The Best Long-Distance Movers in Dover, DE
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The best long-distance mover in Dover, DE is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Delaware, per moveBuddha's analysis of 9 Delaware movers and 1,294 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Dover average $120/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Delaware range from $771 for a 1-bedroom to $3,232 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Dover right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Dover, DE?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 22 full-service interstate movers serving Dover, drawing on 1,294 verified customer reviews across Dover.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Dover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Dover, DE for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 9 local movers serving Dover licensed for long-distance moves within Delaware, drawing on 1,294 verified customer reviews across Dover. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5) was named the top-rated Dover-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 9 of the 9 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Dover are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Dover but stay within Delaware:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- The Moving Experience: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Bayshore Transportation System, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Advance Relocation Systems: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 276 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.7.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Richard and Eric came and helped us move today these guys are the best I have no complaints what so ever keep up the great work thanks again"
"We had a great move. They were professional, efficient and friendly. Would highly recommend Jose Sr., Jose Jr., and Aidan!!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. The Moving Experience has been in business for 22 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. The Moving Experience has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 205 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from The Moving Experience.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. The Moving Experience emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"These guys moved my apartment from AG to SLO, they’re fast, efficient, careful and professional. It was a pleasure working with them."
"The movers were very professional and completed the job in a timely manner. I will be using them again in the future."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. has been in business for 53 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. has about 79% positive reviews across roughly 211 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Bayshore Transportation System, Inc..
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"My experience was great with Bayshore. Honestly the best moving crew I've ever used. On time, quick / efficient, polite, friendly all the things you would expect. No damage occurred to any of our stuff."
"Jeff & Debbie & the Atlanta team were on-time and did a phenomenal job delivering our belongings, which were an entire truck. Very pleasant and respectful to work with. Not a single item was broken!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Advance Relocation Systems has been in business for 61 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Advance Relocation Systems has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 229 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Advance Relocation Systems.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Advance Relocation Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The crew was very professional and careful with all our belongings. Everything arrived in perfect condition, and they worked faster than expected. Would highly recommend Mark, Jerry, Jason, and Tony!"
"Jerry, Kobe, Corey, and Jason did a fantastic job packing our house. They were professional, polite, and took care of everything we needed. Would recommend this company to everyone!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Stewart Moving & Storage has been in business for 29 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.3
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Stewart Moving & Storage has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 78 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.9.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Stewart Moving & Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Stewart Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
I have moved many times and had movers. This experience was by far the BEST moving experience. The crew were professional, polite, did the job efficiently and careful of my belongings. I would truly recommend them for your next move!!!
Movers were super kind, quick, and very careful with my house hold goods. Lots of checking in by the company before and after the move to ensure I had everything I needed.
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 9 Delaware moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Delaware. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Dover, DE movers offer?
Not every mover in Dover offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 9 Dover movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 56% of Dover movers, compared to 44% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Bayshore Transportation System, Inc..
- Junk removal: offered by 44% of Dover movers, compared to 44% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 33% of Dover movers, compared to 22% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: The Moving Experience.
- Storage: offered by 100% of Dover movers, compared to 89% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 33% of Dover movers, compared to 11% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: The Moving Experience.
- Piano moving: offered by 89% of Dover movers, compared to 78% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: The Moving Experience.
Does Dover have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 5 of 9 Dover movers (55.56%), compared to 44.44% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.56/5) and Advance Relocation Systems (4.52/5) rate highest for art handling in Dover.
| Art handling in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers |
Bayshore Transportation System, Inc.
Advance Relocation Systems |
| Per-piece handling fee | $50 to $495 |
| Custom crating per item | $149 to $198 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Dover have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 4 of 9 Dover movers (44.44%). College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5) and The Moving Experience (4.58/5) rate highest in Dover.
| Junk removal in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving The Moving Experience |
| Typical cost per load | $149 to $495 |
| Single large item | $74 to $149 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Dover have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 9 Dover movers (33.33%). The Moving Experience (4.58/5) and Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.56/5) rate highest in Dover.
| Fragile-only packing in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers | The Moving Experience Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Dover have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 9 of 9 Dover movers (100.0%). College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5) and The Moving Experience (4.58/5) rate highest in Dover.
| Storage in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving The Moving Experience |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $254 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $495 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $254/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Dover have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 3 of 9 Dover movers (33.33%). The Moving Experience (4.58/5) and Move Crew LLC (4.5/5) rate highest in Dover.
| Hot tub relocation in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers | The Moving Experience Move Crew LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $149 to $396 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $297 to $792 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Dover have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 8 of 9 Dover movers (88.89%). The Moving Experience (4.58/5) and Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. (4.56/5) rate highest in Dover.
| Piano moving in Dover | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Dover providers | The Moving Experience Bayshore Transportation System, Inc. |
| Upright piano | $792 to $1,485 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,188 to $2,475 |
| Grand piano | $1,782 to $3,465 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Dover, DE for small long-distance moves?
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads Dover's small-move providers with a 4.7/5 moveBuddha score, followed by The Moving Experience at 4.58/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Dover, DE long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Dover residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Dover?
6 of 9 Dover movers (66.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 77.78% statewide and 54.51% nationally. The Moving Experience (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Dover, followed by Stewart Moving & Storage (4.52/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Dover residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Dover moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Dover. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Dover, DE?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Dover. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Dover residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Dover, DE
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Dover's winter lows average 26°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Dover often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Dover, DE?
Moving costs across Delaware range from $561 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $210/hour) to $4,961 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Delaware mover quotes. The table below shows Delaware statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Dover. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from Delaware* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $561 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $771 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,233 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,820 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,232 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,961 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Delaware. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Delaware statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Dover?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Dover move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Dover, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Dover, DE
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Delaware | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.7/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| The Moving Experience | 4.58/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | 4.7/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Dover, DE
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Dover, DE.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 9 movers moveBuddha tracks in Dover, 9 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Dover against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Delaware.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Dover, DE move. Interstate costs from Delaware range from $561 for a studio to $4,961 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Dover, DE
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Dover?
Any moving company transporting goods from Dover to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 9 of the 9 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Dover meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Dover relocation?
For moves within Delaware, a local mover in Dover is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 9 movers in the area, averaging $120/hour, with 9 licensed for intrastate routes and 9 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Delaware, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Dover?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Dover; winter lows average 26°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Dover?
Budget-friendly moves from Dover almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Dover move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Dover building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Dover?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $149 to $495. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Dover, DE
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Delaware. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Dover, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 9 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
