10 best movers in Groton, Connecticut

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

Long-distance movers in Groton

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. When crossing state boundaries, check that your moving company has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The experienced and reliable long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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 Groton is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Groton is above 91.6% of the country.

Various factors are involved when moving, leading to expenses adding up quickly. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These extra factors can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. These common items can cost more to move:

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

Ask movers whether they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Limited supplies, bad weather, traffic and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving expenses in Groton.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can save some money and ensure you get the movers you want.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap mover that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can handle the move by yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more affordable, these gig workers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Groton

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers take care of the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving may provide better 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 tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely 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. Every moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the optimal time to move, which creates 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 during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, pack those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.