What’s the Difference Between Interstate and Intrastate Moving??

When moving, we are concerned about how to make the entire process easier and cheaper if possible. Sometimes, we fail to recognize that there are several types of moving, interstate, and intrastate being some of them. We have created this useful guide to help you learn the differences between interstate and intrastate moving, and know what to expect in each of them. One thing is certain, though, with reputable and reliable movers your entire relocation process will be stress-free. Not to mention that you will save a lot of time and energy that you can use for more important things, such as your family and searching for a new job or an apartment.

What is interstate and intrastate moving?

What is an interstate move?

An interstate move is any move that crosses the federal state borders. This means that if you are moving between USA states, you will be performing an interstate move. Sometimes, in order to make your move shorter, it is necessary to cross the state borders even though you are not moving across the state. You will just cross the state to shorten the way and cross it once again to reach your destination. This move is also considered to be an interstate move.

What is an intrastate move?

An intrastate move is any move where you do not cross the borders of any state. The most important thing is that it has nothing to do with how long is the distance you have to undergo. People usually relate an intrastate move to a local move and an interstate move to a long-distance move. However, as we will see later on, this does not have to be true at all.

Is every long-distance move an interstate move?

Not necessarily. As we already mentioned, the distance has nothing to do with terms intrastate and interstate. As a common rule, a local move is any move no longer than 50 miles. On the other hand, any move longer than 100 miles is considered to be a long-distance move. So, if you live right next to the border and you want to move to the adjacent state, your interstate move will be quite short.
Another common misconception is that an interstate move is the same as an international move. This is not true, as an international move means that you are moving from the USA to another state which is not federal.

What is the difference between an interstate and an intrastate move?

Besides the obvious difference concerning these two types of relocation, you are probably wondering how does it affect you. Well, for starters, in order to perform an interstate move, your moving company will need a license. You can easily check this by asking your moving company what is their USDOT number. Using this number, you can find out the status of your mover`s license number, whether they have any claims filed against them, NYC moving companies reviews, and much more.

If you are making an intrastate move, your moving company does not have to be licensed. This means that an interstate move is a bit more serious and requires more paperwork and dedication. After all, your belongings and you are crossing the border. However, there is a list of states that requires moving companies to be licensed even for an intrastate move.

Here are the names of those states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How to make your relocation easier?

We have seen the differences between interstate and intrastate moving. But no matter what your move is called, you need to be well-prepared and organized. Follow these tips in order to make your relocation easier and stress-free.

Hire reliable movers

Whether you are making an interstate or an intrastate move, hiring a reliable moving company will make your life so much easier. Check if they have a USDOT number, check their moving reviews, and compare moving quotes from at least three different moving companies. Ask your friends and family members who have recently moved for a recommendation. Also, ask the moving company whether they offer some discount for storage unit services or any services for that matter.

Save money in advance

Once again, when you are moving, you need to have enough money for both the expected and unexpected events. Take the stress away by starting to save money long before you perform the move. The moving company will charge you per hour for a local move, and per weight for a long-distance move. In both cases, it is better to have as fewer items to relocate as possible. So, declutter and organize a yard sale. Not only will you save money on relocation costs, but by selling the items you will earn money as well.

Transfer utilities and change your address

One of the most common issues related to relocation are the utilities and the address change. Actually, the problem is not in setting up utilities or changing the address. The problem arises when we forget to do this. In this way, you can end up arriving at your new house just to find out that you have no electricity, water, or heating set up. Avoid this and make the call today to set up your utilities. Also, your address, your subscription to magazines, the gym, etc. must be changed. Otherwise, you will be losing money on a monthly basis, and you will not be able to see your post.

We have seen the major differences between the interstate and the intrastate moving. The more you know about the type of your relocation, the easier it will be for you to adjust and organize. When relocating, you need to be on the top of your game and only then everything will go smoothly and stress-free. Good luck!