The Best Long-Distance Movers in Portsmouth, NH
The best long-distance mover in Portsmouth is Preferred Movers (4.58/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of New Hampshire, per moveBuddha's analysis of 22 New Hampshire movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Portsmouth?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Portsmouth residents moving out of New Hampshire are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Portsmouth for in-state moves?
Preferred Movers (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Portsmouth-based mover for long-distance moves within New Hampshire, followed by William C. Huff Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.38/5). Of the 22 intrastate-capable movers serving Portsmouth, 21 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Portsmouth are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Portsmouth but stay within New Hampshire:
- Preferred Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- William C. Huff Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Bridges Bros. Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Preferred Movers has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Preferred Movers has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 272 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Preferred Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Preferred Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Movers were professional and great to work with. Highly recommend Preferred Movers. They took apart my bedroom set and put it back together and carefully handled all furniture. Thank you!"
"I had never hired movers before and was nervous, but Preferred Movers finished in time, were careful with my stuff, and very professional. Not a single item damaged. Will hire again!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. William C. Huff Moving & Storage has been in business for 117 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. William C. Huff Moving & Storage has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 149 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from William C. Huff Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. William C. Huff Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Moving is usually stressful, but everyone at William C Huff made this process so smooth. The guys had a wonderful system to be efficient while being very delicate with the furniture and the items they were moving."
"Just had this company move us. I couldn't be more pleased in the process and care these great people gave our belongings. The guys worked hard to ensure our move was a success. Highly recommend."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 44 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. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 83% positive reviews across roughly 12 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Very pleased with our moving experience with Gentle Giant in Portsmouth. It was easy communicating with the office leading up to the move. Then on the day of, our crew, Matt, Patrick, and Austin, were great! On time, polite, and professional.
Great communication from beginning to end. Fantastic team of movers, Brandon was head and so pleasant. Not a scratch anywhere. We would certainly recommend highly.
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc has been in business for 16 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. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 77 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.0.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Liberty Bell was incredibly responsive, kind, and fairly priced. Booking took 5 minutes. Movers were prompt, calm, and extremely careful bringing items in. No scratches or dings. 100% recommend!"
"They moved my apartment so quickly and nothing was missing or damaged. Crew worked hard and had great customer service. Highly recommend for your next move!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Bridges Bros. Movers has been in business for 106 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. Bridges Bros. Movers has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 238 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.8.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Bridges Bros. Movers, and Bridges Bros. Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Bridges Bros. Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The crew we worked with were very professional, amenable and extremely pleasant. They made sure our belongings were secure and wrapped for protection...our move was almost enjoyable."
"Eric, Jimmy, Seth, and Colby were all amazing! Eric clearly knows his stuff...They were super convivial while also being super efficient. ...I can't recommend these movers enough...I'd hire Bridges Bros again in a second!"
What add-on services do Portsmouth movers offer?
Not every mover in Portsmouth offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 22 Portsmouth movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 45.45% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 40.91% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 45.45% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 40.91% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 36.36% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 27.27% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 95.45% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 100.0% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 22.73% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 18.18% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 86.36% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 86.36% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Portsmouth's cost of living.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 10 of 22 Portsmouth movers (45.45%), compared to 40.91% statewide and 45.83% nationally. William C. Huff Moving & Storage (4.58/5) and Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc (4.34/5) rate highest for art handling in Portsmouth. Per-piece handling runs $60 to $595, with custom crates adding $179 to $238 per item.
| Art handling in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 10 of 22 (45.45%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 9 of 22 (40.91%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth art movers | William C. Huff Moving & Storage, Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $60 to $595 |
| Custom crating per item | $179 to $238 |
Framed artwork and sculpture face 3 distinct risks in transit: UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, and impact fractures. Standard moving blankets mitigate only the third and only partially. Art movers use archival materials and custom crates sized to each piece to address all 3. Direct experience with the specific media, whether oil on canvas, bronze, or photography, matters more than general fine art credentials.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 10 of 22 Portsmouth movers (45.45%), compared to 40.91% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Bridges Bros. Movers (4.44/5) rate highest for junk removal in Portsmouth. Standalone junk removal typically runs $179 to $595 per load.
| Junk removal in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 10 of 22 (45.45%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 9 of 22 (40.91%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth junk removal movers | Bridges Bros. Movers |
| Typical cost per load | $179 to $595 |
| Single large item | $89 to $179 |
Junk removal is most cost-effective when bundled with a move, since the crew is already on-site and items removed from the shipment lower the final billable weight. For electronics and appliances, confirm the mover follows local disposal regulations before booking, since fines for improper disposal can exceed the cost of the service itself.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 8 of 22 Portsmouth movers (36.36%), compared to 27.27% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Preferred Movers (4.58/5) and Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc (4.34/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Portsmouth. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 8 of 22 (36.36%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 6 of 22 (27.27%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Preferred Movers, Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most frequently damaged in transit and the ones that benefit most from professional packing materials and technique. Fragile-only packing covers those categories specifically, without the cost of a full-service contract. Before booking, confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 21 of 22 Portsmouth movers (95.45%), compared to 100.0% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Preferred Movers (4.58/5) and William C. Huff Moving & Storage (4.58/5) rate highest for 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 $306/month.
