Best Moving Companies in Connecticut (2023)

Whether you’re part of Connecticut’s inbound or outbound migration, reliable, efficient movers can help keep your moving experience smooth and stress-free.

The This Old House Reviews Team researched the best moving companies in Connecticut, comparing providers on factors such as customer support and services available.

Through in-depth research, we determined that the best moving companies in CT are:

• International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
• American Van Lines: Most Experienced Moving Labor
• Moving APT: Best Customer Service
• JK Moving: Most Customizable Full-Service Mover
• 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best Self-Service
• Allied Van Lines: Best for Vehicle Relocation Services
• PODS: Most Convenient

International Van Lines

International Van Lines has made moving easier for more than a million families over its 20 years in operation. This long-standing experience makes it the best full-service option, thanks to the company’s ability to manage almost any household move. Whether you’re relocating out of state or down the street, International Van Lines specializes in creating custom solutions to meet your moving needs.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers worldwide service availability in more than 180 countries
✔ Can transport specialty items like pianos, motorcycles, and antiques
✔ Has an award-winning customer service team and offers a live chat and 24/7 phone line support

✘ Some customer reviews report poor experiences with subcontractor services
✘ Requires a 25% deposit of the total cost of your move
✘ Standard liability coverage is low at 60 cents per pound per item; additional coverage costs extra

To receive a free quote from International Van Lines, fill out this simple online form to design your custom moving plan.

Learn More: International Van Lines Review

American Van Lines

American Van Lines manages a nationwide network of full-time professionals trained and certified to provide specialty white-glove service. On average, the company’s employees have 10 years of experience assisting with local, national, and international relocations.

Customers can opt for a full-service package that facilitates start-to-finish support, including professional furniture dismantling, packing, loading, and reassembly.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers a binding, flat-rate price estimate
✔ Has a network of trained moving professionals
✔ Provides specialty services for moving expensive, fragile, or difficult items

✘ Requires a 10%–50% deposit up front
✘ Not available in Alaska or Hawaii
✘ Is more expensive than competitors on average

To receive a free quote from American Van Lines, fill out this simple online form.

Learn More: American Van Lines Review

Moving APT

Among our list of top Connecticut movers, Moving APT stands out for its focus on customer service. As a broker, Moving APT does not directly provide moving services. Rather than handling your relocation directly, the company will coordinate it through its extensive network of independent movers across the country. You can give Moving APT your relocation details, and the company will match you with a reputable mover. All Moving APT’s network movers are licensed, insured, and reputable.

Moving APT representatives are available 24/7 to address any questions or handle issues. The company will oversee your move by checking in with your mover to ensure everything is going according to schedule. 

Moving APT offers full- and partial-service relocations locally, long-distance, and internationally. You can customize your moving experience with add-on services such as long- and short-term storage, crate-making, and appliance disconnection and reconnection.

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers comprehensive lists of top movers on its website
✔ Provides discounts on local moves of less than 50 miles
✔ Will leverage its network of movers to find you the lowest price

✘ Has pop-up chats on every page of its website
✘ Has received consumer complaints about hidden fees through  the U.S. Department of Transportation
✘ Operates on a strict cancellation policy

Take this quick questionnaire to get started with Moving APT. 

Learn More: Moving APT Review

JK Moving

JK Moving is one of the largest independent moving companies in the United States and accommodates a wide range of custom moving plans. Each customer works with a dedicated moving coordinator to create a tailored experience.

JK Moving also stands out for its customer service. The company offers 24/7 customer support along with a mobile app that tracks your belongings via GPS. The app also supports hassle-free contact with your moving coordinator, payments, and upgrades like additional insurance coverage.

Pros and Cons

✔ Services all 50 states and most international destinations
✔ Offers live customer support and GPS shipment tracking via a mobile app
✔ Financing is available as low as 0%

✘ Local moves available only in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
✘ The quote process is thorough, so it can take some time to receive an estimate
✘ Cost estimates are non-binding and subject to change

Fill out this short online survey or call a JK Moving representative at 1-571-487-8929 for a personalized quote.

Learn More: JK Moving Review

1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT provides mobile, weatherproof containers that simplify do-it-yourself moves. The company delivers its all-steel unit(s) to your doorstep so you can pack and load your belongings at your own pace over a 30-day rental period. If it’s more convenient, you can keep your container at one of the company’s secure, climate-controlled storage facilities. When moving day arrives, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s team picks your container(s) up and delivers the container(s) to your destination.

