The Best Long-Distance Movers in Portsmouth, OH
Fact Checked by:
The best long-distance mover in Portsmouth, OH is Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Ohio, per moveBuddha's analysis of 99 Ohio movers and 61 verified customer reviews. Interstate costs across Ohio range from $586 for a 1-bedroom to $2,583 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, OH?
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 16 full-service interstate movers serving Portsmouth, drawing on 61 verified customer reviews across Portsmouth.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Portsmouth based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Portsmouth, OH for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 3 local movers serving Portsmouth licensed for long-distance moves within Ohio, drawing on 61 verified customer reviews across Portsmouth. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) was named the top-rated Portsmouth-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 2 of the 3 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 Portsmouth are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Portsmouth but stay within Ohio:
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Chesapeake Transfer: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Highly recommended
Show details Hide details
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 intrastate moving and office 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
Show details Hide details
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 office 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
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 interstate moving and office 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!"
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Highly recommended
Efficient service
Careful handling
Show details Hide details
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 intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dunbar Transfer has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 53 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
"Beginning with the initial contact, they were courteous, communicative, professional... punctual... and provided a clear, accurate estimate of charges."
"The communication with the office was excellent... moved all of our stuff without any problems and in less time than we expected."
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Helpful movers
Careful handling
Show details Hide details
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 office 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.
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 99 Ohio moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Ohio. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Portsmouth, OH movers offer?
Not every mover in Portsmouth offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 3 Portsmouth movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 33% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 36% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Central Van & Storage, Inc..
- Junk removal: offered by 33% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 56% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Central Van & Storage, Inc..
- Storage: offered by 67% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 90% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Central Van & Storage, Inc..
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 33% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 16% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Central Van & Storage, Inc..
- Piano moving: offered by 33% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 60% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Central Van & Storage, Inc..
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%), compared to 36.36% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) and Dunbar Transfer (3.94/5) rate highest for art handling in Portsmouth.
| Art handling in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers |
Central Van & Storage, Inc.
Dunbar Transfer |
| Per-piece handling fee | $36 to $360 |
| Custom crating per item | $108 to $144 |
| 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 Portsmouth have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%). Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Junk removal in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Central Van & Storage, Inc. |
| Typical cost per load | $108 to $360 |
| Single large item | $54 to $108 |
| 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 Portsmouth have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
No Portsmouth movers in moveBuddha's dataset currently offer fragile-only packing. MVM Moving & Storage (4.76/5) is the top-rated Ohio option for Portsmouth residents needing this service.
| Fragile-only packing in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Ohio provider | MVM Moving & Storage (4.76/5) |
| 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 Portsmouth have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 2 of 3 Portsmouth movers (66.67%). Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) and Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems (4.16/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Storage in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $360 |
| 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 $185/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%). Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Hot tub relocation in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Central Van & Storage, Inc. |
| Bundled with full-service move | $108 to $288 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $216 to $576 |
| 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 Portsmouth have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 1 of 3 Portsmouth movers (33.33%). Central Van & Storage, Inc. (4.3/5) and Dunbar Transfer (3.94/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Piano moving in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | 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 |
| 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 Portsmouth, OH for small long-distance moves?
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems leads Portsmouth's small-move providers with a 4.16/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Chesapeake Transfer at 3.78/5. 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.
|
|
|
rating
DIY options for your Portsmouth, OH 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 Portsmouth residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Portsmouth?
2 of 3 Portsmouth movers (66.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 47.47% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems (4.16/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Portsmouth, followed by Chesapeake Transfer (3.78/5).
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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Portsmouth, OH?
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 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Portsmouth, OH
- 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: Portsmouth's winter lows average 22°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, OH?
Moving costs across Ohio range from $416 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $170/hour) to $3,985 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Ohio mover quotes. The table below shows Ohio statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Portsmouth. 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 Ohio* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $416 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $586 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $961 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,249 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,583 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,985 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Ohio. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Ohio 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Portsmouth, OH
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Ohio | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Central Van & Storage, Inc. | 4.3/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems | 4.16/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems | 4.16/5 | 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 Portsmouth, OH
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Portsmouth, OH.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 3 movers moveBuddha tracks in Portsmouth, 3 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 Portsmouth against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within Ohio.
- 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 Portsmouth, OH move. Interstate costs from Ohio range from $416 for a studio to $3,985 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Portsmouth, OH
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Portsmouth?
Any moving company transporting goods from Portsmouth to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 3 of the 3 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth relocation?
For moves within Ohio, a local mover in Portsmouth is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 3 movers in the area, with 3 licensed for intrastate routes and 3 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Ohio, 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 Portsmouth?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Portsmouth; winter lows average 22°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 Portsmouth?
Budget-friendly moves from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
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 $108 to $360. 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 Portsmouth, OH
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: Central Van & Storage, Inc. for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Ohio. 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 Portsmouth, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 3 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
