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Moving services are categorized by distance, complexity, and special requirements. The type of move affects pricing structure, regulation, timeline, and which companies can perform the service. Understanding move types helps consumers find appropriate providers and set accurate expectations.

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Local Moves

Moves within the same metropolitan area, typically under 50 miles. Sometimes defined as moves within the same state.Also called intrastate moves when staying within state boundaries.
Local moves are typically charged by:
  • Hourly rate: $25 - $75 per mover per hour ($100 - $200+ total crew rate)
  • Truck fee: Flat charge for vehicle (often included in hourly)
  • Travel time: Portal-to-portal or job-site only
  • Minimum hours: Usually 2-3 hour minimum
Example: 3 movers at $45/hour each plus $75 truck fee. $4-hour move = $615.High-cost markets may see significantly higher rates.
Same-day completion for most local moves:
  • Small apartment: 2 to 4 hours
  • Average home: 4 to 8 hours
  • Large home: 8 to 12 hours
Loading, transport, and unloading happen consecutively.
Regulated at state level, if at all.
  • Some states require mover licensing
  • Some states have no requirements
  • Insurance requirements vary
  • Less federal oversight than interstate
Check your state’s specific requirements.

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Long-Distance Moves

Moves exceeding 50-100 miles, depending on company definition. May be intrastate (within state) or interstate (crossing state lines).
Long-distance moves typically charged by:
  • Weight: Cost per pound (often per 100 pounds/CWT)
  • Distance: Mileage from origin to destination
  • Services: Packing, unpacking, special handling
Estimates based on inventory list or in-home survey.
Multi-day process:
  • Loading: Day 1
  • Transit: 1 to 14+ days depending on distance
  • Delivery: Scheduled window (often 1-3 day range)
Direct delivery is faster but more expensive. Consolidated shipments take longer.
Long-distance moves often have delivery windows rather than specific dates:
  • Short distance (under 500 miles): 1 to 3 days
  • Medium distance (500-1,500 miles): 3 to 7 days
  • Long distance (1,500+ miles): 7 to 14 days
  • Cross-country: Up to 21 days
Tighter windows may cost more.

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Interstate Moves

Any move crossing state lines. Subject to federal regulation regardless of distance.Moving from one state to a neighboring state 20 miles away is interstate and federally regulated.
FMCSA regulates interstate movers:
  • Must have USDOT number
  • Must have MC (Motor Carrier) number
  • Must carry minimum insurance
  • Must provide written estimate
  • Must provide “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet
  • Must offer valuation options
  • Must have dispute resolution process
Before hiring an interstate mover:
  1. Get company’s USDOT number
  2. Search FMCSA database (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
  3. Verify operating authority is active
  4. Check insurance status
  5. Review complaint history
Never hire an interstate mover without valid USDOT and MC numbers.
Federal rules provide protections:
  • Binding estimates cannot increase except for added services you request
  • Non-binding estimates cannot exceed 110% of estimate at delivery
  • Must deliver on agreed date or within spread
  • Cannot hold shipment hostage for more than 110% of estimate
  • 9-month window to file claims
  • Arbitration available for disputes
Interstate moves have more consumer protections than local moves due to federal regulation. Always verify USDOT and MC numbers before hiring a company for any move crossing state lines.

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Corporate and Military Moves

Employer-sponsored moves often handled through relocation management companies (RMCs).Typical process:
  • Employer contracts with RMC
  • RMC coordinates with approved moving companies
  • Employee chooses from pre-vetted options
  • Employer pays all or portion of costs
Benefits:
  • Pre-vetted movers
  • Streamlined process
  • Quality standards enforced
  • Claims support through RMC
Permanent Change of Station moves handled through Defense Personal Property System.Options:
  • Government-arranged: Military contracts with moving company
  • Personally Procured Move (PPM): Service member moves themselves, reimbursed by weight
Key points:
  • Weight allowances based on rank
  • Government pays approved costs
  • Claims handled through military system
  • Specific rules and timelines
Overseas moves involve additional complexity:
  • Customs documentation
  • Import/export regulations
  • International shipping
  • Voltage and compatibility considerations
  • Longer timelines (weeks to months)
  • Specialized international movers

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Specialty Moves

Pianos require specialized handling:
  • Upright pianos: $200 - $500 local
  • Baby grand: $400 - $800 local
  • Grand piano: $600 - $1,500+ local
Long-distance adds to base cost. Requires piano board, straps, padding, and experienced crew. Many general movers won’t handle pianos or subcontract to specialists.
High-value items need special handling:
  • Custom crating
  • Climate-controlled transport
  • White glove service
  • Detailed documentation
  • Specialized insurance
Often handled by specialty art movers rather than general moving companies. Costs vary widely based on item value and requirements.
Heavy, awkward items requiring:
  • Electrician to disconnect
  • Draining and cleaning
  • Specialized equipment (crane, trailer)
  • Multiple movers
  • Electrician at destination
Cost: $400 - $1,200+ depending on access and distance.
Heavy, high-value items:
  • Extreme weight (500 to 2,500+ pounds)
  • Stair and access challenges
  • Security considerations
  • Specialized equipment
Cost: $200 to $800+ depending on weight and access.
Moving cars with household goods or separately:
  • Open transport: $700 - $1,500 for cross-country
  • Enclosed transport: $1,200 - $3,500 for cross-country
  • Driving service: Hire driver for your vehicle
Often handled by auto transport companies rather than household movers.

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Portable Moving Containers

Container delivered to your location. You pack and load at your pace. Company picks up and transports to destination or storage.Popular providers: PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell
  • Flexible timing (no rush on moving day)
  • Often 20-40% less than full-service for long-distance
  • Built-in storage option
  • You control packing and loading
  • Less handling of belongings
  • You do all packing and loading
  • Container takes up driveway/street space
  • May need permit for street placement
  • Weight limits apply
  • Size may not fit all belongings
Typical costs:
  • Local: $200 - $600 per month storage plus delivery fees
  • Long-distance (1,000 mi): $2,000 - $4,000
  • Cross-country: $3,000 - $6,000
Generally 20-40% less than full-service movers for comparable moves.

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DIY Moving

Companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget rent trucks.Costs:
  • Local: $30 - $150 per day plus mileage (0.69 to 0.99/mile)
  • One-way long distance: $800 - $3,000+ depending on distance and truck size
  • Plus fuel, insurance, equipment rental
Considerations:
  • You drive large unfamiliar truck
  • You load and unload (or hire labor)
  • No protection if you damage items
  • Physical labor required
  • Fuel costs for large trucks add up quickly
Hire helpers to load/unload your rental truck.
  • Movers bring muscle, you provide truck
  • $50 - $80 per hour per mover typical
  • No transportation responsibility for company
  • Good middle ground between full DIY and full-service
Combined rental truck + labor often most economical option.
  • Short distance moves
  • Minimal belongings
  • Tight budget with time flexibility
  • Physically able to help with labor
  • Low-value items (less risk)
  • Flexible timeline
  • Long distance (driving large truck is tiring)
  • Large households
  • Valuable or fragile items
  • Physical limitations
  • Tight timeline
  • Complex logistics
  • When your time has significant value

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Choosing the Right Service Level

SituationRecommended Service
Local, small apartmentDIY or labor-only
Local, large homeFull-service local
Long-distance, budgetContainer or DIY
Long-distance, full householdFull-service interstate
Valuable itemsFull-service with specialty handling
Corporate relocationUse employer’s program
Military PCSGovernment-arranged or PPM

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