| Storage in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 21 of 22 (95.45%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 22 of 22 (100.0%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth storage movers | Preferred Movers, William C. Huff Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $306 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $595 |
Storage-in-transit is billed at roughly $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load at approximately 514 cubic feet runs about $306 per month. Confirm whether the mover bills from delivery to their warehouse or from the original pickup date, since the two methods produce different totals for the same storage window.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 5 of 22 Portsmouth movers (22.73%), compared to 18.18% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Preferred Movers (4.58/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Portsmouth. Hot tub moves typically run $179 to $476 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 5 of 22 (22.73%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 4 of 22 (18.18%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth hot tub movers | Preferred Movers |
| Bundled with full-service move | $179 to $476 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $357 to $952 |
A standard hot tub weighs 500 to 1,000 lbs when empty and must be fully drained before pickup. Moving one requires a flatbed or specialized dolly, a crew of at least 3, and often a crane or lift gate if the unit is in a backyard with no direct truck access. Bundling hot tub service into a full-service move costs less than a standalone specialty carrier in most cases.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 19 of 22 Portsmouth movers (86.36%), compared to 86.36% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Preferred Movers (4.58/5) and William C. Huff Moving & Storage (4.58/5) rate highest for piano moving in Portsmouth. A standalone piano move typically costs $952 to $4,165, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth movers offering this | 19 of 22 (86.36%) |
| New Hampshire statewide | 19 of 22 (86.36%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Portsmouth piano movers | Preferred Movers, William C. Huff Moving & Storage |
| Upright piano | $952 to $1,785 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,428 to $2,975 |
| Grand piano | $2,142 to $4,165 |
Piano moving is a distinct skill set. Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands exceed 1,200 lbs, and both require piano boards, straps, and padded blankets that standard crews do not carry. Structural damage to a soundboard or cabinet is not covered under released-value protection at $0.60 per pound, making full valuation coverage worth requesting specifically for the instrument. Bundling piano moving into a full-service household move is typically the most cost-effective approach.
Who are the best movers in Portsmouth for small long-distance moves?
William C. Huff Moving & Storage leads Portsmouth's small-move providers with a 4.58/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc at 4.34/5. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Portsmouth?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Portsmouth. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Portsmouth 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 are the best labor-only movers in Portsmouth?
11 of 22 Portsmouth movers (50.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 45.45% statewide and 54.55% nationally. William C. Huff Moving & Storage (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Portsmouth, followed by Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc (4.34/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth. 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.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Portsmouth?
Moving costs across New Hampshire range from $766 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $248/hour) to $5,973 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of New Hampshire mover quotes. The table below shows New Hampshire statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Portsmouth 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 New Hampshire* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $766 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $1,015 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $1,561 |
| 3-bedroom home | $3,440 |
| 4-bedroom home | $3,927 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $5,973 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in New Hampshire. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects New Hampshire statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Portsmouth?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Portsmouth move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Portsmouth, 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.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Portsmouth
What should I know about mover licensing before leaving Portsmouth?
Interstate movers in Portsmouth are required to hold a USDOT number and maintain active FMCSA registration before hauling goods across state lines. Of the 22 movers moveBuddha tracks in Portsmouth, 20 carry that federal authorization. All companies recommended on this page are fully licensed. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing a contract.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move outlines the consumer protections and mover obligations that govern every interstate shipment.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Portsmouth?
For moves within New Hampshire, a local moving company in Portsmouth is the more budget-friendly option. moveBuddha has reviewed 22 movers in Portsmouth, averaging $150/hour, with 20 licensed for interstate routes. The standout options are highlighted on this page.
If the destination is outside New Hampshire, national movers cost more but bring proven cross-state logistics, an advantage that matters most when route complexity and distance are both high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Portsmouth?
Late fall and early winter are the lowest-demand months for movers in Portsmouth. With average winter lows around 14°F, fewer residents choose to move, mover capacity is higher, and quote flexibility increases. That is the best window to negotiate your rate. Booking in November or December typically means shorter lead times and more pricing flexibility than peak-season summer moves.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Portsmouth?
For most people leaving Portsmouth, a DIY approach is the most cost-effective option, particularly for moves within 50 miles. moveBuddha's data shows that rental trucks and moving containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers on comparable routes. The go-to choices are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container such as PODS. See our full breakdown in the guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.