Month: June 2022

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General

The Best Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

The Complete Guide to Living in Elizabeth, NJ

As the fourth largest city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts plenty of amenities and easy access to public transportation that can take you to other locations in New Jersey or to New York City, which is only 35 minutes away. The close proximity to NYC makes Elizabeth one of the best neighborhoods in NJ for commuters and the excellent public schools make this the perfect NJ city for parents and families.

Before you plan on moving to Elizabeth, NJ, you should do a bit of research to see if this bustling city makes sense for you. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, make sure to call up trusted NJ movers to help you get settled into your new home.

Know Everything About Elizabeth, NJ

One of the Busiest Ports in the World

Due to its location on the water, Elizabeth has always been a transportation hub. Since its founding in 1664, the city has seen its transportation facilities grow. It’s home to Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, a container ship facility for goods entering and leaving the NYC metro area. It is the largest container port in the Eastern United States and the 2nd-largest in the country.

It’s part of the Urban Enterprise Zone

Portions of the city are part of the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone and was part of the initial group of 10 zones chosen to participate in the program when it was launched in 1992. As such the city encourages employment and investment in these areas and also has a 50% reduced sales tax.

Excellent Public Transportation in Elizabeth

You don’t need a car in Elizabeth if you want to get around. The New Jersey Transit Authority has bus routes that run through the city and takes you directly to the Port Authority Terminal. It’s also home to two train stations: Elizabeth Station and North Elizabeth Station. NJ transit is also planning a segment of the Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link (NERL) that will connect to Midtown Station and Newark Airport for even easier commuting.

However, if you do want to own a car there are two major highways you can hop onto: Highway 1 which will take you north and south through Elizabeth, NJ and the I-95 which will get you to NYC and Philadelphia. There are three smaller highways – Highway 27, 82, and 28 – which run north and south, northwest, and west respectively.

There are some amazing locations nearby the city that aren’t accessible by train, so having a car can come in handy. For example, one of the best places to check out the fall foliage is Cheesequake State Park which is only 35 minutes away from Elizabeth. The highways also provide easy access to Staten Island if you want to visit for whatever reason.

Princeton Was Founded in Elizabeth

It might now be located in Princeton, NJ, but the esteemed college was founded in Elizabeth back in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. It later moved to Newark in 1747 and then to Princeton in 1756 where it remains today.

Variety of Neighborhoods in Elizabeth

As a large city, Elizabeth boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with their own look and feel. When choosing where to live you should take the time to explore each area to find the one that matches your needs.

  • Midtown/Uptown – this is the main commercial district and historic section. It’s home to the First Presbyterian Church which was a battleground during the American Revolution. It’s also home to many English type gardens.
  • Bayway – located in the southern portion of the city and between the Elizabeth River and Arthur Kill. The neighborhood has very strong Polish roots with plenty of ethnic restaurants and stores. Houses tend to be more affordable here with an emphasis on two to four-family housing units.
  • Downtown/Elizabethport – the oldest and most diverse location in Elizabeth. You can find old world Elizabethan houses right next to modern American colonial-style houses. Enjoy some amazing shops and then head to the marina for a nice stroll along the water.
  • Elmora and the West End – If you’re a foodie, then Elmora is the place to be. It boasts some of the best restaurants in the city and it’s a quick jaunt to the Elizabeth station.
  • Frog Hollow – this small neighborhood got its name due to the excellent frog catching in its marshes. Since its inception, the neighborhood has expanded and now includes the area known as Helltown which included many docks and shipyards. As such, it’s a great place for people who enjoy being on the water.
  • Keighry Head – Located close to Midtown, this neighborhood is more on the affordable side and is close to transportation and great shopping.
  • North Elizabeth – Next to Elmora, North Elizabeth is a great place for commuters as it is home to the North Elizabeth train station. You can find a nice apartment or a larger one or two-family home here.
  • Peterstown – This middle/working class neighborhood is located in the southeastern part of the city. Despite being part of Elizabeth, it delivers a more ‘small-town’ feel and contains the historic Union Square which is home to many food stands, meat markets, and poultry stores.
  • The Point – formerly known as the Crossroads, this area is close to Midtown and is going through a transformation as more two-family homes are being built here.
  • Quality Hill – Once the most fashionable place to live in Elizabeth, it has become a quiet residential area with new condos popping up.
  • Westminster – If you love nature, then Westminster is the place for you. It’s home to the Phil Rizzuto Park and provides easy access to the boardwalk along the Elizabeth River for excellent birdwatching.

