Hands On Moving review 2026 (New Haven, CT)
In business since 2014 · Updated
Hands On Moving, a New Haven, CT moving company, ranks #2 of 120 movers in Connecticut, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.62/5. It is one of the 10 top-ranked movers in Connecticut.
83% of Hands On Moving's 288 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its professional and polite staff, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2014, Hands On Moving holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #76628) and operates 172 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Hands On Moving measures up
Across 288 reviews, Hands On Moving in New Haven, CT is rated 4.3/5 on Google (201 reviews) and 3.8/5 on Yelp (86 reviews), and has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Hands On Moving ranks #2 out of 120 movers in Connecticut with a moveBuddha Score of 4.62 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.62.
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.5
Google rating
Based on 201 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 86 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Hands On Moving moveBuddha Certified?
Hands On Moving is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Hands On Moving hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Hands On Moving?
Out of 288 verified reviews, 83% of customers left a positive review about Hands On Moving in New Haven, CT. 14.9% of reviews are negative and 2.1% are neutral. Hands On Moving has a 7% lower positive review percentage than the average Connecticut moving company (83% vs the Connecticut state average of 90%).
- Positive83%(239)
- Neutral2.1%(6)
- Negative14.9%(43)
Based on 288 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Hands On Moving
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Hands On Moving's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Hands On Moving for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Hands On Moving's attention to detail.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Hands On Moving throughout the moving process.
Quick moving process
The team at Hands On Moving often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
What positive reviewers say
“Movers were great- showed up on time, were very friendly and professional. They took great care of my belongings and worked hard to make sure the move was completed on time. Highly recommend.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Hands on Moving has moved me twice in the past year. Both times they were fantastic—responsive, polite, competent, professional, friendly, helpful—at fair prices. I will recommend the company to my friends.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Great professionalism and on time. Hands on Moving kept excellent communication with me throughout the process. The job took 2 hours, and I appreciate them for that. I’ll recommend Hands on Moving, LLC to anyone.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Booking with Arleen was easy, and the movers showed up ready to work and in great moods. They finished earlier than a neighboring crew from another company. Highly recommend Hands On Moving.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Fast, efficient, helpful, professional, and very reasonably priced. It ended up taking 3 hours and 2 guys to move my things. 10/10, will use again.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“I would have given 5 stars because the move went well but the owner needs to work on his social skills.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Mediocre job—left behind boxes, forgot our monitor, and didn't bring tools. Fragile items were damaged. Three stars for effort, but I do not recommend.”
Rose BenderVerified ReviewerGoogle“The 3 movers were competent and careful. However, they had no supplies with them. Did a good job wrapping pieces with the blankets and tape we provided. Hope everything survived the cross-country move.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Some furniture was scratched due to not being wrapped, and one door frame was damaged. Good prices but getting information over the phone was tough. Use their coupons for savings.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Movers were professional and efficient, but issues with the office made securing a move date and resolving lost items frustrating. Owner provided a partial refund.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Hands On Moving
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Hands On Moving clients.
What negative reviewers say
“Be prepared to spend more than quoted. They also took no responsibility for damage caused to flooring.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Movers broke the legs on my couch and threw them out, damaged my headboard, and left behind a tote. Took 4 months for compensation. Service is horrible when belongings are damaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “BIG mistake! They lost many of our belongings during storage. Nightmare trying to get reimbursed; the check didn’t cover replacement costs. Do not recommend Hands On Moving and Storage.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Movers damaged so much of our furniture and our floors. Also paid more than quoted. Company did not make things right despite multiple requests.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They lost a third of my items in storage, delivered damaged property, and sentimental items are gone. Owner became very defensive. Offered me $1000 off my bill as settlement.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Hands On Moving
4.62New Haven, CTSince 2014
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Hands On Moving
4.62
New Haven, CT · Since 2014
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Hands On Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in New Haven.
Compare prices side by side
See where Hands On Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Hands On Moving offer?
Hands On Moving takes on senior moves and commercial moves, alongside packing and unpacking.
