Connecticut ranked 47th for inbound moves among all U.S. states in 2025 (moveBuddha), with an in-to-out ratio of 0.67 – meaning the state loses significantly more residents than it gains through domestic migration. That ratio worsened from 0.72 in 2024, continuing a multi-year trend. The Northeast as a whole lost roughly 192,000 residents through domestic migration in 2024, though that figure was an improvement over the prior year’s 278,000 loss. International migration helps offset Connecticut’s domestic outflows, but the net picture for the moving industry is clear: demand for outbound long-distance moves consistently exceeds inbound work.
Connecticut’s geography concentrates the moving market in a small area. The state is approximately 90 miles east-to-west and 55 miles north-to-south, meaning virtually every intrastate move stays under 100 miles. The main interstate arteries are I-95 along the coast (connecting New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and Greenwich to New York City) and I-84 running northwest toward Hartford and into Massachusetts. Most out-of-state moves follow I-95 south toward New York and New Jersey, or I-84 and I-91 north toward Massachusetts and beyond. Connecticut movers regularly work the tri-state area – moves between Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts make up a large share of their interstate volume.
Intrastate Connecticut movers must hold a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Regulatory and Compliance Unit, and must first register as a business with the Connecticut Secretary of State. Trucks over 18,000 lbs GVWR require a state-issued intrastate DOT number with a “CT” suffix. The mover’s name and USDOT (or CT DOT) number must appear on all vehicles. Consumers can verify carrier status by calling CTDOT at 860-594-2865 or by requesting the CTDOT authorized mover roster. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection handles complaints against licensed carriers. Interstate movers must hold FMCSA authority. Local move costs in Connecticut average approximately $134 per hour, with a two-bedroom move running around $1,050 and a three-bedroom home around $2,465.
Top-Rated Movers in Connecticut
RT Relocation
Address: 10 Diana Court, Cheshire, CT 06410
Website: https://rtmoversct.com
USDOT: #3285714
CTDOT Certificate: #1802
Family-owned since 2011, RT Relocation operates 27 trucks and is fully licensed for local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves. The company handles residential and commercial relocations across Central Connecticut and beyond, with corporate and government relocation services. RT Relocation holds an A+ BBB rating. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-noon; the company is based in Cheshire with coverage extending throughout the state and into neighboring states.
CT Moving & Storage
Address: 100 Smoron Rd, Southington, CT 06489
Website: https://ctmovingandstorage.com
In business for over 50 years, CT Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated company serving Connecticut from its Southington location. The company provides local and long-distance moves for both residential and commercial clients, along with climate-controlled storage. Coverage spans Hartford County, New Haven County, Fairfield County, and Litchfield County – effectively the full western and central Connecticut market. The company advertises transparent pricing with no hidden fees and accommodates last-minute move requests when availability permits.
Noah’s Ark Moving & Storage
Address: 22 Crescent Rd, Suite 2, Westport, CT 06880
Website: https://noahsarkinc.com
USDOT: #731301
CTDOT Certificate: #1749
Founded in 1983, Noah’s Ark is one of Connecticut’s oldest active movers, with over 40 years of operation and an A+ BBB rating. Based in Westport in Fairfield County, the company handles local, long-distance, commercial, corporate, and international moves, including fine art, piano, and specialty item transport. Noah’s Ark runs daily moves to California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania – corridors that reflect Connecticut’s typical outbound destinations. Climate-controlled and in-transit storage is also available. Reviews run 90% positive across 347 verified inputs, with consistent mention of professionalism and careful handling.
Moving Companies in Connecticut: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in Connecticut?
Yes. Movers performing intrastate household goods moves in Connecticut must hold a Household Goods Carrier Certificate from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). Carriers must also register their business with the Connecticut Secretary of State before applying. Trucks over 18,000 lbs GVWR require a state-issued intrastate DOT number. You can verify a mover’s authorization by contacting CTDOT at 860-594-2865 or by requesting the CTDOT’s list of authorized intrastate household goods carriers. Interstate movers must additionally hold FMCSA authority with active USDOT and MC numbers, verifiable at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s average hourly moving rate runs approximately $134 per mover – above the national norm due to the state’s higher overall cost of living. A studio apartment move typically runs around $451; a one-bedroom comes to approximately $638; a two-bedroom home averages around $1,050; and a three-bedroom home can reach $2,465 or more depending on services and crew size. These figures are for local moves within Connecticut. Because most intrastate moves stay under 100 miles given the state’s compact size, very few jobs run more than a single day. Interstate moves to New York or Massachusetts are priced by weight and distance and require written estimates.
How does Connecticut’s position in the tri-state area affect moving options and costs?
Connecticut’s location between New York and Massachusetts means the most common interstate moves follow I-95 south (toward New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut’s own Gold Coast from Greenwich to Bridgeport) or I-84 and I-91 north toward Boston. Many Connecticut movers are licensed to operate in all three states, and some have secondary offices in New York or Massachusetts. However, New York City specifically requires movers to hold an NYDOT Certificate of Authority for New York intrastate moves – separate from Connecticut licensing. If your move involves storage or transit through New York, confirm your mover holds the correct authority for that state. Demand for southbound moves toward New York metro is consistent year-round; moves into Connecticut from New York are less common but occur regularly in the Stamford-Greenwich corridor.
What is a binding estimate and how does it protect me under Connecticut law?
A binding estimate fixes the price for your move; you pay exactly what was quoted regardless of how long the job takes or how heavy the load is. A non-binding estimate is a good-faith approximation that can be adjusted. Federal law requires interstate movers to provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet before any interstate move. Connecticut state law requires a written bill of lading after your goods are loaded onto the truck, which serves as the legal contract governing the move. The CTDOT also prohibits movers from charging more than 10% above their written non-binding estimate on delivery. Get all estimates in writing before signing anything.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Connecticut?
Complaints against Connecticut intrastate movers are handled by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. You can file online at portal.ct.gov/dcp or by calling 860-713-6300. For CTDOT licensing violations specifically, contact the CTDOT Regulatory and Compliance Unit at 860-594-2865. For interstate moves, file separately with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at fmcsa.dot.gov or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (368-7238). Connecticut’s Attorney General’s office also accepts complaints about deceptive business practices in the moving industry. Keep copies of all estimates, contracts, and correspondence with your mover before and after the move.