Whether you’re planning a local move or an interstate relocation, the best moving companies can make the transition less stressful. But there are dozens of moving companies in Connecticut. We’ve rounded up the top movers in the state and country to help you get started with the oft-intimidating quote process.
Our research shows that Allied Van Lines is the best interstate moving company for most full-service moving needs. It operates multiple locations within Connecticut and provides industry-leading vehicle and large-item shipping services.
If you’d rather book a local mover, Castle Express Moving is the best-reviewed company in Connecticut. Its quote process is the most comprehensive we’ve experienced of any local mover, and its reviews indicate that customers can rely on it for most moving needs.
Check out these recommendations for a hassle-free moving experience in Connecticut.
Our top choices for Connecticut movers
Long-distance:
Compare top choices for long-distance moving companies
We evaluated the top movers in Connecticut using our detailed rating methodology. Remember: Vetting movers begins with requesting multiple free quotes. This will help you gauge the cost of your move.
Also, check the registration status of any moving company you consider before signing a contract. This will prevent you from working with uninsured movers and will make it easier for you to file claims in case of lost or damaged items.
Best long-distance movers for Connecticut
If you’re planning a long-distance in-state or an interstate relocation, the following movers are our top choices for Connecticut residents.
Allied Van Lines
International Van Lines
JK Moving Services
Best movers for a local Connecticut move
The following movers service all of Connecticut with some interstate moving capabilities. However, each one primarily focuses on local relocation services. I got quotes from these providers and looked through hundreds of customer reviews to ensure each one’s quality.
Castle Express Moving
Two Brothers Moving
CT Moving and Storage
Making an informed choice: A guide to professional movers
Before you sign a moving contract, understand the full scope of your move and moving service options. To better prepare, request multiple moving estimates from registered movers.
Moving brokers vs. carriers
During your research, you’ll come across movers that advertise as carriers and those that are strictly brokers. Carriers offer services directly, moving brokers contract moving services to other carriers. This indirect service model can provide such companies with greater flexibility but can also lead to your move being booked with lower-quality carriers. If you book with a broker, such as International Van Lines, be sure to ask your move coordinator about the company that will directly handle your move.
While many locally owned moving companies offer interstate service, we at Homefront think that the coverage offered by national carriers is ideal for longer moves that take multiple days or cross state lines.
Moving services
To get the most accurate quote from a moving company, compile a comprehensive inventory of everything you plan to move to your new home. This will also help you weed out movers that can’t provide the necessary service to move certain things, such as antiques or ultra-heavy items.
As you take inventory, note anything that can’t go on the truck, such as live plants or certain cleaning products. Based on your inventory, you may need to request add-on services, such as the following:
- Crating for antiques and fine art
- Debris or junk removal
- Home staging
- Packing
- Storage
- Vehicle shipping
Moving regulations
Connecticut movers or local movers operating solely within the state are regulated differently than their interstate or nationwide counterparts. Ensure that any mover you hire is properly registered. Booking with fly-by-night companies puts your belongings at risk.
Regulations for interstate and long-distance movers
Long-distance and interstate moving companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This governing body mandates that all registered moving companies must carry United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier numbers. You can look up a mover’s registration status on the FMCSA’s database using these numbers.
Regulations for intrastate and local movers
Intrastate moving companies within Connecticut must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). This governing body issues Household Goods (HHG) certification numbers for all moving companies. You should look up a mover’s HHG number before booking.
Moving costs
Overall, moving costs depend on your relocation distance, inventory and specialty requests, such as crating for high-value items. Local movers tend to give ballpark estimates, while out-of-state or multiday moves typically receive binding estimates.
Long-distance moving costs
Long-distance and interstate quotes are calculated based on move distance and shipment weight. As a result, most professional moving companies provide a bottom-line estimate of your total moving cost. This figure can only shift if you change the destination address or add inventory.
We asked for quotes from nine top moving companies for a 1,800-mile, three-bedroom move. The total costs ranged from $4,000 with no add-ons to $11,800 for a full-service package. Rates will depend on a few factors: Move date, service needs and whether the booking is last-minute (usually within a week of your moving date). To get the best price, we recommend requesting quotes at least a month before your move.
Local moving costs in Connecticut
Local moves are billed at hourly rates and often come with a minimum charge. The hourly rate is based on the number of movers assigned to your relocation. You may see increases if your move requires multiple trucks. According to the three Connecticut movers we spoke with, a three-bedroom, 30-mile move costs $2,000–$3,000, on average. Adding full-service packing could nearly double this price estimate.
Moving insurance
All moving companies provide a federally mandated minimum amount of coverage for your goods. This is called released liability coverage, and it provides 60 cents per pound per item in reimbursement if anything is lost or damaged during a move.
Beyond this, most movers provide valuation coverage options. This most often covers you at a rate of $6 per pound per item. Your total coverage amount will depend on the weight of your shipment or on a declared value statement that you fill out before your move. The total cost for such coverage is usually between 3% and 5% of your total dollar amount of protection.
Final take: Get at least three quotes from reputable movers before booking
Both local and long-distance moves come with their own unique challenges and logistical hurdles. We recommend getting at least three different quotes from qualified professionals to get an accurate picture of your moving costs. Doing this early in the moving process will help you facilitate a stress-free relocation.
Getting quotes from at least one nationally known mover and two local and cheap moving companies will help ensure that all of your moving needs are met at a price within your budget. Allied Van Lines is your best pick for interstate relocation to or from Connecticut. Its New Britain and New London offices feature reviews that mention fast and reliable quotes and efficient moving crews for moves of all sizes.
Castle Express Moving’s two locations in Enfield and Hartford make it a great option for Connecticut local moves, especially in the central region of the state. These locations are each highly rated, with reviews citing excellent care by this provider’s crews. Two Brothers Moving offers slightly more coverage throughout the Northeast along with lower hourly rates. Reviews mention flexibility during the booking process and by moving crews during individual relocations.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Reviews are accurate as of May 2024.
Top local moving companies in Connecticut
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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