Services offered
Is Hands On Moving licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 76628 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Hands On Moving is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 76628, as NATIONAL VAN LINES INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Connecticut intrastate license, number 1785.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Hands On Moving holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 1785Issued by Connecticut. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- NATIONAL VAN LINES INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 172Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 3,341,390Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- October 2026
How much does Hands On Moving cost?
Hands On Moving does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Connecticut, you can expect to pay approximately $128/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Connecticut moving companies similar to Hands On Moving typically bill the amounts below using a $128/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Hands On Moving is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Connecticut moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Hands On Moving offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Hands On Moving accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Hands On Moving compares with the top 4 New Haven movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.62 out of 5, Hands On Moving places first when ranked against the four top-scoring movers in New Haven, 0.12 points ahead of Optimum Moving LLC. Where Hands On Moving pulls ahead is brand: it has the highest brand score in the group.
The four highest-scoring local movers near New Haven, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hands On MovingThis mover · ranks #1 | 4.62 | 288 | 4.3 | 3.8 | F |
| 2 | Optimum Moving LLCPassaic | 4.50 | 1,436 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 3 | Real Moving & StorageBethel | 4.38 | 317 | 5.0 | — | A+ |
| 4 | First Class Movers, LLCNew Haven | 4.36 | 216 | 4.2 | 3.1 | A+ |
| 5 | Up & Down MoversNew Haven | 4.06 | 120 | 4.5 | 3.3 | A+ |
How does Hands On Moving compare to other Connecticut movers?
- moveBuddha score#2 of 120(better than average)
4.62vs 3.80 avg
Hands On Moving scores 4.62, above the Connecticut average of 3.80, and ranks #2 of 120 Connecticut movers.
- Positive reviews#85 of 120(worse than average)
83%vs 90% avg
Hands On Moving has 83% positive reviews, below the Connecticut average of 90%, and ranks #85 of 120 Connecticut movers.
- Negative reviews#81 of 120(worse than average)
15%vs 9% avg
Hands On Moving has 15% negative reviews, above the Connecticut average of 9%, and ranks #81 of 120 Connecticut movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#18 of 120(better than average)
288vs 199 avg
Hands On Moving has 288 reviews analyzed, above the Connecticut average of 199, and ranks #18 of 120 Connecticut movers.
- Yelp rating#17 of 120(better than average)
3.8vs 3.3 avg
Hands On Moving has a Yelp rating of 3.8, above the Connecticut average of 3.3, and ranks #17 of 120 Connecticut movers.
- Years in business#36 of 120(worse than average)
12 yearsvs 35 years avg
Hands On Moving has been in business for 12 years, below the Connecticut average of 35 years, and ranks #36 of 120 Connecticut movers.
| Metric | This moverHands On Moving | Connecticut avg | Connecticut rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#2 of 120 in Connecticut | 4.62 | 3.80 | #2 of 120 | +0.82(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#85 of 120 in Connecticut | 83% | 90% | #85 of 120 | −7 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#81 of 120 in Connecticut | 15% | 9% | #81 of 120 | +6 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#18 of 120 in Connecticut | 288 | 199 | #18 of 120 | +89(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#17 of 120 in Connecticut | 3.8 | 3.3 | #17 of 120 | +0.5(better than average) |
| Years in business#36 of 120 in Connecticut | 12 years | 35 years | #36 of 120 | −23(worse than average) |
Compared with 120 Connecticut movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Connecticut.
Hands On Moving
4.62New Haven, CTSince 2014
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Hands On Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in New Haven.
Compare prices side by side
See where Hands On Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Hands On Moving
4.62
New Haven, CT · Since 2014
Final verdict: Hands On Moving
Hands On Moving earns a 4.62/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #1 among New Haven movers, with 83% positive feedback across 288 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its professional and polite staff and efficient service. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 172 trucks and a track record dating to 2014, it has less history than the average Connecticut mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Hands On Moving
4.62
New Haven, CT · Since 2014
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Connecticut moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Hands On Moving
- Phone
- (203) 937-2156
- Website
- handsonmovingandstorage.com
Other Hands On Moving locations
Helpful Connecticut moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.