeds 50 or 100 miles from the starting point, but definitions may vary by company and jurisdiction.
This category includes interstate moves within the United States, cross-province relocations in Canada, and cross-border moves between the U.S. and Canada, such as moving from Phoenix, Arizona, to Seattle, Washington, or relocating from Surrey, BC, to Portland, Oregon.
Defining features of long-distance moves:
- Distance – Generally more than 50 to 100 miles, often crossing city, county, state, or national borders.
- Timing – These moves can take several days or even weeks to complete, depending on distance, route, and any stops along the way.
- Rates – Long-distance moves are usually priced based on the total weight or volume of items and the mileage covered, sometimes with additional fees for fuel, tolls, or regulatory compliance.
- Eligibility – Individuals, families, students, and businesses relocating to new cities, states, or countries fall under this category.
Long-distance moves are less common than local relocations, but they require a higher level of planning and attention to detail. Interstate and cross-country moves made up nearly 17% of all U.S. relocations last year, highlighting a growing trend as more people move for work, lifestyle, or education. Unlike local moves, the added distance increases the risk of delays, regulatory hurdles, and the potential for lost or damaged property—making thorough preparation essential.
Common examples:
- A family moving from Phoenix, Arizona, to Seattle, Washington, for a new job opportunity.
A student relocating from Scottsdale to Vancouver, BC, to attend university. - A business expanding operations from Surrey, BC, to the Bay Area in California.
- Retirees moving from Seattle to another state or even across the border to Canada.
With professional movers in Arizona handling the logistics, long-distance moves become far less daunting. Here’s how the typical long-distance move process unfolds:
Step 1: In-Depth Consultation and Detailed Estimate
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation and a written estimate based on a thorough inventory. This often includes an in-person or virtual walkthrough to identify the number of items, large or fragile belongings, and any special requirements. Unlike local moves, long-distance estimates factor in weight, distance, and destination regulations, as well as any need for storage or specialty handling.
Step 2: Logistics Planning and Documentation
Planning a long-distance move involves more than simply booking a moving truck. Coordinating schedules, securing the right size vehicle, and determining the best route are all crucial. For moves that cross state or national borders, proper documentation, customs forms, and permits must be arranged in advance. Coordination with both origin and destination locations is often necessary, especially for apartment buildings or gated communities with strict move-in/move-out rules.
Step 3: Packing and Inventory Management
Proper packing is critical for long-distance moves due to the increased risk of jostling and prolonged time in transit. Many opt for professional packing services, which include custom crating for fragile or high-value items, detailed inventory lists, and labeling to ensure nothing is misplaced. Belongings are carefully prepared to withstand long journeys and multiple handling stages.
Step 4: Transportation and Tracking
Once packed and loaded, items are transported in specially equipped trucks designed for long hauls. Modern moving companies often provide tracking services, so clients can monitor progress throughout the trip. Transit time can vary depending on distance, weather, and any unforeseen delays along the route. Communication between movers and clients is key to managing expectations and timelines.
Step 5: Delivery, Unloading, and Setup
Upon arrival at the new destination, movers unload and place items as directed. Some companies offer additional unpacking, reassembly of furniture, and removal of packing materials, ensuring the new home or office is ready for immediate use. A final review of the inventory ensures all belongings have arrived safely and in good condition.
Attempting a long-distance move without professional support can be overwhelming. Common risks include missed deadlines, regulatory snags, damaged goods, and the stress of coordinating every detail across state or country lines. Choosing professional movers in Arizona or your local area provides peace of mind, detailed planning, and the resources needed to handle long hauls efficiently—making sure every mile is as stress-free as possible.
Why Trust Academy Movers with Your Local and Long-Distance Move?
When it comes to local and long-distance moving, the differences go well beyond miles. The right moving company can mean the difference between chaos and a seamless new start. With a proven record as professional movers in Arizona, Seattle, and Surrey, Academy Movers combines reliability, transparent pricing, and community impact for every client.
Ready to make your next move easy and stress-free? Contact us today for a personalized quote and discover how Academy Movers brings quality, care, and purpose to every box and every mile.