The Best Long-Distance Movers in Portsmouth, VA
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The best long-distance mover in Portsmouth, VA is Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of Virginia, per moveBuddha's analysis of 102 Virginia movers and 4,112 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Portsmouth average $153/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across Virginia range from $609 for a 1-bedroom to $2,492 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, VA?
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 32 full-service interstate movers serving Portsmouth, drawing on 4,112 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, VA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 21 local movers serving Portsmouth licensed for long-distance moves within Virginia, drawing on 4,112 verified customer reviews across Portsmouth. Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) was named the top-rated Portsmouth-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 21 of the 21 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 Virginia:
- Tidal Town Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Atlantic Beach Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Tidal Town Moving has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 3.8
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Tidal Town Moving has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 255 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.5.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Tidal Town Moving. Discounts may be available for groups like students.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Tidal Town Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Tyler, Carlos, and Dakota with Tidal Town Moving were incredible! They arrived on time, had amazing manners, and worked so efficiently—it was impressive. They moved everything carefully and I highly recommend this team!"
"Absolutely five stars for this INCREDIBLE crew of hard working, polite and meticulous young men. They were on-time, organized, and full of a ‘team work’ mentality. Every piece of furniture was carefully wrapped, moved and then unwrapped. Highly recommend!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Atlantic Beach Movers has been in business for 20 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Atlantic Beach Movers has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 239 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.1.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Atlantic Beach Movers.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Atlantic Beach Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They were super fast moving my stuff from my 3 story townhouse. No damages, everything was taken apart and put back together, wrapped and they were all so pleasant and professional. I would highly recommend them!"
"This group did a great job! These guys were on time, clean, courteous, and professional. They wrapped each piece carefully in blankets and protected the furniture."
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Helpful movers
Efficient service
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Coleman Worldwide Moving has been in business for 112 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Coleman Worldwide Moving has about 37% positive reviews across roughly 59 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Coleman Worldwide Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Coleman Worldwide Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
All of our items were packed with care, to include crystal glasses and china. Nothing was broken on the back end! Great communication from everyone involved.
They carefully and strategically packed my belongings. When I received my belongings, everything was in the same condition as when I packed it.
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 258 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The gentlemen that came to help us were 100% professional. They were eager to please and did everything we asked without complaining. Efficient and clean. Thank you for a completely flawless move. I would definitely recommend them."
"Crew arrived on time, treated my household items with care and completed the move quickly."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All My Sons Moving & Storage has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All My Sons Moving & Storage has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 268 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 1.4.
Quote accuracy 3.8
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All My Sons Moving & Storage, and All My Sons Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All My Sons Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The moving team was very polite and respectful. They worked fast and efficiently through the move and setup. I am delighted I found this company and will book them again for any future moving needs. 10/10 stars."
"Brendon, Trey, and Patrick did an excellent job moving us to a second and third floor unit! They arrived early and placed all items exactly where we asked. Also took care to prevent damage to items and walls. Absolutely recommend!"
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 102 Virginia moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of Virginia. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Portsmouth, VA movers offer?
Not every mover in Portsmouth offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 21 Portsmouth movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 48% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 47% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Tidal Town Moving.
- Junk removal: offered by 29% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 27% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 43% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 38% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Tidal Town Moving.
- Storage: offered by 100% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 82% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Tidal Town Moving.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 24% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 23% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Apple Moving .
- Piano moving: offered by 86% of Portsmouth movers, compared to 76% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Tidal Town Moving.
Does Portsmouth have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 10 of 21 Portsmouth movers (47.62%), compared to 47.06% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) and Atlantic Beach Movers (4.52/5) rate highest for art handling in Portsmouth.
| Art handling in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers |
Tidal Town Moving
Atlantic Beach Movers |
| Per-piece handling fee | $45 to $450 |
| Custom crating per item | $135 to $180 |
| 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 6 of 21 Portsmouth movers (28.57%). TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.34/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Junk removal in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $135 to $450 |
| Single large item | $68 to $135 |
| 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?
Fragile-only packing is available from 9 of 21 Portsmouth movers (42.86%). Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) and Brooks Transfer & Storage Company, Inc. (4.42/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Fragile-only packing in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Tidal Town Moving Brooks Transfer & Storage Company, 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 Portsmouth have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 21 of 21 Portsmouth movers (100.0%). Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) and Atlantic Beach Movers (4.52/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Storage in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Tidal Town Moving Atlantic Beach Movers |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $231 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $450 |
| 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 $231/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 5 of 21 Portsmouth movers (23.81%). Apple Moving (4.38/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Hot tub relocation in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Apple Moving |
| Bundled with full-service move | $135 to $360 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $270 to $720 |
| 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 18 of 21 Portsmouth movers (85.71%). Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) and Atlantic Beach Movers (4.52/5) rate highest in Portsmouth.
| Piano moving in Portsmouth | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Portsmouth providers | Tidal Town Moving Atlantic Beach Movers |
| Upright piano | $720 to $1,350 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,080 to $2,250 |
| Grand piano | $1,620 to $3,150 |
| 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, VA for small long-distance moves?
Tidal Town Moving leads Portsmouth's small-move providers with a 4.58/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Atlantic Beach Movers at 4.52/5. 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 Portsmouth, VA 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?
15 of 21 Portsmouth movers (71.43%) offer labor-only services, compared to 69.61% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Tidal Town Moving (4.58/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Portsmouth, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5).
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, VA?
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, VA
- 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 33°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, VA?
Moving costs across Virginia range from $448 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $161/hour) to $3,815 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of Virginia mover quotes. The table below shows Virginia 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 Virginia* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $448 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $609 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $963 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,178 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,492 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $3,815 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in Virginia. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects Virginia 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, VA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of Virginia | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Tidal Town Moving | 4.58/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Atlantic Beach Movers | 4.52/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Tidal Town Moving | 4.58/5 | 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, VA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Portsmouth, VA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 21 movers moveBuddha tracks in Portsmouth, 19 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 Virginia.
- 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, VA move. Interstate costs from Virginia range from $448 for a studio to $3,815 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Portsmouth, VA
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. 19 of the 21 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 Virginia, a local mover in Portsmouth is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 21 movers in the area, averaging $153/hour, with 21 licensed for intrastate routes and 19 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving Virginia, 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 33°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 $135 to $450. 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, VA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: Tidal Town Moving for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of Virginia. 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 21 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