Schools in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth is one of the largest school districts in New Jersey. There are a total of 26 public elementary schools and six high schools with a total enrollment of 28,712 students. The schools have consistently received excellent ratings from parents and students alike. In fact, some schools have been recognized by the Department of Education by receiving the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence – the highest award an American school can receive – including William F Halloran Alternative School and Victor Mravlag Elementary School.

While Elizabeth might not be home to any universities, there is a branch of the Union County College located in the city as well as Drake College of Business. The city is also close to other major universities like Rutgers and Princeton.

Variety of Jobs in Elizabeth

As the fourth most populous city in New Jersey, Elizabeth boasts a variety of jobs. While most of the residents tend to commute to NYC for work, many more find local jobs. Some of the largest employers include:

  • Port Newark – the 2,000 acre marina terminal is the second largest container port in the US
  • Bayway Refinery – this refining facility supplies petroleum-based products to the NYC/NJ area producing around 230,000 barrels per day
  • Jersey Gardens Mall – if you enjoy working retail, then your best bet is to find one at the Jersey Gardens Mall, the largest outlet mall in NJ
  • Trinitas Regional Medical Center – the largest healthcare facility in the city and one of the largest healthcare employers in the area

If you don’t want to work for a large company, there are plenty of small businesses in a diverse set of sectors from food and beverage to manufacturing. Chances are you’ll find an employer that needs your skill sets!

Of course, if you can’t find anything in town that suits your needs, then you can find a job in NYC. And you wouldn’t be the only one. On average around 10,000 residents who live in or near Elizabeth commute to the city. While driving is certainly an option, you can also take the NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or one of the buses to Port Authority.

If you want to start your own business, Elizabeth, NJ is a great place! Residents can apply for small business grants and loans. The city itself supports small businesses by providing a network of partners such as the Elizabeth Development Company. Its recent growth in small businesses is due in no small part to the Urban Enterprise Zone which has brought billions of dollars in private investments.

Cost of Living in Elizabeth

Despite its proximity to NYC, the cost of living in Elizabeth is actually slightly lower than the rest of New Jersey. Of course, this all changes based on your living situation, but by and large Elizabeth residents spent around 6 percent less on food, housing, and personal spending than other New Jerseyians. Interestingly, the cost of healthcare, utilities, and transportation are 5 percent higher than the rest of the state.

When it comes to housing, the median home price is around $374,100 compared to the $397,900 for the rest of New Jersey. Renting an apartment is also cheaper with studios averaging around $1,200/month. Of course, as more people start flocking to Elizabeth, chances are rents and home prices will continue to increase.

Safety and Crime

As a large city, Elizabeth does suffer from crime with theft being the most common. Like any city, there are areas that are safer than others with the northeast part having fewer cases of crime. With that said, it’s important to remember when looking at a crime map that often the areas with the highest instances of crime tend to be in retail areas, parks, etc. due to the large concentration of people that visit these places.

If you’re worried about property crime, make sure to install cameras as your home is 300 percent more likely to be robbed with no home security system. From there, it’s really about getting to know your neighbors! The more people know you, the more they will look out for you.

Elizabeth Demographics

Elizabeth has a population of almost 140,000 people. Due to its roots in manufacturing, transportation, etc. Elizabeth is considered a blue-collar town though more white-collar workers have started to move to the area due to its affordable prices and quick commute to NYC. Still, around 40 percent of the workforce is employed in blue-collar occupations.

Thanks to its location along the water, Elizabeth is also quite diverse with around 59 percent of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 21 percent identifying as black, and 16 percent identifying as Pacific Islander. The city’s Hispanic population was the tenth-highest in New Jersey. The median income is $43,770 with the majority of residents being between 18-44.

Elizabeth Weather

Similar to other New Jersey cities, Elizabeth is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, you’ll get to experience all four seasons. While the area generally doesn’t see too much in the way of extreme weather events, it can be affected by hurricanes and blizzards.

