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:
- Are usually completed in a single day.
- Are priced based on an hourly rate, which includes the time for loading, driving, and unloading.
- Often don’t require special paperwork like federal moving documentation.
- 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:
- Are priced based on total weight (or volume) and distance, not by the hour.
- May involve multiple agents (origin, mover, and destination).
- Often takes multiple days or weeks, depending on the distance and moving windows.
- 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
- 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.
- For long-distance moves, ask about moving windows, valuation coverage, and how communication will work during transit.