Best overall value
Local moving companies in Manchester
- Trend Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- First-Rate Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Ray the Mover: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- College Bound Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Trend Moving & Storage
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 3092893
Years in Business: 6
14 Liberty Dr, Londonderry, NH 03053 USStellar customer feedback puts Trend Moving & Storage ahead of the competition. Out of 297 inputs analyzed, 97% praised the company's professionalism, careful handling, and efficient moving process. Customers appreciated clear communication and quick, reliable service. Movers frequently received compliments for respectfulness, positive attitudes, and protecting customers' belongings. Compared to other movers, Trend shows exceptional consistency in quality and responsiveness. Negative feedback focused primarily on higher-than-expected final charges, occasional damage to items, and rare lapses in communication. A few customers mentioned frustrations with cost transparency and billing. Only single-digit complaints addressed more severe issues, contrasting sharply with the overwhelmingly positive experiences. Most neutral feedback cited minor pricing concerns. Trend Moving & Storage consistently delivers expert service, making moving easier and more stress-free than rival companies.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3092893
- State license #: 3092893
First-Rate Moving & Storage
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 3141590
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 9
10 Harris Rd, Unit A, Windham, NH 03087 USFirst-Rate Moving & Storage draws praise for quick, careful, and professional service, with 252 customer feedback entries analyzedโ94% positive. Efficient movers, attentive handling, courteous staff, and affordable prices lead recurring commendations. Communication with both management and moving teams receives frequent compliments, and the company completes jobs with impressive speed and attention to detail. While rates are often considered better than competitors, a few customers reported unexpected costs or delays, and isolated cases mention damaged items or poor subcontractor experiences. Compared to many moving companies, First-Rate stands out for dependability and courteous service, though some negative experiences remind customers to confirm details and expectations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3141590
Ray the Mover
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2724757
Years in Business: 85
1 Allard Drive, Manchester, NH 3102 USRay the Mover shines with prompt, professional crews and outstanding communication, supported by input from 257 customers, nearly 80% of whom praised their experience. The teamโs attention to detail, careful handling, and consistent follow-through stand out, winning customer confidence in both local and cross-country moves. Many cited efficient service, friendly staff, and damage-free delivery that set the company apart from competitors. Yet not every move goes perfectlyโclose to 20% of input reveals a pattern of damaged belongings, unexpected fees, or delivery delays. Some customers reported a lack of accountability after issues arose, especially when damage occurred or timelines slipped. Despite these negatives, Ray the Moverโs positive feedback volume is higher than the service industry average. While most find their efficiency, communication, and respectful crews justify the cost, those prioritizing absolute safety and full transparency in pricing may want to clarify expectations upfront.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2724757
Alternative Business Names
- Ray the Mover of Manchester, Inc.
- MII Moving and Storage LLC
College Bound Movers
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 650086
Years in Business: 33
14 Continental Blvd, Merrimack, NH 03054 USWhen moving, speed and care can make all the differenceโCollege Bound Movers stands out in customer feedback, with 284 reviews analyzed and nearly 80% reflecting positive experiences. Customers most frequently highlight how quickly and efficiently crews work, their polite professionalism, and the careful handling of possessions. Many note transparent, affordable pricing compared to other moving companies. However, damage to items is a top concern among negative reviews, with repeated mentions of broken or mishandled furniture. Complaints about inaccurate estimates and unresolved claims also surface. While most customers praise the staffโs courtesy and hustle, persistent responses reveal worries about inconsistent cost estimates and poor follow-up on complaints. College Bound Movers is rated highly for efficiency, professionalism, and competitive rates, but those considering their services should clarify the details of coverage and pricing upfront, and diligently communicate expectations to help mitigate common issues found with many moving providers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 650086
- State license #: 650086
Gentle Giant Moving Company
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
3 Sagamore Park Rd, Hudson, NH 03051 USCustomers rave about Gentle Giant Moving Company for prompt, professional crews who handle belongings with great care and respect. Over 98% of feedback praised efficient service, polite staff, and helpful movers. Many noted that fragile and large items arrived without damage, and the team completed jobs either on time or quicker than quoted. Clients consistently mention crews going the extra mile to reduce stress and accommodate last-minute requests. The booking process and customer communication also receive high marks. Only one negative review criticized the estimate process as vague and unprofessional, pointing to an inflated price quote compared to in-person assessments from other movers. One neutral review mentioned minor item damage due to improper tool usage, but the customer found the overall move fast and friendly. With nearly unanimous positive input, Gentle Giant stands apart from competitors by consistently delivering careful, friendly, and efficient moves with exceptional customer care.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
Alternative Business Names
- Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Key factors that impact the cost of your Manchester to Richmond move
What to know before moving from Manchester to Richmond
Moving from Manchester to Richmond means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Manchester than in Richmond, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Manchester compares to Richmond so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Manchester | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,004 | $1,595 |
| Average home value | $410,329 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $59,606 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,449 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,256 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Richmond are 20% lower than in Manchester, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
Home prices in Richmond are 14.5% lower than in Manchester. - Income in Richmond is 11.2% lower than in Manchester, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Richmond include Brink's, CarMax, and MeadWestvaco.
- The cost of living for a single person in Richmond is 7.3% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Richmond, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Richmond is 1.5% higher than in Manchester.
- The unemployment rate in Richmond is 86.84% higher than in Manchester.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Richmond, since the cityโs sales taxes in Richmond are 6.00% higher than in Manchester.
- State income taxes in Richmond are 43.75% higher than in Manchester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,780.73 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Richmond
| Richmond | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 115,644 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 48.45 | 56.09 |
| Safety Index | 51.55 | 43.91 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Richmond is about 96% greater than Manchester, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Richmond offers better access to buses and trains than Manchester, based on public transportation ratings. Richmond has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Manchester. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Richmond to be about as walkable as Manchester. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Richmond is considered more bike-friendly than Manchester in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Richmond has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Manchester is rated as 42 out of 100.
- Richmond has a lower crime rate than Manchester based on scores of 48.45 and Manchester's 56.09, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Richmond than in Manchester, based on Richmondโs safety index of 51.55 versus 43.91 for Manchester. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Richmond and Manchester is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Manchester vs. Richmond move
- Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toRichmond Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Richmond
Now that youโve chosen "Capital of the South" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Richmond to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Monroe Ward
- The Fan District
- The Museum District
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue
- Byrd Park
- Museum District
- Three Chopt
- Westover Hills
Things to do in Richmond
Once youโre settled into your new home in Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Richmond has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Richmond features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Richmond Kickers (USL League One) and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Richmond?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Manchester to Richmond are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Manchester are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Richmond?
With many people choosing to move from Manchester to Richmond in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Manchester to Richmond take?
Moving from Manchester, NH to Richmond, VA covers 588 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Manchester movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Richmond.
