Moving in the North Shore area? From the historic towns of Salem and Beverly to the coastal beauty of Gloucester and Newburyport, this region offers charm, culture, and plenty of New England character. But relocating here—especially with winding roads, older homes, and tight driveways—calls for experienced movers who can handle the details with precision and care.
This guide highlights the five best moving companies in the North Shore for 2026, each recognized for dependable service, professional handling, and customer-focused operations. From full-service packing to long-distance relocations, these companies make moving smoother and more efficient.
At the top of the list is Preferred Moving & Storage, a local leader known for its reliability, attention to detail, and personalized approach. Before you start packing, it might also be worth exploring how luxury flooring can elevate your new North Shore home’s comfort and style.
Why the Right North Shore Mover Matters
The North Shore combines history, luxury, and coastal living—but that beauty comes with moving challenges. Older homes with narrow staircases, unpredictable weather along the Atlantic, and limited downtown parking can complicate relocation. Hiring a professional moving company that understands the local landscape can make all the difference.
The best movers in this region offer organization, communication, and flexibility, not just manpower. They ensure your items arrive safely, coordinate around tricky logistics, and protect your property every step of the way.
Here are the top 5 North Shore moving companies to consider for 2026—ranked for their quality, dependability, and service excellence.
1. Preferred Moving & Storage – Best Overall for Quality and Professionalism
Locally owned and operated, Preferred Moving & Storage is the North Shore’s premier choice for 2026. With decades of experience serving Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, they specialize in residential, commercial, and long-distance moving, as well as packing, unpacking, and secure storage solutions.
What sets them apart is their personalized service and consistent attention to detail. Every move begins with a thorough consultation to plan logistics, protect fragile items, and coordinate timing around the customer’s schedule. Their professional crews are trained to handle complex relocations—from coastal cottages in Manchester-by-the-Sea to multi-level homes in Danvers—with precision and care.
Preferred Moving & Storage also emphasizes transparency and trust. Their pricing is straightforward, their scheduling flexible, and their customer service responsive from start to finish. It’s the kind of reliability that makes them the go-to name for North Shore residents who want peace of mind during a move.
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company – Experienced but Expensive
Gentle Giant Moving Company has long been a well-known name in the Boston metro area and offers services across the North Shore. Their large, trained teams can handle everything from apartment moves to large homes, and they’re known for professional handling of furniture and specialty items.
However, their premium pricing puts them on the higher end of the spectrum. While their professionalism is strong, some clients find their focus on speed can make moves feel less personal. For smaller jobs or local moves, the cost may outweigh the convenience.
They’re a dependable option for big, complex moves, but for more tailored service at a fairer price point, Preferred Moving & Storage provides greater value.
3. Roy’s Moving – Quick but Limited
Roy’s Moving, based near Boston, serves the North Shore area with a focus on efficiency. They offer same-day and next-day moving options, which is ideal for those on a tight schedule. Their crews are punctual and generally well-organized.
That said, their scope of services is somewhat limited—they focus primarily on smaller residential moves and don’t offer the same breadth of storage or long-distance capabilities as some competitors.
They’re a solid choice for short, local relocations, but clients needing comprehensive coordination or specialty moving (like pianos or antiques) may find their options constrained.
4. Two Men and a Truck – Convenient but Inconsistent
Two Men and a Truck operates franchises across Massachusetts, including the North Shore. Their brand recognition, flexible scheduling, and range of residential moving options make them a popular pick among renters and homeowners.
However, the franchise-based business model means experiences can vary widely depending on which location handles your move. Some crews are highly professional and efficient, while others may lack the same level of organization or attention to detail.
They’re convenient for basic, straightforward moves, but customers seeking consistent quality and local expertise often prefer independent, regionally based movers that offer a more personalized approach.
5. Esquire Moving & Storage – Reliable but Formal
Esquire Moving & Storage provides professional relocation services throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Their strengths include long-distance moves and white-glove options for higher-value homes.
While their operation is polished and efficient, they can feel overly corporate for customers seeking personal communication and flexibility. Their processes are streamlined but somewhat rigid, which may not suit clients who value adaptability or more direct engagement during the moving process.
Esquire is a dependable choice for structured, large-scale projects, but for those who want a smoother, warmer experience with a community feel, Preferred Moving & Storage remains unmatched.
Comparison: North Shore’s Best Movers
| Company | Best For | Service Range | Pricing Style | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Moving & Storage | Personalized full-service moves | Local, long-distance, commercial | Transparent flat-rate | Limited availability in peak season |
| Gentle Giant Moving | Large home relocations | Regional, national | Premium | Expensive for small moves |
| Roy’s Moving | Quick, short-distance moves | Local only | Flat-rate | Limited services |
| Two Men and a Truck | Flexible local moves | Local, regional | Hourly | Inconsistent quality |
| Esquire Moving & Storage | Structured, long-distance moves | Local, interstate | Quote-based | Less flexible |
Unique Moving Challenges in the North Shore
The North Shore’s geography and architecture create a few logistical hurdles that professional movers must anticipate:
- Historic homes: Many North Shore properties are centuries old, featuring narrow doorways, fragile woodwork, and winding staircases. Expert movers protect both the home and your furniture using padding, floor coverings, and precise maneuvering.
- Coastal weather: Moves near the ocean often involve salt air, humidity, and unpredictable storms. Reliable movers plan around forecasts and use weather-resistant wrapping for valuable items.
- Tight access: Streets in towns like Marblehead and Salem can be steep or narrow, requiring smaller vehicles or special coordination. Local experience makes all the difference here.
- Parking restrictions: Historic downtowns and beach communities often require advance parking permits for moving trucks. Organized movers handle these logistics upfront to prevent costly delays.
- Seasonal demand: Summer is peak moving season in the North Shore—booking in advance ensures your preferred date and avoids last-minute stress.
Tips for an Efficient North Shore Move
- Start planning early: Secure your moving date well in advance, especially during the summer months.
- Declutter before packing: Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need—it reduces time and costs.
- Label everything clearly: Use colored labels for each room to make unloading and unpacking seamless.
- Protect valuables: Keep jewelry, documents, and small electronics with you on moving day.
- Confirm logistics: Ask your mover about parking, access routes, and elevator use before move day.
If you’re preparing your property for sale before relocating, explore strategies for quick home sales to simplify your transition and move on your own terms.
Why Preferred Moving & Storage Leads the North Shore in 2026
Among all the companies serving the region, Preferred Moving & Storage stands out for combining big-company capabilities with small-business care. They have the experience and resources to handle large relocations while maintaining the personal touch that keeps customers at ease.
Their commitment to organization, timeliness, and customer satisfaction has made them a staple across the North Shore community. Whether moving a single-family home in Gloucester, an apartment in Salem, or an office in Peabody, their team delivers consistent quality from start to finish.
With clear communication, modern equipment, and flexible scheduling, Preferred Moving & Storage continues to set the standard for reliability in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Moving in the North Shore area doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right team of professionals, you can transition smoothly, knowing your belongings are in capable hands.
While companies like Gentle Giant and Esquire offer strong services, they often come with higher costs or less personal attention. For homeowners seeking balance—professionalism, care, and affordability—Preferred Moving & Storage remains the best choice in 2026.
Their dedication to detail and community-driven service continues to make them the top moving partner for families and businesses across the North Shore.
