10 best movers in Rochester, New Hampshire

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

Long-distance movers in Rochester

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move to another state. If you're crossing state boundaries, you must be especially careful that the moving company you hire 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 USDOT number, MC 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 movers below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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 Rochester is higher than the national average, making itfairly costly. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Rochester is above 82.1% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These additional factors can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly large. Some items that can be more expensive to move include these:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s customary if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. 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

Limited supplies, transportation emergencies, bad weather and traffic can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving costs in Rochester.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since dependable and affordable movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still hiring your preferred relocation service.

Movers are busiest between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving company that meets your needs.

While you can move by yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, hiring movers is valuable.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Rochester

What’s full-service moving?

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

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

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 inspect 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?

Estimate the complete worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The ideal time to move is between the warmer months of May to September, resulting in fewer available movers and considerably increased prices across the U.S. for moves of all kinds. This could deter you from a summer move, given the inflated costs. However, you may also want to forego moving in the winter because of New Hampshire's cold and potentially icy conditions.

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?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

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

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include the following:

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

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.