10 best movers in Cheshire, Connecticut

The best mover for relocating out of Connecticut is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move around Cheshire.

Long-distance movers in Cheshire

A long-distance move is when you relocate over 50 miles away or move from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the right federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Moving within or out of Cheshire is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in Cheshire is higher than 91.8% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

• Fuel
• Junk removal
• Supplies
• Packing
• Professional labor
• Storage

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some common items that can cost more to move include these:

• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, traffic, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. You can't avoid delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Cheshire.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and book your movers of choice.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding a cheap moving provider that meets your needs.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving by yourself:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a self-move, hiring movers is worth it.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Cheshire

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers manage the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration thoroughly before hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Connecticut are also required to have a license from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. All movers will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the optimal time to move, which leads to increased demand for moving companies and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the frigid weather and potentially snowy conditions that Connecticut winters present can be less than desirable for a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving companies frequently restrict insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Keep irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include the following:

• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Batteries
• Fuel sources
• Perishable foods and produce
• Fertilizers
• Plants

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.