Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.

May through September is considered peak moving season, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.

Moving large furniture can be done with help from the best movers in your area and careful planning. First, get an idea of how much the furniture weighs and how much each mover can manage. The next step is figuring out the path the furniture will take as it exits its point of origin and makes its way to its new home. Professional movers then use dollies, furniture protectors and personal safety gear for a safe, smooth move.

You might be able to move smaller items like nightstands, small desks, chairs and small tables by yourself. However, it’s best to get a professional mover near you to move larger items such as couches, dressers, armoires and televisions. 

If you do decide to move furniture by yourself, carefully lift and lower items and take your time.

To protect furniture when moving, get furniture protectors. These will help cushion accidental impacts that may occur while making your way through tight spaces. You can also use furniture sliders for hardwood floors, which can make moving heavy or awkward furniture across your floors a lot easier than lugging it all the way. 

A professional mover near you will likely have these and other moving equipment to ensure your furniture remains intact and doesn’t damage your new — or old — home.

It often makes more financial sense to buy new stuff when you have the chance to sell furniture to offset the cost. The cost of moving your current furniture can sometimes be more than buying new things, particularly if the furniture is large or cumbersome to move. You can sell furniture online, or make a furniture donation and deduct it from your taxes (if it qualifies as a charitable contribution). Some places near you may even offer free furniture pickup when you choose to donate. 

If you have valuable furniture that would be costly to replace, however, it may be cheaper to move them. To find out which option is best for you, contact professional movers in your area to receive quotes and estimates.

Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour. 

The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles. 

Local Move

A move under 50 miles

Long-Distance Move

A move over 50-100 miles or over 400 miles; may also be called an “interstate move” or “out-of-state move”

Out-of-State Move

A move that crosses state lines; may also be called an “interstate move” or “long-distance move”

Interstate Move

A move that crosses state lines; may also be called an “out-of-state move” or “long-distance move”

Intrastate Move

A move that begins and ends in the same state, typically beyond 50 miles

Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.

A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles. 

To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.