Fun Things to Do in ElizabethFun Things to Do in Elizabeth

There’s truly something for everyone in Elizabeth whether you’re going to brunch with your friends or enjoying the beautiful weather with your kids. Chances are there’s fun activity going on! Plus, if you get tired of Elizabeth, NYC is just a short train ride away.

  • Enjoy the outdoors – Want a little fun in the sun? There’s plenty of outdoor options. Walk along the Elizabeth River Trail and enjoy the city’s rich history. Join an intramural sports team and play at Mattano Park while enjoying views of the Elizabeth River. Or do some light hiking at the 200-acre Warinanco Park.
  • Eat great food – Thanks to its culturally diverse population, there’s plenty of interesting restaurants to visit. Go to Valencia restaurant for some of the best traditional Portuguese fare in New Jersey. If you’re looking for fusion cuisine, check out The Garden for a fusion of Latin American flavors.
  • Go shopping – Elizabeth is home to Jersey Garden Malls, the largest outlet mall in the state. It’s home to local and international brands. If you’re looking to support small businesses, visit Midtown or Elmora for more boutique options.
  • Find some weekend entertainment – Elizabeth offers a variety of entertainment options. If you’re looking for a more artsy experience, go to Barcode for some great food and ticketed events. If you’re in the mood to dance the night away, you can head over to Bamboleo Bar and Grill. Otherwise, enjoy a cold brew and the game at The LOBBY! There are also seasonal festivals and events throughout the year such as Portugal Day Parade, the Reenactment of the Battle of Elizabethtown, and more!
  • Watch some live performances – Built in 1926, the Ritz Theatre offers a wide variety of concerts and shows. There’s something happening almost every day of the week so check out the site and see if there’s anything that interests you. If you want to do something arty for free, check out the local street murals. These artworks were commissioned by the Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation and features murals by a local artist.

Moving to Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ boasts a combination of qualities that will appeal to people from different backgrounds from people looking for a quiet, residential area to those who want to be near the nightlife. There’s truly something for everyone. Plus, if you can’t find it in Elizabeth, you’re just a stone’s throw from NYC.

If you’ve decided to move to Elizabeth, make sure to reach out to movers NJ residents trust! They’ll be able to get you moved in without delay so you can start your new life on the right foot.

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Moving Tips

Essential Items You Need to Pack for a Relaxed Move

Essentials You Should Pack for a Stress Free Move

It’s all too easy to forget about the small details when you’re planning your NJ move. After all, there’s a lot to keep track of from finding the perfect NJ movers to making sure your utilities are turned on when you move into your new home. With so much long-term planning, many people forget to plan for the short term. However, remembering these small essentials can make a huge difference on moving day and the days after.

After all, you don’t want to spend hours after your move digging around boxes trying to find your phone charger or toothbrush! Even if you get your movers NJ to pack for you, you should always make sure to pack essentials on your own that will be easy to access.

If you’re not sure what to pack, below is a comprehensive list of essentials you should have on hand to make your stress free move.

Essential Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need After Moving

You don’t need to bring all your cleaning supplies with you, but you should pack away a few items. At the very least, you’ll want to bring an all-purpose cleaner, cleaning rag, and garbage bags. If you have a bit more room you might want to bring:

  • Paper towels
  • Small vacuum
  • Sponges
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry detergent
  • Broom
  • Toilet bowl cleaner

Before you pack these items up in a box, spend a bit of time giving your old home a deep clean so that the new residents won’t have to do too much work when they move in. Once you’re done, put these items in a separate box so you can access them easily once you move to your new place. Many movers will not allow certain cleaning supplies on the truck as it is considered hazardous so make sure to ask beforehand whether they will allow it on the truck or not.

Even if the previous owners of your new home cleaned the place before they left, you’ll probably have to do some light cleaning as you’ll be tracking in dirt during the move. Before you unpack you should spend some time cleaning every room. Sure, cleaning isn’t really the first thing people want to do after a big move, but it will make unpacking a lot easier. While you’re at it, take this time to inspect every inch of your house for any cracks, holes, etc.

Bedding for a Relaxing First Night After Moving

It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget these! Your bedding includes more than just your sheets. It also includes your pillows, pillow case, and some extra blankets if you’re moving during cooler seasons. Before you leave your old house, make sure to wash all your bedding, including your pillows. There’s nothing quite like sleeping on clean sheets in your new home!