1-800-PACK-RAT officially operates in Washington, D.C. and 30 states, including Connecticut. These physical locations serve local moves within about 100 miles, but the company’s extensive network can also accommodate many long-distance moves to areas without existing branches.

Pros and Cons

✔ A $10,000 protection plan is included for long-distance moves with optional insurance upgrades
✔ Has a customer-friendly digital portal and provides access to a collection of moving resources
✔ Is the only provider with all-steel containers and barn-style doors

✘ Service availability may be limited based on your location
✘ Some customer reviews mention a confusing fee structure
✘ Doesn’t offer online booking

Get a free quote from 1-800-PACK-RAT by filling out this simple online form.

Learn More: 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company that can help with local, interstate, and long-distance moves. Best of all, the company acts as its own carrier for auto transportation, meaning that you can entrust AVL with your car, truck, motorcycle, or RV when it comes time to relocate.

The company provides many full-service moving options, including packing, unpacking, and specialty moving services. Specialty services include fragile-only packing for valuable and difficult-to-move items, such as expensive artwork, pianos, and antiques. Allied Van Lines also provides its own movers and trucks to transport cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, yachts, jet skis, motorcycles, RVs, and other vehicles.

Pros and Cons

✓ Has its own fleet of car carriers
✓ Offers additional fragile-only packing services
✓ Provides GPS tracking on all shipments

✘ Has a DIY packing service that is priced significantly higher than competitors
✘ Has received customer reviews that the claims process can be difficult
✘ Specialty services may be priced higher than traditional competitor prices

For your free moving quote from Allied Van Lines, take this quick online survey.

Learn More: Allied Van Lines Review

PODS

PODS—short for Portable On-Demand Storage—pioneered the use of shipping containers to support easier self-service moves. Reservations start at a minimum of 30 days, so there’s no rush to pack your belongings or unload at your new home. The containers’ roll-up doors also allow for ground-level access and more loading space than similar models.

The company prioritizes convenience throughout the moving process, offering flexible services that adapt to your moving plan, even if you need to make changes on the fly. Customers can:

• Choose from three container sizes
• Extend container reservations month by month with no limits
• Store belongings at home or at a PODS storage facility
• Modify or cancel a reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance

Once you’re ready to schedule your move, simply choose your delivery and pickup dates for your PODS container through the company’s online dashboard.

Pros and Cons

✔ Is a convenient solution for moving at your own pace
✔ Offers straightforward, transparent pricing
✔ Provides long-term storage options

✘ Isn’t available in all states and has limited international service
✘ Services like packing and loading are available by referral only
✘ Supply is limited with containers often booked out months in advance

Learn More: PODS Review

Which is the Best Moving Company in CT for You?

According to a study on national moving patterns, Connecticut ranks fourth in terms of the number of people relocating out of state. Yet thanks to factors like a great education system, low crime rates, and a strong economy, Connecticut also ranks third nationwide for attracting new residents.

Whether you’re moving within the state of Connecticut or relocating cross-country, every household move has its own unique needs. The distance you’re traveling, the size of your possessions, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself all impact which company can best support your moving plan.

For a hands-off, white-glove experience, full-service mover such as International Van Lines to streamline even the most complex relocations. If you’re worried about fragile, one-of-a-kind, or difficult-to-move items, American Van Lines offers moving support from professionals certified to handle your specialty belongings.

However, if you’re happy to pack and load items yourself, you can cut costs significantly with self-service movers, such as 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS.

Comparing the Top Moving Companies in Connecticut

Each of the moving providers in this review was rated on factors such as services, customer service, and pricing.

Because pricing can depend on when you move, the size of your move, and how much support you need, we recommend getting a quote from a few moving companies to get the most accurate moving estimates.

Other Considerations When Moving in Connecticut

Whether you’re moving to Connecticut or moving within the state, consider looking into other home services that could be helpful to you. For example, a home warranty can protect your major systems and appliances when they break and home insurance can protect your home’s structure in the event of a fire or other catastrophic event.

Here’s a full list of resources for Connecticut residents:

• Best Home Warranty Companies in Connecticut
• Best Home Security in Connecticut
• Best Homeowners Insurance in Connecticut
• Best Pest Control Companies
• Best Lawn Care Services

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.