10 best movers in East Haven, Connecticut

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the East Haven area.

Long-distance movers in East Haven

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or over 50 miles away. Hiring a moving company with the proper federal licensing is crucial if you're moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. 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?

Relocating within or out of East Haven is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in East Haven is above 92.7% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly depending on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

These extra considerations can add even more cost to your total:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly bulky. These items commonly cost more to move:

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Bad weather, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and traffic 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 adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to lower moving expenses in East Haven.

Be communicative

To avoid surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While small items can typically be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can lower the cost and ensure you book your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. You may get less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable moving company that meets your needs.

Move yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in East Haven

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as the packing materials costs it covers. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect 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?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move is between May to September, leading to notably higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably steer you away from moving at that time of year.

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?

To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Many moving businesses put limits on insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable possessions, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.