10 best movers in Keene, New Hampshire

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Hampshire is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Keene area, use the filters below to find other moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Keene

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move to a different state. Make sure the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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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?

Moving is expensive, but the average hourly moving rate in Keene is below the national average. Although the cost of living in Keene is higher than 79.6% of the country, moving prices in the area are more affordable than expected.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly bulky. Some common items that can cost more to move include the following:

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

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, inclement weather, a lack of supplies and transportation emergencies. These can add to your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible 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 save you money on moving in Keene.

Be communicative

To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, cost-effective movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still reserve your preferred moving team.

Most people book moving companies from May through September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable moving company that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can handle the move on your own, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, hiring movers is worth it.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Keene

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers tackle the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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 learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move occurs from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and significantly elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The steep summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to steer clear of moving in the winter as well, since New Hampshire's frigid temperatures and possible snowfall could have an adverse effect on your 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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Most moving businesses place limits on insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those possessions with you.

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

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

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.