How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Bristol
Consider each moving company's licensing, customer reviews, cost, and services before choosing.
Determine Your Budget
Based on our findings, the average cost of hiring a local mover in Bristol is $60 per hour. The overall cost adds up to $4,343 for a two-bedroom move. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.
You should obtain quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that outline the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the move is done to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Solid customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on websites like Yelp, Trustpilot, social media, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to identify movers with excellent customer service.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Bristol must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving within Connecticut, your mover must carry a Household Goods Carrier Certificate or Motor Contract Carrier permit issued by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover offers the services you need during the quote process. Create a list of any services you may require and take inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Notify the moving company if you have any particular needs to evaluate whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide the following moving services in the base price for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
Ensure that your moving company is aware of any special services you require while going through the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include the following:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Bristol, CT
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your Bristol move.
Schedule an Early Move
Bristol usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers get there before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is limited.
Avoid Busy Season
The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with Bristol's hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. If you book in advance, you should be able to schedule with the mover you desire regardless of the month. However, your movers may be hindered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day. Most movers only move items that have been properly packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should have everything boxed up before they arrive.
How Much do Movers Cost in Bristol, CT
Movers in Bristol cost $2,676 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,630 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,676 | $3,309 | $7,630 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,291 | $3,957 | $11,059 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,335 | $4,519 | $11,623 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,284 | $5,596 | $13,784 |
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