10 best movers in Guilford, Connecticut

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of Connecticut. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move around Guilford.

Long-distance movers in Guilford

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or over 50 miles away. If you're crossing state boundaries, you must be especially careful that the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To check a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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 Guilford is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Guilford is above 96.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra factors can add even more cost to your final moving bill:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. These items can be more expensive to move:

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

Ask movers if they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as traffic, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in Guilford.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed before the move. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these item and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

Movers are busiest between May and September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving provider that meets your needs.

While you can move yourself, weigh the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Guilford

What’s full-service moving?

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

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking 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?

Approximate the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. However, you may want to inquire about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include high-worth items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the best time to move, which results in increased demand for moving companies and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may deter you 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 tough for a move.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Moving businesses often cap insurance coverage on costly items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.