10 best movers in Dover, New Hampshire

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. If you're moving around Dover, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Dover

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or more than 50 miles away. If you're moving across state boundaries, you should be especially careful that the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Dover is higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Dover is above 87.0% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, leading to expenses adding up fast. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Storage
• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Packing

Your final moving bill may also be influenced by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or oversized items. These common items can be more expensive to move:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons, including bad weather, transportation emergencies, limited supplies and traffic. These issues may add to the time and money required. You can't avoid unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving costs in Dover.

Be communicative

Prevent unexpected charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still reserving your preferred movers.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

One alternative is moving yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between a professional moving company and moving on your own:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more affordable. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Dover

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers manage every part of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New Hampshire are also required to have a license from the New Hampshire Department of Safety.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting high-worth goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is ideal time to move, leading to limited availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both sizable and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as New Hampshire's icy conditions and snowy weather are less than ideal conditions for a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Hold onto these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're worried about possible loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Fuel sources
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.