Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 09 2026
A local move is typically defined as a relocation within a specific radius, usually around 50 to 100 miles. It generally encompasses moves within the same city or metropolitan area. The exact definition can vary depending on the moving company and location specifics, but the key characteristic is that the move occurs within a close geographical range.
Local moving refers to relocating within a relatively short distance, generally defined as within a 50 to 100-mile radius. It's typically characterized by moves within the same city or metropolitan area. The exact definition of what constitutes a local move can vary slightly depending on the policies of different moving companies and the specificities of the location. Regardless of these slight variations, local moves are distinct because they are confined to a limited geographical area and often involve less complexity and logistical planning than longer-distance relocations.
Defining Local Moving
Local moving can be defined as the process of relocating within a specific geographical area. Often, this encompasses distances less than 100 miles from your current location or within your current city boundaries. This type of move doesn't typically involve crossing state or country borders. Depending on factors such as your region and the specific moving company you choose, these moves are generally considered short-distance and can be completed within a single day.
Local moves vary greatly in size and complexity. They can range from moving from a modest studio apartment in a nearby neighborhood to relocating to a large family home within the same city. Regardless of the size, the key characteristic of a local move remains unchanged: the destination is within a close geographical range from the origination point. This type of move, by definition, stays within the same general region, making the transition more manageable and less involved than long-distance moves.
The Process Involved in Local Moving
Even though local moving is simpler than long-distance or international moving, it requires specific steps. Starting the process with thorough planning is ideal. This stage involves checklist creation. The checklist may include choosing a moving date, organizing items, contacting moving companies, comparing prices, and choosing a service provider.
Packing usually follows. This crucial task begins weeks before moving day. Avoid damage to valuables by choosing the right packing materials. On a moving day, the local mover loads the items onto their vehicle, transports them, and unloads them. This process seems simple, but it takes efficiency, expertise, and attention to detail to reduce moving stress.
Key Features of Local Moving
Local moving in a certain radius from the previous residence has several distinguishing features from long-distance or international moving. These features consider distance, cost, type of transportation, workforce, and time.
Local moving costs are mostly hourly, depending on crew size. It costs less than long-distance moving because it requires fewer people and time. Transportation is important. Local moves rarely require large trucks or containers. Smaller vans and trucks often work fine. Thus, it is more eco-friendly and less disruptive than other moving methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local moving means relocating within the same metro area, usually under 50–100 miles, and typically completed in one day. These moves are priced hourly, not by shipment weight. Costs are driven by 2–4 movers, loading time, stairs or elevators, long-carry distances, packing needs, traffic timing, and parking access. Unlike interstate moves, local moves are not regulated by the FMCSA and usually involve one truck returning the same day, which is why many customers use a dedicated local moving service.
A move is considered local when it stays within the same city or metro region and is generally under 50 miles, though some movers classify up to 100 miles as local. The defining factor is service area, not state lines. Local moves are billed by time and crew size rather than mileage or weight. Traffic congestion, weather, building access rules, and parking permits still affect timing and final cost, especially in dense metro areas.
Local moves are priced by the hour, often with a 2–4 hour minimum, while long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage. Hourly rates usually include labor, truck, fuel, and standard equipment. Extra charges apply for packing services, heavy items like pianos or safes, stairs, elevators, or long carries. Because time drives cost, preparation and access logistics matter more than distance for local jobs, which is why some customers opt for movers by the hour.
Most local moves take 3–8 hours from loading to final unload. A studio or one-bedroom with good access often finishes in 3–4 hours, while a three- or four-bedroom home may take most of the day. Time increases with packing needs, narrow staircases, elevator reservations, long hallways, traffic delays, or restricted loading windows. Same-day completion is standard, with no overnight storage or delivery gaps.
You can do a local move yourself, but hiring professionals reduces injury risk, property damage, and time loss. Movers are especially helpful for apartments, heavy furniture, stairs, and buildings with management rules or elevator schedules. Professional crews bring proper equipment, liability coverage, and experience handling tight spaces. Many renters choose professional help through an apartment moving service to avoid damage fees and scheduling issues.
