Moving to or from another city means your goods spend hours on the motorway or highway, sometimes overnight. Packing quality, the right vehicle and clear paperwork matter more than on a local move.
What's included
| Task | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Survey and inventory | Listing every item and box | Inventory copy for you and the driver |
| Heavy-duty packing | Double cartons, crates for glass, blankets, stretch film | Longer vibration than local moves |
| Dismantling | Beds, wardrobes, tables | Hardware bagged and labelled |
| Loading and securing | Straps, separation between items | Heavy items at the base |
| Transport | Dedicated truck or shared load | Tolls and route planning |
| Delivery and unloading | At the destination address | Labour at destination may be local partners |
| Re-assembly | Optional | Confirm it is included |
| Transit cover | If offered | Ask what is covered |
Dedicated or shared truck?
| Option | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated vehicle | Full house moves, fixed dates | Higher cost; you pay for the whole truck |
| Shared load (part load) | Small moves, students, a few items | Delivery dates can shift; more handling |
When you need it
- Job transfer or posting to another city
- Family relocation
- Moving goods to a new house before you move yourself
Step-by-step process
- Post your requirement with both cities, addresses, floors, date and a list of goods.
- Survey and inventory. Every item and box listed.
- Written quote. Vehicle type, dedicated or shared, labour at both ends, tolls, packing, delivery window.
- Damage terms. Agree in writing who is responsible and how claims work.
- Packing day. Stronger packing than a local move; label boxes by room and number them.
- Loading. Check against the inventory; photograph high-value items.
- Transit. Get the driver's and supervisor's numbers and the vehicle number.
- Delivery. Count and inspect before signing. Note any damage on the receipt.
- Final payment.
Approvals and documents
No government approval is needed for household goods. Keep the inventory, quote, receipts and vehicle details. Carry valuables and important documents with you, not in the truck. Check entry and timing rules with the society or building at both ends.
What affects the cost
- Distance and route, including tolls
- Dedicated versus shared vehicle
- Total volume and weight
- Packing level and crating
- Labour at both ends and floor levels
- Delivery time window
- Transit cover, if taken
- Storage at destination if your new house is not ready
Compare at least three written quotes for the same inventory and delivery window.
Questions to ask the mover
- Is the truck dedicated to my goods or shared?
- What is the delivery window?
- Do you use your own team at the destination or a partner?
- Are tolls and fuel included?
- Do you offer transit cover? What does it pay for?
- What happens if the truck is delayed?
Red flags
- No written inventory for a long-distance move
- Shared load sold as dedicated
- Vague delivery date ("2–3 days, maybe more") with no written commitment
- Balance demanded before goods are unloaded
- Unknown destination team with no contact number
FAQs
How long does an intercity move take? It depends on distance, whether the truck is shared and loading time. Get a written delivery window.
Should I send my car with the movers? Some companies arrange car carriers. Treat it as a separate quote with its own terms.
Can I move part of my goods now and the rest later? Yes, but each trip is charged separately. Storage in between may be cheaper.
Is transit cover worth it? For valuable furniture and electronics, ask for the terms and decide. Read exclusions carefully.
What should not go in the truck? Cash, jewellery, documents, medicines, gas cylinders and flammable liquids.
Sources
This guide is based on general trade practice and does not quote rates or rules. Get written quotes for current prices.