Moving is more than merely moving boxes from A to B, it's a life change, no matter how far or how near the move takes you. Once your move moves beyond state lines or a great distance, though, things become exponentially more complicated. For a local move, a seemingly manageable weekend project becomes a logistical undertaking and a complex task for a long-distance move.

We know how important it is to understand that every move is unique to IPS Packers and Movers. However, in order to fully understand how a long distance move is more complex, let's discuss the main distinctions between them.

The Distance and Pricing Structure

The main difference between a local move versus long-distance move is the pricing and the services offered. A local move usually means moving within a state, and is typically less than 50 to 100 miles. These are typically hourly charged moves. The charges for the crew and the use of truck vary from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the size of the move and the number of people needed .

A long-distance move, however, is a whole different story. If your move is more than 100 miles or if you cross a state boundary, then it will be priced differently. The cost of your long distance move is determined by two major factors: the weight of your belongings and the distance from where you're moving from to where you're moving to. This actually means that if you need a binding estimate, you are going to have to have an inventory of your property and, in most cases, a physical inspection of your property. This is a very important difference and one you cannot estimate over the phone without knowing the volume and weight of items being transported.

The planning and timeline process is a marathon vs. a sprint. A Sprint

Planning a local move can sometimes take just a few days or weeks. If you forget something at the old house, you can easily go back and get it. In the case of a long-distance move, the process of preparing takes a longer time. All must be well-coordinated, and done at least a week or even months before.

The transfer stage is also a lot longer. Local move usually takes place in one day. In the morning the truck goes to your old house and in the afternoon to your new house. On the other hand, a cross country move requires a number of days of travel. Your property is in transit for days – possibly more than a week! The longer the time that passes from packing to reach the destination, the more likely there are to be issues with damage and delay; professional packing is not only a luxury, it's a necessity. The emotional and physical costs are also higher, as not only are you moving house, you are moving your life and often your job, school and social support networks.

Understanding the Legal and Regulatory Maze

This is likely the most important and intricate distinction between a local and long distance move. A local move is subject to the rules and regulations of the state or city. A long distance move, however, will be governed by federal regulations. This is a critical difference for both the moving company and the customer . When it comes to a business such as IPS Packers and Movers, it includes a complicated network of compliance, making sure that your products are protected according to Federal Law.

This means increased paperwork and formalization for customers. Moving companies that move goods between states may need to be USDOT registered and have a specific USDOT number. This ensures consumers are protected from fraud and have fair practices. The moving company will need to give you firm, binding quotes and follow strict insurance and liability requirements. The opposite of a local move, which is sometimes more informal.

Insurance and Valuation

If you are moving long distances, the risk of damage being greater as your items are in transit for a longer period. That is why, when you plan an interstate move, your moving firm will always talk about “valuation” or insurance with you in detail. Federal regulations specify a minimum amount that a moving company is responsible for covering your goods, which is as low as 60 cents per pound per item (which may not be enough for your valuable goods). If your moving to a long distance, you are highly advised to buy the extra “Full Value Protection” to make sure that your items are fully protected in case of damage.

Added Logistics: Storage and Vehicle Transport

There are many complexities involved in moving long distances that a local move wouldn't have to deal with. If, for example, your closing dates do not match up, and you have items to put in storage, what are your options? When moving to another city or town, it's common to need storage-in-transit services. Just as with the first, taking a car to another city or state can be a bit of a problem too. With the services, some companies may also arrange for the delivery of vehicles with extra paperwork such as Registration Certificate (RC), insurance and the PUC certificate. It's additional planning that is simply not present in the local move.

A local move generally refers to an efficient and effective move for a single day's job. A long-distance move is like trying to pull off a multi-day effort that requires legal, strategic and risk management considerations. An experienced and professional company such as IPS Packers and Movers will not only move your boxes, they will guide you through the federal regulations, handle the logistics and ensure the protection of your most valuable possessions during one of the most important life transitions.