Local Move vs. Long-Distance Move

Understanding the difference between a local move and a long-distance move is essential, as it directly impacts how your move is priced, scheduled, and managed.

Local Move

A local move generally refers to a move within the same city, municipality, or nearby region, typically within 50 to 100 miles. These moves:

1. Are usually completed in a single day.
2. Are priced based on an hourly rate, which includes the time for loading, driving, and unloading.
3. Often don’t require special paperwork like federal moving documentation.
4. Are handled entirely by the local moving crew without coordination with partner agents in other areas.

Example: Moving from one apartment to another within Calgary or between neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area.

Long-Distance Move

A long-distance move, sometimes called an interprovincial or cross-country move, typically exceeds 100–400 miles and often involves crossing provincial or state lines. These moves:

1. Are priced based on total weight (or volume) and distance, not by the hour.
2. May involve multiple agents (origin, mover, and destination).
3. Often takes multiple days or weeks, depending on the distance and moving windows.
4. Require detailed inventory, valuation coverage, and regulated documentation (especially for cross-border moves).

Example: Moving from Hawaii to the Mainland, or from Ontario to British Columbia.

Tips for Customers

1. Always clarify with the mover how your move is classified — some companies treat moves over 100 miles as long-distance even if they stay within a province.
2. For long-distance moves, ask about moving windows, valuation coverage, and how communication will work during transit.