Best Movers Near Portsmouth, OH (2026 Reviews)
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Central Van & Storage, Inc. is Portsmouth's top-rated local mover on moveBuddha, earning a 4.3/5 , followed by Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems at 4.26/5. moveBuddha scored 3 movers based in Portsmouth out of 99 reviewed across Ohio, drawing on 94 verified customer reviews across Ohio.
Local movers in Portsmouth charge by the hour. The OH average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a fast cost baseline before you collect quotes.
How do Portsmouth moving companies compare?
Portsmouth's 3 reviewed moving companies are ranked by moveBuddha score, a composite of verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Portsmouth, with a market average of 4.11/5, drawing on 94 verified customer reviews across Ohio. The ranked list above also includes movers that serve Portsmouth from nearby locations, so scores reflect performance across the full local service area, not just companies with a Portsmouth address.
Proximity to Portsmouth is a ranking factor, so a mover ranked higher on the list may have a lower score than one ranked below. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.3 |
33% | A+ | ||
|
4.26 |
50% | A+ | ||
3.76 |
91% | NR | ||
|
4.02 |
100% | N/A | ||
|
3.94 |
93% | N/A |
What are the top-rated moving companies in Portsmouth?
Central Van & Storage, Inc. is Portsmouth's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.3/5, followed by Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems at 4.26/5.
Each review profile below covers pricing transparency, crew quality, and claims handling, the 3 factors most predictive of move-day outcome, alongside each company's BBB grade, years in business, and positive review rate.
moveBuddha scored 3 Portsmouth movers drawing on 94 verified customer reviews across Ohio, with a market average score of 4.11/5. Rankings include movers based in Portsmouth and those serving the area from nearby locations. Proximity is a ranking factor, so a mover's position in the list below does not always correspond directly to its score.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Chesapeake Transfer: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.02 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Highly recommended
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Central Van & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 28 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Central Van & Storage, Inc. has about 33% positive reviews across roughly 6 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Central Van & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Central Van & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Our move was flawless, the moving crew was professional and fun to be around, and all of our belongings made it to our destination safe and sound. Great company and great people!!
The moving crew was professional and friendly, and everything arrived safely. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a stress-free move.
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Affordable rates
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has been in business for 37 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems has about 50% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Watts was on time, polite, thorough and genuinely concerned about our property. They worked well together and placed our furniture throughout the house. Highly recommend them.
They moved us into their storage unit and later to Florida. Great communicators, professional, punctual, and careful with my furniture. Their quote was less than a national chain.
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Helpful movers
Careful handling
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Chesapeake Transfer has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 3.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Chesapeake Transfer has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 21 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Chesapeake Transfer.
Customer service 3.5
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Chesapeake Transfer emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Great company! The men were very professional, nice and hardworking. Best and easiest move ever.
Mark, and his team did an excellent and quick job moving us. We were quite pleased and the fee was significantly less than other quotes we received. We would hire Chesapeake Transfer again and without hesitation.
Quick moving process
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
On-time arrival
Well-prepared crew
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Dunbar Transfer has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dunbar Transfer has about 100% positive reviews across roughly 4 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 5.0.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Dunbar Transfer.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Dunbar Transfer emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Dunbar Transfer worked our job in as we needed a small quick move. They were on time, well prepared, did a great job in a tight space. Totally satisfied.
There were 3 guys and they were amazing. We were moving from 4th floor (no elevator) apartment to a house and they were so fast. Recommend!
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.1
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Evans Van & Storage has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Evans Van & Storage has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 130 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Evans Van & Storage.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Evans Van & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers sent were super friendly, professional, and hard working. They took extra precautions to avoid hitting walls and packed everything carefully. Couldn’t recommend this company enough!"
"My furniture arrived at my new home, placed in each room as requested. Not one piece of furniture or box was scratched or damaged. I highly recommend Central Van and Storage!"
Which Portsmouth movers offer specialty services?
