10 best movers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. For a local move around Portsmouth, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Portsmouth

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. When moving across state lines, ensure your moving company has the right 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 look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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 relocating within or out of Portsmouth is greater than the national average, making it a fairly costly process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Portsmouth is above 91.0% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These additional considerations can add even more cost to your total:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

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

When researching movers, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers is optional, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided good service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Portsmouth.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, affordable movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to save some money and still book your preferred moving company.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in lower rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cost - effective mover.

You can move by yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading large items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

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

FAQ about moving in Portsmouth

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers handle every part of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration thoroughly before hiring movers 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. 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. Adding this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The optimal moving time is from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and considerably elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The inflated summer rates may dissuade you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to bypass moving in the winter as well, since New Hampshire's low temperatures and possible snowfall could have an adverse effect on your move.

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?

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.

Many 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, keep those belongings with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.