You don’t need to pack all your sheets, pillows, and blankets together. In fact, just save one set of each per person. Use the rest to wrap your fragile items such as glassware, vases, mirrors, etc. That way, you’ll save on the amount of bubble wrap you’ll need to use.

Essential Toiletries You’ll Need After Moving

There’s nothing quite like taking a shower after a long day of moving. You get to clean off the dirt and sweat from the day and relax a tad before you have to start the grueling process of unpacking. There’s nothing worse than realizing at 10pm at night that you have to go through all your boxes to find your toothbrush, soap, towels, etc. And let’s not forget the toilet paper!

You don’t need to have every single bathroom item in your toiletries box, but you should include the daily necessities such as:

  • Hand towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Bath towel
  • Shower curtain
  • Contact lens solution and case
  • Medication
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Bath soap
  • Hand soap

If you use any beauty products on a daily basis, pack those away in the same box/bag as well. You want to have these items as easy to access as possible. Remember, you don’t need to put all your spares in the same place, just what you will need while you unpack. Chances are your bathroom will be one of the first rooms you unpack so you won’t go without the other items for too long.

And while this doesn’t fall under toiletries, you should also pack a general first aid kit that includes rubbing alcohol, bandages, gauze, antibiotic cream, and ibuprofen. Accidents can happen and you want to make sure you’re prepared.

Focus on Packing Kitchen Supplies

After the bathroom, the next most important room is the kitchen. Sure, ordering a pizza the night of the move is fine, but you won’t want to do that for a whole week. Plus, what are you going to do for your morning cup of coffee or if you want a bowl of cereal?

You don’t have to pack everything, but you will want to set aside some room on your essentials box(es) for items you’ll want immediately. Of course, that depends on your habits. If you’re okay with ordering takeout, you’ll probably only need to pack a mug, fork, spoon, knife, a sponge, and dish soap. However, if you enjoy cooking, make sure to pack away other essentials like a pot, pan, knife, cutting board, and spatula.

Speaking of the kitchen, you’ll also want to pack away some snacks to have on hand like trail mix, fruit, granola bars, and plenty of water. That way you won’t be starving during or after your move!

On that note, a great way to show your appreciation to those who helped you move, whether your friends or pros, is to provide some food. Pizza is a great option for friends. For pro movers, offer something they can take on the go such as bagels, water, etc. Of course, they also appreciate a cash tip for their hard work and stress free move!

Pack Chargers and Batteries Separately

Smartphones are ubiquitous and most working adults depend on them for almost everything including work, banking, calendaring, and more. With so much important information on your phone, the last thing you want is for it to die on moving day and not be able to find the charger. Along with your phone charger, make sure to pack away other chargers for your laptop, watch, etc. in your essentials box. If you’re really worried, bring a power bank for your devices just in case you’re far away from an outlet.

And what about batteries? While most electronics run on rechargeable lithium ion, your standard remote controls, flashlights, etc. still run off regular batteries. So pack a few AA, Ds and AAA batteries so you can use items that aren’t rechargeable. When packing them up, make sure to take out the batteries and pack them separately from the items you removed them from. Wrap them up in paper, tape it up, and then mark them well so they don’t get thrown out accidentally.

Change Dirty Clothes for Fresh Ones

You don’t want to wear the same dirt moving clothes a few days on end! Instead of rummaging around in your box, put a couple outfits aside for the next few days as well as a pair of pajamas. That way, you can focus on unpacking your boxes without worrying about what you’re going to wear. When packing clothes, don’t forget things like underwear and socks! For families with children, make sure you have a bit more options available to your child in case they get their first outfit dirty.

If you’re not able to take a few days off work and have to go back immediately, make sure to set aside some work clothes as well. For office workers, you might also want to pack away an iron to ensure your clothes are nicely pressed. Don’t forget other important items like hangers and your dress shoes while you’re at it!

How to Stay Organized During Your Move

Organizing a move is a stressful ordeal as you’re juggling numerous priorities. While it’s easy to get caught up in the big ticket items like whether to rent a truck or hire movers NJ, there are plenty of smaller details that fall between the cracks.

Don’t let your essentials box/suitcase/ bag/whatever be one of them! While this should be the last thing you pack, it’s a good idea to create a list of items you know you will want to use immediately after moving in. That can help guide your packing and make the process of unpacking much easier.

