Moving from Hartford, CT to Massachusetts: Top Movers & Costs
If you're moving from Hartford to Massachusetts, you're looking at a short hop—just 88 miles—but that doesn't mean all movers are equal. I've reviewed the top 5 companies in the Hartford area that handle interstate moves to Massachusetts, rated them by actual customer feedback, and broken down what you'll actually pay. Let's cut to the chase.
Best Hartford Movers for Massachusetts Moves
Here are the five highest-rated moving companies operating out of Hartford for relocations to Massachusetts:
- RT Relocation — 4.66 / 5 stars
- Colonial Moving & Storage — 4.58 / 5 stars
- Fallon Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5 stars
- Meant 2 Be Movers — 4.38 / 5 stars
The ratings are based on verified customer reviews across Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Note that none of these are national carriers—they're local and regional operators with roots in Connecticut, which often means more personal service (and more accountability if something goes wrong).
RT Relocation
Rating: 4.66 / 5 stars | Positive reviews: 94% | Location: 10 Diana Court, Cheshire, CT
RT Relocation stands out here. Out of 282 reviews, nearly 94% are positive. Customers consistently report fast, professional crews who handle belongings carefully. The company is DOD-certified, offers full-valuation coverage, and accepts multiple payment methods. On the downside, a small fraction of reviews mention unexpected charges or slow damage claim resolution—nothing unusual for the industry, but worth watching for.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, art & antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Contact: (833) 668-3978
Colonial Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.58 / 5 stars | Positive reviews: 79% | Location: 80 Massirio Dr, Berlin, CT
Colonial earns high marks for speed and efficiency. Out of 252 reviews, 79% are positive, with customers praising fair rates and careful handling of fragile items. Crews are described as friendly and organized. The trade-off: about 20% of reviews mention damaged items, delayed pickups, or charges that exceeded estimates. This is relatively common, but it's something to monitor if you have high-value goods.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes.
Contact: (860) 505-7221
Fallon Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.56 / 5 stars | Positive reviews: 64% | Location: 800 Marshall Phelps Rd, Building 3, Windsor, CT
Fallon has been in business for 32 years and holds an A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Customers praise quick moves, clear communication, and professional crews. However, 64% positive (out of 227 reviews) is lower than the top two—primarily because of recurring complaints about damaged furniture, unexpected charges, and delivery delays. If you're detail-oriented and keep communication tight, they perform well. If you're hands-off, be cautious.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, art, antiques, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Contact: (860) 298-7071
All My Sons Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars | Positive reviews: 47% | Location: 40 Airport Rd, Hartford, CT
All My Sons has been operating for 26 years and holds a Grade A rating. This is the local Hartford option—convenient, but the numbers are mixed. Only 47% of reviews are positive (out of 451 total), which is well below the others on this list. Customers praise hardworking crews and professionalism on-site, but complaints about unexpected charges, bait-and-switch pricing, furniture damage, and poor claim resolution are widespread. I'd use them only if you've gotten strong personal referrals or if they're significantly cheaper after comparing quotes.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, antiques, crating, storage, safes.
Contact: (860) 590-7673
Meant 2 Be Movers
Rating: 4.38 / 5 stars | Positive reviews: 83% | Location: 27 Spencer Ct, East Hartford, CT
Meant 2 Be Movers is smaller (only 57 reviews) but has a solid track record. 83% positive feedback highlights professional staff, efficient service, and careful handling. Some customers report scheduling issues or minor damage, but it's not a dominant theme. Good option if you want a smaller, agile crew and have been in the area long enough to check local references.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage.
Contact: (860) 338-7840
Moving Services Available in Hartford
Here's a quick breakdown of what Hartford movers typically offer:
| Service | Percentage of Movers |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 72.73% |
| Small moves | 51.52% |
| Pianos | 72.73% |
| Antiques | 48.48% |
| Art | 48.48% |
| Fragile-only packing | 15.15% |
If you have specialty items—art, pianos, antiques—about half the movers in Hartford are equipped. For standard interstate relocations, three-quarters can handle it.
Cost to Move from Hartford, CT to Massachusetts
Here's what you'll actually pay for an 88-mile move from Hartford to Massachusetts, broken down by home size and service type:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $447 – $1,944 | $378 – $875 | $79 – $121 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $888 – $2,748 | $675 – $1,293 | $83 – $144 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,238 – $3,394 | $953 – $1,674 | $96 – $154 |
These are approximate ranges based on verified pricing data as of January 2026. Your final quote will vary based on move size, optional services (packing, storage, etc.), parking access, fuel, and timing.
Full-Service Mover Costs
For a studio or one-bedroom move, expect $447–$1,944. Two to three bedrooms run $888–$2,748. Four or more bedrooms: $1,238–$3,394.
The wide range reflects the difference between a basic load-and-haul and a fully packed, inventoried move with valuation coverage.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers are often middle-ground pricing. For a small load: $378–$875. For 2–3 bedrooms: $675–$1,293. For 4+ bedrooms: $953–$1,674.
You drop the container off, they handle the logistics. No driving required, but you do the packing.
