10 best movers in Manchester, New Hampshire

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Hampshire is International Van Lines. If you're moving in the Manchester area, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Manchester

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate to another state. Hiring a mover with the proper federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly 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?

While the moving process can be expensive, the average hourly rate for moving services in Manchester is lower than the national average. Although the cost of living in Manchester is higher than 86.8% of the country, moving prices in the area are lower than expected.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. The following items commonly cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as transportation emergencies, limited supplies, bad weather and traffic. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving costs in Manchester.

Be communicative

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

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to lower the cost while still getting your preferred movers.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding an affordable relocation service that meets your needs.

Handling the move on your own is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving large items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Manchester

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to the packing supplies costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're coordinating an interstate move, confirm the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Getting this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time is between May and September, creating limited availability and inflated rates countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, you might hesitate to make a move during the summertime.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

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

Moving businesses frequently restrict insurance coverage on costly items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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