For the most part, I’d say it’s OK to use these terms interchangeably – most people consider them essentially the same thing, both in and outside of the moving industry. (Strictly speaking, the dictionary lists them as synonyms.)

But there are some subtle differences.

I consider moving the physical movement of your goods to a new location, whether it’s a short distance or a long distance.

For relocation, I consider it the physical movement of goods as well, but also everything around that: looking for a new home, finding a new job, getting a mortgage and buying new insurance. I also consider relocation a more longer-distance move – if I were moving across town to a nicer home, I’d say I’m moving; if I’m moving cross country, I'd consider that a relocation because it involves a new job, etc.

However, whether you ask a moving company to move you or relocate you, it means the same thing to them.

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