Long distance moves take more planning than moves across town. The trip is longer and might cover large distances. Delivery may not happen the same day. More pieces have to come together behind the scenes.
At National Van Lines, we have coordinated long distance moves for nearly 100 years. We know that because long distance moves involve more steps,
moving companies need more details to build accurate moving quotes. The questions they ask help them understand how your move will be handled from pick-up to delivery.
This means you can focus on gathering the right details and reviewing moving quotes with confidence.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What information do movers use to build long distance moving quotes
- How locations, distance, and timing affect moving quotes
- Why services and move changes can influence planning
- How to prepare before requesting moving quotes
Long Distance Moving Quotes: Why Accurate Info Matters
Long distance moving quotes are based on the details shared at the time of the request. Movers use this information to plan all the steps of your moving process and timeline.
This includes details like who will be assigned to complete your move and delivery windows.
Unlike local moves, long distance moves involve multiple stages. Planning often happens weeks in advance, and delivery will occur within a 14-day date range.
Each part of that process depends on knowing what will be moved, where it is going, and when it needs to arrive.
To build long distance moving quotes, movers review several core details about a move. Each one helps shape how the move is organized and carried out.
The sections below explain the most common factors movers consider when creating moving quotes.
Long Distance Moving Quotes Use Household Size, Inventory and Estimated Weight
For long distance moving quotes, movers begin by understanding the size and scope of your move. This includes how much you are moving and what types of items will be included.
Movers typically look for information such as:
- The size of your home and number of rooms
- Large or bulky items like furniture or appliances
- Items stored in garages, basements, sheds, or storage units
From this inventory, movers estimate the total shipment weight. Customers are not expected to calculate weight themselves.
Movers use the items you list to estimate the overall size and weight of your shipment.
Leaving out items, even smaller ones, can change the estimated weight and may lead to updates and price changes later in the process.
That change can affect the original moving quote, since weight plays a role in transportation and handling.
How Pick-up and Delivery Locations Impact Move Time
Pick-up and delivery locations affect how movers handle your move. Movers need to know what getting in and out of each place looks like before moving day.
Some details can change how long loading and unloading take, such as:
- Stairs or multiple floors that require carrying items by hand
- Long hallways or far parking between the truck and the door
- Building rules or limited work hours in apartments or condos
High-rise apartment moving often takes extra planning.
Elevators may need to be reserved ahead of time. Some buildings also require paperwork before movers can start work.
When movers know these details early, they can plan the right crew and equipment. This helps the move stay on schedule.
How Distance, Route, and Transit Planning Factor Into Moving Quotes
Distance plays a role in how long distance moving quotes are created. Movers need to know how far your items will travel so they can plan transportation and delivery timing.
Not all long distance moves follow a straight path. Some moves travel directly from pick-up to delivery. Most share truck space or move through several regions.
Bad weather conditions, busy travel seasons, and road rules can also affect how a move is routed.
These details help movers plan how the move will be scheduled. Because long distance moves take more time, movers usually provide a delivery window instead of a single delivery date.
Knowing the distance and route helps movers build moving quotes that match how the move will actually be handled.
Timing and Delivery Windows for Long Distance Moves
Timing affects long distance moving quotes because it shapes how the move is scheduled.
Movers often ask whether your move dates are fixed or flexible. Fixed dates can limit scheduling options, while flexible timing may allow more coordination options.
Long distance moves usually operate within delivery windows rather than exact arrival dates. This allows movers to manage transit time and coordinate multiple shipments.
Fixed dates limit routing flexibility. When customers require exact delivery dates, carriers have fewer coordination options.
Clear timing details help movers plan more accurately and reflect that planning in your moving quote.
Packing, Storage, and Additional Services for Long Distance Moves
Additional services affect long distance moving quotes because they change how the move is prepared and staffed.
For example, professional moving companies need to know if you’ll be packing the items yourself, or if they’ll be handling it for you.
If you are weighing the options, see DIY or professional packing.
You might also choose to use:
- Temporary or long-term storage
- Handling for oversized or heavy items (learn more about specialty moving)
- Extra support at pick-up or delivery to move items in or out of a building
Sharing service needs early allows movers to plan the move more completely from the start.
Putting Details Together For an Accurate Long Distance Moving Quote
Before requesting moving quotes, it helps to pause and gather the basics. This keeps the process moving smoothly and helps you stay in control of the conversation.
We recommend having the following info ready when you call for your moving quote:
- A general list of items you plan to move
- Notes about stairs, elevators, or parking at each location
- Preferred move dates and any flexibility
- Services you expect to need, such as packing or storage
Making Sense of Long Distance Moving Quotes
Requesting moving quotes is part of how a long distance move is planned. When you understand what information movers use and how those details shape long distance moving quotes,
it becomes easier to review quotes with clarity. You can see how all the factors tie into how a move is organized and priced.
As you move forward, gathering accurate details before requesting moving quotes helps you take an active role in the process.
That understanding supports clearer conversations and more confidence as your long distance move comes together.
Next steps
You just learned all about moving quotes. Now, you’re probably ready to start narrowing down your moving company choices.
Get an honest and direct comparison with our blog about
Allied Van Lines vs. National Van Lines.
You also might just be ready to start talking to moving companies now.
Get a quote today, and see what it would be like to move long distance with National Van Lines.
