10 best movers in Meriden, Connecticut

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of Connecticut. For a local move around Meriden, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Meriden

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're crossing state boundaries, you should be especially careful that the moving company you choose has the proper federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

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

GET ESTIMATE

Why is moving so expensive?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Meriden is greater than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Meriden is above 90.3% of the country.

Moving costs add up quickly, as there are various factors involved. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

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

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

When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's common 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 happen. Transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic 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 allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can lower your moving expenses in Meriden.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

Small items may not pose a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those items and won’t start your move until you���ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and affordable movers are highly sought after, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to save some money while still getting your preferred moving company.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. If your timeline is flexible, moving during slower months may result in lower rates or less competitionfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding an affordable relocation service that meets your needs.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another option. While hiring hourly help can be less expensive, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Meriden

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of the entire moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you take into account the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move occurs from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and considerably elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The steep summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to avoid moving in the winter as well, since Connecticut's cold temperatures and possible snowfall could present a challenge to your move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Moving businesses often limit insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

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

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