Have you ever wondered what the difference is between long distance movers and local movers? What does each team do that sets it apart from the other? How are they separate? Do their duties overlap? If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, you’re not alone. In fact, many people have questions about long distance movers and local movers! Fortunately, we’ve got answers to help you pick the right moving company.
Read on.
What Local Movers Do
Local movers, as their names would suggest, tend to work in localities like cities or towns. They handle moves that don’t cross state lines and generally specialize in residential and corporate relocations. Beyond that, they offer many of the same services of long distance movers, including packing, storage, and transport. Because they don’t accommodate very long moves, their equipment may be slightly more limited. They may, for example, rent smaller trucks or staff smaller teams for moves.
What Long Distance Movers Do
Long distance movers fill in where local movers don’t – they handle long-term, over-the-border moves that take people across state lines. Unlike local movers, which staff smaller teams and generally have lighter-duty equipment, long distance movers bring in the heavy machinery when it’s time to move a family or a business. As a general rule, long distance moving companies offer storage and packing services, vehicle transport options, and a wide selection of transport offerings to get families from Point A to Point B. Most long distance movers handle both residential and commercial moves, so you can turn to them for all your relocation needs.
Do You Need Local Movers or Long Distance Movers?
If you’re wondering which moving team you should hire, the first step is to take a look at your move. While some long distance moving companies also offer local moves, very few local movers also offer long-distance moving services. Take a look at our local moving partner Moving Squad, as a local mover, they handle relocations within the state of Florida.
Here are a few times you should hire a local moving company:
- You’re moving within the same state
- Your move is short and simple
- You only need small moving equipment
- You’re only going a few miles from your original destination
- You don’t need a large team to help you pack items
On the other hand, here are a few times you’ll want to hire a long-distance moving team to get the job done:
- Your move is taking you over state lines, or across the country
- You have a whole house of items to move, as well as a car
- Your business or office is moving to another state
- You need heavy-duty equipment and a large team of movers, packers, or transport specialists
- You don’t want to handle the move on your own
Getting a Quote from a Moving Company
Before you hire either a local or long distance mover, you’ll want to get a quote for services rendered. Because moving companies all price their services differently, getting a quote can save you from overpaying. Fortunately, it’s easy to do and in our case, we even have an Apple and Android app to help you out. Before you book a moving company, contact their offices and talk to one of the movers about their various services. The professional should be able to tell you what they charge, how they price their services, and what fees you can expect to incur with your upcoming move. If you can give the team an idea of how much stuff you’re planning to transport, they should be able to supply you with a fast and comprehensive moving quote that answers many of your questions.
What to Look for in a Moving Company
In addition to offering a good price, your moving team should also be friendly, personable, and enjoyable to work with. Here are a few things to keep your eye out for:
1. Good Testimonials
Any moving company worth its salt will have a selection of good customer testimonials to draw from. To find them, look at the company’s website and Google page. You might also check their social sites to see what people say about them and their services.
2. Safe Equipment
Beware of any moving company that doesn’t seem like it cares for its equipment. Quality equipment is integral to a good move, and it’s smart to pass over any company who hasn’t taken the time to upgrade or repair their trucks, dollies, and other items.
3. A Trained Team
The moving company in question should come off as trained, professional, and capable. If any member of the team seems inexperienced or lazy, it’s time to walk the other way.
Finding the Right Long Distance Movers
Finding the right team of long distance movers can be challenging, but it can be done. By understanding how to ask for a quote, how to compare local and long-distance movers, and what to expect from each team, it’s easy to find the right group to assist with your move, starting right now. Colonial Van Lines has extensive experience in the moving and storage industry. We have been consistently rated as one of the nation’s top long distance movers for a reason. Not to mention our MoveHub Blog has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Moving Blogs on the Planet.
To learn more about long distance moving or to speak with our team of experienced and friendly long-distance movers, contact Colonial Van Lines today!
