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Gentle Giant Moving Company review 2026 (Portsmouth, NH)

In business since 1980 · Updated

Gentle Giant Moving Company, a Portsmouth, NH moving company, ranks #14 of 58 movers in New Hampshire, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.36/5.

98% of Gentle Giant Moving Company's 204 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its experienced movers, while the most common complaint involves misplaced or lost items.

In business since 1980, Gentle Giant Moving Company holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #373544) and operates 88 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Gentle Giant Moving Company measures up

Across 204 reviews, Gentle Giant Moving Company in Portsmouth, NH is rated 4.9/5 on Google (139 reviews) and 4.6/5 on Yelp (5 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Gentle Giant Moving Company ranks #14 out of 58 movers in New Hampshire with a moveBuddha Score of 4.36 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 139 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 5 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Other names on file at BBB

    The Better Business Bureau also lists Gentle Giant Moving Company as Gentle Giant Moving & Storage.

    Businesses are often filed at BBB under a legal, parent-company, or former name rather than the one they trade under, so if you look Gentle Giant Moving Company up on BBB, search for that name too.

    View the BBB profile

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Gentle Giant Moving Company moveBuddha Certified?

Gentle Giant Moving Company is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.

With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Gentle Giant Moving Company hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.

What movebuddha certified movers offer

  • Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
  • Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
  • Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
  • Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.

Before you book, check:

  • USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
  • Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
  • A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
  • The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified

** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.

What do customers say about Gentle Giant Moving Company?

Out of 204 verified reviews, 98% of customers left a positive review about Gentle Giant Moving Company in Portsmouth, NH. 1% of reviews are negative and 1% are neutral. Gentle Giant Moving Company has a 7% higher positive review percentage than the average New Hampshire moving company (98% vs the New Hampshire state average of 91%).

  • Positive98%(200)
  • Neutral1%(2)
  • Negative1%(2)

Based on 204 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Gentle Giant Moving Company

  • Experienced movers

    With years of experience, Gentle Giant Moving Company's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Gentle Giant Moving Company to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Careful handling

    Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Gentle Giant Moving Company's attention to detail.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully Gentle Giant Moving Company's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Gentle Giant Moving Company was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Our closing date moved and Gentle Giant remained flexible and accommodating. Price was more reasonable than most, with top-tier professionalism.”

    Jamie RichardVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “This was our second time using Gentle Giant. The movers arrived promptly, were pleasant and professional, clearly experienced, and moved quickly while taking great care with our belongings.”

    Marlene StegerVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Friendly, professional, on-time, careful with our stuff and the real estate on both ends of the move. They were the lower priced option.”

    Steve RichardsVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “All of our furniture was expertly wrapped and covered. They reassembled furniture and moved heavy items until they were in the perfect spot.”

    Poppy OswaldVerified ReviewerGoogle

What mixed reviewers say

  • “Despite a quick response and walk-through quote, the pack-out took longer than planned. A china cabinet panel broke, and the final cost was $1,000 above the quote.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “Several items were later found broken, including the piano frame. A bed was also installed backward.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Gentle Giant Moving Company

  • Misplaced or lost items

    In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.

  • Higher-than-expected costs

    Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.

What negative reviewers say

  • “They wanted to charge $1000 to move one bed, two dressers, two night stands, a chaise lounge, one chair and ottoman, and a kitchen table.”

    S.K. BartonVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “A big box of kitchen items was missing, including irreplaceable antique tins and mugs collected during military trips.”

    Bob SmithVerified ReviewerGoogle

Gentle Giant Moving Company

4.36Portsmouth, NHSince 1980

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What services does Gentle Giant Moving Company offer?

Gentle Giant Moving Company covers moving (local moves and long-distance moves), packing (unpacking and packing materials), and storage (climate-controlled storage).

Services offered

Is Gentle Giant Moving Company licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 373544 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Gentle Giant Moving Company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 373544, as GENTLE GIANT INTERSTATE COMPANY LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a New Hampshire intrastate license, number 218762.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Gentle Giant Moving Company holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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State license number
218762Issued by New Hampshire. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
GENTLE GIANT INTERSTATE COMPANY LLCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
Doing business as
GENTLE GIANT MOVING COMPANY GENTLE GIANT MOVING AND STORAGETrade name on file with the FMCSA
FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
Trucks registered
88Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
5,000,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
August 2026

How much does Gentle Giant Moving Company cost?

