10 best movers in Salem, New Hampshire

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Salem area.

Long-distance movers in Salem

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Check that the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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?

Moving within or out of Salem is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Salem is above 85.8% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are numerous factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

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

Your total moving cost may also be impacted by these extra factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay extra for moving valuable, breakable or very large items. These common items can be more expensive to move:

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

When vetting moving companies, ask if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

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

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can save you money on moving in Salem.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, 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

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and book the movers you want.

Movers are the most booked between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable mover.

Move yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Salem

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers handle all aspects of the moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. The price can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, as well as covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally 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 show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration completely 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 review your mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move falls during May to September, leading to much higher demand and pricing for moves both large and small. The high summer rates could understandably dissuade you from moving at that time of year.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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.

Moving companies often cap insurance coverage on high-value goods, 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 the following:

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