Specialty moving services are not standard across every Portsmouth mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 3 Portsmouth moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:
- Piano moving: 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%) offer it, vs. 72.52% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) is Portsmouth's top-rated piano mover.
- Antique handling: 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%) offer it, vs. 46.24% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) rates highest for antique care in Portsmouth.
- Art packing: 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%) offer it, vs. 45.76% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) rates highest for art packing in Portsmouth.
- Climate-controlled storage: 2 of 3 Portsmouth movers (66.67%) offer it, vs. 33.2% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) is Portsmouth's top-rated provider.
How much does piano moving cost in Portsmouth?
Piano moving is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%), compared to 72.52% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. leads Portsmouth piano movers with a 4.3/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Dunbar Transfer at 4.02/5. A standalone piano move in Portsmouth typically costs $576 to $2,520, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 1 of 3 (33.33%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth piano movers | Central Van & Storage, Inc., Dunbar Transfer |
| Upright piano | $576 to $1,080 |
| Baby grand piano | $864 to $1,800 |
| Grand piano | $1,296 to $2,520 |
Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.
How much does antique handling cost in Portsmouth?
Antique handling is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%), compared to 46.24% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) rate highest for antique care in Portsmouth. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $720 to $1,800 to the total cost.
| Antique handling in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 1 of 3 (33.33%) |
| National average | 46.24% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth antique movers | Central Van & Storage, Inc. |
| Added cost to a household move | $720 to $1,800 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $36 to $360 |
| Custom crating per item | $108 to $144 |
Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.
How much does art packing cost in Portsmouth?
Art packing is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%), compared to 45.76% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) and Dunbar Transfer (4.02/5) rate highest for art packing in Portsmouth. Per-piece art handling in Portsmouth runs $36 to $360, with custom crates adding $108 to $144 per item.
| Art packing in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 1 of 3 (33.33%) |
| National average | 45.76% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth art movers | Central Van & Storage, Inc., Dunbar Transfer |
| Per-piece handling fee | $36 to $360 |
| Custom crating per item | $108 to $144 |
Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.
How much does climate-controlled storage cost in Portsmouth?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 2 of 3 Portsmouth movers (66.67%), compared to 33.2% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) and Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems (4.26/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in Portsmouth. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $185/month in Portsmouth.
| Climate-controlled storage in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 2 of 3 (66.67%) |
| National average | 33.2% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Central Van & Storage, Inc., Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $185 |
Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.
What is the top-rated moving company in Portsmouth?
Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5 on moveBuddha) is the highest-rated moving company in Portsmouth, drawing on 94 verified customer reviews across Ohio. The Portsmouth market averages 4.11/5 across 3 reviewed companies. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a cost baseline before collecting quotes.
Frequently asked questions: moving in Portsmouth, OH
How much do movers cost in Portsmouth, OH?
Local movers in Portsmouth, OH charge by the hour. The OH average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Portsmouth's top-rated mover is Central Van & Storage, Inc., earning a 4.3/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 94 verified customer reviews across Ohio.
Key cost factors for a Portsmouth move, based on moveBuddha's review data:
- Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
- Deposit requirement: many Portsmouth movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 67.0% of Portsmouth movers (2.0 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
- Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
- Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Portsmouth across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 100.0% of Portsmouth movers (3.0 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%-15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 67.0% of Portsmouth movers (2.0 companies) offer full packing. Professional packing adds $0.15-$0.21 per pound on average.
DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.
What do full-service movers in Portsmouth include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in Portsmouth, OH includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Portsmouth movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of Portsmouth movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 67.0% (2.0 companies) | +$0.15-$0.21 per pound on average |
| Storage | 67.0% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$185/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 67.0% (2.0 companies) | 1%-2% of declared shipment value (~$300-$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Crating (fragile/high-value items) | 67.0% (2.0 companies) | $150-$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150-$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 67.0% (2.0 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) | Situational | $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08-$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200 |
Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.
Do movers in Portsmouth offer senior, military, or other discounts?
moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Portsmouth movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.
How we chose the best moving companies in Portsmouth
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 99 Ohio moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).
That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.
Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.