Gentle Giant Moving Company does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in New Hampshire, you can expect to pay approximately $128/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service New Hampshire moving companies similar to Gentle Giant Moving Company typically bill the amounts below using a $128/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Gentle Giant Moving Company is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service New Hampshire moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Gentle Giant Moving Company offer?

Accepts
Credit Cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

Gentle Giant Moving Company accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

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How Gentle Giant Moving Company compares with the top 3 Portsmouth movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.36 out of 5, Gentle Giant Moving Company places first when ranked against the three top-scoring Portsmouth movers, level on score with Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, Inc but with more reviews.

The three highest-scoring local movers near Portsmouth, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Gentle Giant Moving CompanyThis mover · ranks #14.36204
2Liberty Bell Moving & Storage, IncPortsmouth4.3680
3Wood Bros. Moving & Storage, Inc.Portsmouth4.1456
4College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingSeabrook4.06224

How does Gentle Giant Moving Company compare to other New Hampshire movers?

  • moveBuddha score#14 of 58(better than average)

    4.36vs 3.72 avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company scores 4.36, above the New Hampshire average of 3.72, and ranks #14 of 58 New Hampshire movers.

  • Positive reviews#11 of 58(better than average)

    98%vs 91% avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company has 98% positive reviews, above the New Hampshire average of 91%, and ranks #11 of 58 New Hampshire movers.

  • Negative reviews#8 of 58(better than average)

    1%vs 9% avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company has 1% negative reviews, below the New Hampshire average of 9%, and ranks #8 of 58 New Hampshire movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#16 of 58(worse than average)

    204vs 220 avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company has 204 reviews analyzed, below the New Hampshire average of 220, and ranks #16 of 58 New Hampshire movers.

  • Yelp rating#8 of 58(better than average)

    4.6vs 3.9 avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company has a Yelp rating of 4.6, above the New Hampshire average of 3.9, and ranks #8 of 58 New Hampshire movers.

  • Years in business#9 of 58(worse than average)

    46 yearsvs 48 years avg

    Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 46 years, below the New Hampshire average of 48 years, and ranks #9 of 58 New Hampshire movers.

MetricThis moverNew Hampshire avg
moveBuddha score#14 of 58 in New Hampshire4.363.72
Positive reviews#11 of 58 in New Hampshire98%91%
Negative reviewsLower is better#8 of 58 in New Hampshire1%9%
Reviews analyzed#16 of 58 in New Hampshire204220
Yelp ratingBased on only 5 reviews#8 of 58 in New Hampshire4.63.9
Years in business#9 of 58 in New Hampshire46 years48 years

Compared with 58 New Hampshire movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in New Hampshire.

Gentle Giant Moving Company

4.36Portsmouth, NHSince 1980

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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Final verdict: Gentle Giant Moving Company

Gentle Giant Moving Company earns a 4.36/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #1 among Portsmouth movers, with 98% positive feedback across 204 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its experienced movers and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.

With 88 trucks and a track record dating to 1980, it has less history than the average New Hampshire mover, and the most common complaint is misplaced or lost items.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Portsmouth, NH · Since 1980

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Why moveBuddha?

  • 30%+Average savings

    On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.

    Calculate your New Hampshire moving cost 
  • $1,000Added move coverage*

    When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.

  • 1-on-1Dispute mediation

    If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.

How we score moving companies

Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.

  • Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most

    The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.

  • Online reputationMajor factor

    An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.

  • ServicesMajor factor

    The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.

  • Customer supportSupporting factor

    How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.

  • Review feedbackSupporting factor

    A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.

  • State availabilityMinor factor

    The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.

What the scores are built on

  • 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
  • 1M+Authenticated reviews
  • 25+Independent data sources
  • 1,000+Live price points a month
  • $0Paid for a ranking
  • MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified

Read the full scoring methodology

Written by

Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

Gentle Giant Moving Company
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