Rental Truck Costs
Rental trucks are cheapest: studio moves $79–$121, two to three bedrooms $83–$144, four or more $96–$154. But you're doing all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself. These quotes include estimated fuel.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Cost
Move size: The bigger your home and belongings, the higher the cost. This is the single largest variable.
Time of year: Summer is peak season in Hartford—movers charge more, and availability is tight. Winter moves are cheaper but harder on crews and your items.
DIY vs. professional: A rental truck is cheapest but demands sweat equity. Professional movers cost more but eliminate the physical labor and driving risk.
Distance and route: At 88 miles, Hartford to Massachusetts is short enough that per-mile rates are reasonable. Longer routes proportionally cost more.
Optional services: Packing, unpacking, storage, specialty crating, and insurance add up. Decide what you actually need.
Cost of Living: Hartford vs. Massachusetts
Before you move, here's how the two places stack up financially:
| Factor | Hartford, CT | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,330 | $1,588 |
| Average home cost | $164,597 | $623,131 |
| Per capita income | $71,103 | $96,505 |
| Cost of living index | 105 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 14.0% | 3.9% |
| State income tax | 3.0% | 9.0% |
Rent: Plan on 19% higher monthly rent in Massachusetts. If you're renting, budget accordingly.
Home prices: Massachusetts homes cost about 279% more. If you're buying, expect a steeper mortgage—but incomes are also 36% higher, which helps offset it.
Taxes: Connecticut's income tax is 3.0%; Massachusetts is 9.0%. That's a meaningful hit to your paycheck, though the higher average income partially compensates.
Job market: Massachusetts has a 3.9% unemployment rate vs. Hartford's 14.0%. If you're moving for work, the opportunity is likely there.
Cost of living overall: Surprisingly similar (105 in Hartford vs. 100 in Massachusetts). You won't be shocked by day-to-day expenses.
How Living in Massachusetts Differs from Hartford
| Factor | Hartford, CT | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,054 | 7,001,399 |
| Political lean | Democratic (63–35) | Democratic (61.5–36.3) |
| Summer high | 84°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 18°F | 16°F |
| Annual rainfall | 49″ | 49″ |
| Annual snowfall | 38″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 63.75 | 13.92 |
Weather: Nearly identical summers and winters. You won't need a wardrobe overhaul. But Massachusetts gets 9 more inches of snow annually—factor that into winter costs and lifestyle.
Crime: Massachusetts has a significantly lower crime rate (13.92 vs. 63.75). Safer neighborhoods, fewer security concerns.
Population: Massachusetts is much larger and more densely populated. If you're used to Hartford's quieter feel, the shift can be noticeable.
Politics: Both lean Democratic, so no shock there.
Important Details Before You Move to Massachusetts
Licensing & Regulations
Moving companies in Massachusetts must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. Before you hire anyone, verify they're licensed. They're required to carry cargo insurance and file public tariffs listing their services and rates.
Elevator Reservations
If your building has an elevator, reserve it early on move day. Many complexes require 48–72 hours' notice.
Truck Parking Permits
Some Massachusetts municipalities require moving truck parking permits. Check with your city or town before scheduling.
Insurance Requirements
Released Value Protection is a no-cost but minimal option (60 cents per pound per article). If you have valuable items, negotiate full-value coverage or buy third-party moving insurance.
Change of Address
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Use USPS.com to set an official move date.
HOA Rules
If you have an HOA in either location, confirm any moving restrictions before booking.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
Museums
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Plimoth Patuxet
- Whaling Museum
- John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Parks
- Stage Fort Park and Beach
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Forest Park
- Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
- Veterans Memorial Park
Sports Teams
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
FAQ
How long does a move from Hartford to Massachusetts take?
One to two days for the actual move. If it's summer, add extra time for higher demand. Confirm delivery windows with your mover in writing.
How many Hartford movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
About 22 movers in Hartford offer custom crating services. If you have delicate or unusual items, confirm they can handle your specific pieces before booking.
What's the best way to move a car from Hartford to Massachusetts?
For auto transport, look for services with strong reviews and real experience. Get multiple quotes and verify insurance coverage.
Why are people moving from Hartford to Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers natural beauty, excellent schools, and a stronger job market. The trade-off is higher cost of living and more snow.
Where can I find long-distance movers in Hartford?
Start with the five companies listed above, then use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes from additional carriers. The more estimates you gather, the better your negotiating position.
Do Hartford movers accept cash?
Some do (about nine companies), but cash is uncommon in the moving industry. Most require a deposit via card or check to secure your booking, with the remainder due on move day or post-delivery.
Key Takeaways
- RT Relocation and Colonial Moving & Storage have the strongest ratings and review consistency.
- All My Sons is the most Hartford-local option but has mixed reviews; use only with strong referrals or a major price advantage.
- Expect to pay $447–$1,944 for a full-service move (studio), or $79–$121 for a rental truck.
- Massachusetts has higher rent, steeper taxes, but better job prospects and lower crime.
- Always compare multiple quotes before committing. Even on a short 88-mile move, price variation is substantial.
Ready to get actual quotes? Use our moving cost calculator to compare companies side by side, and don't settle for the first estimate you receive.