FAQ

Should I keep my essentials box/bag with me or put it on the moving truck?

If you’re driving to your new home, it’s better to pack your essentials with you so you have immediate access to them. Otherwise, let the movers handle it and just let them know where you’d like the box to be placed. In general, you’ll want the box in your bedroom or, at the very least, separated from the other boxes so you know which one has all our essentials.

How many boxes should I pack?

You don’t want to have too many essential boxes. In general, it should be 1 box per person and maybe a separate box for kitchen and cleaning items.

Is there anything else I should pack separately?

Yes! You’ll want to have a separate file for your important documents like the bill of lading from the movers, medical records, vet records, school transfer information, etc.

Categories
General

Everything You Need to Know About Moving Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Moving Insurance

If you’ve ever hired a moving company, you’ve probably heard about moving insurance, but not too many people look into it beyond what might be listed on the site. While technically moving insurance isn’t actually insurance (it’s a valuation), it offers similar protections. So if something gets lost or damaged during the move, the moving company will provide appropriate compensation. So what options are available and how do you choose the right one for you? The handy guide below can provide you with more information.

Discover the Different Types of Moving Insurance

All registered moving companies must offer two specific kinds of valuations when going over state lines, but most reputable companies will also offer them for local moves. Asking about valuation coverage is a great way to filter out bad or scam companies as they often won’t have any. If you’re looking for movers, NJ or beyond, make sure to ask about their valuation protection!

Released value protection

This is the most basic coverage most NJ movers offer and comes completely free with your professional move, you just have to ask and contractually agree to the coverage. While it might not come at any extra cost to you, it’s also the most limited option. You will only be reimbursed up to 60 cents per pound per item. That might work fine for cheap items, but you’ll lose a lot of money if something expensive gets damaged like your TV, art, or fine china. Plus, there’s no option to replace or repair an item when filing a claim. All you get is the flat rate.

Full value protection

As the name suggests, this option protects your belongings for its full value. While more comprehensive than the released value, you likely will have to pay a premium – around 1-2% of your property’s value –  for this valuation and, in many cases, meet a deductible.

In general, full value protection means the moving company will be liable for the full replacement value of the goods they damaged. It’s up to you to declare what you think they are worth per pound. Many moving companies will have their own policy and most will have a minimum value you have to claim for your belongings.

Some states even have regulations on what the minimum level of coverage is. If you’re not sure, you can always ask the moving or insurance company for information. Typically, the value is anywhere between $4-$6 per pound. So if you are moving 5,000 pounds and you declare the value to be $6 per pound, the maximum amount you can receive is $30,000 if everything is damaged or lost during the move.

When you file a claim, the moving company has three options:

  • Repair the item
  • Replace it with an item of comparable value
  • Make a payout for the cost of repair or current market value of the item

Be forewarned that opting for full value protection also allows moving companies the right to limit their liability for high value items like antiques or expensive shoes. If you happen to have a lot of expensive/priceless items, make sure to bring it up to the movers to see if they will be covered or not. You might be able to purchase additional coverage for these high-value items, but you’ll need to pay a higher premium.

Third-Party Insurance for Hassle-Free Local Moving

Not all NJ movers provide a full value protection option, especially if you’re moving locally. In these cases, you can supplement it with a third-party moving insurance policy. Unlike the value protection you get from movers, the coverage you receive from third-parties is a form of liability insurance. The movers will still reimburse you for the $0.60 per pound per item if anything gets damaged. However, they will work with the insurer to make up the difference up to the limit of the policy.

How much you pay for third-party insurance depends on how much you’re moving and how far. In general, companies will weigh your property and charge a fee of $1.25 multiplied by the weight. With that said, every company will calculate the cost differently so make sure you get that information ahead of time so you’re not surprised by the final cost. Speaking of information, you should also ask what the insurance covers. Some policies might only apply to boxes that you haven’t packed yourself.

One important thing to remember is that your homeowners and renters insurance most likely will not cover your belongings during a move. You’ll have to check your moving insurance to read the caveats. In some cases where you keep the same policy your items might be covered while they’re in transit, but it’s not guaranteed.

Determining the Best and Most Suitable Options

So now that you know your options, how do you choose the best option? The first step is figuring out the value of all your belongings. That means creating a comprehensive list of everything you own before you move. While you’re at it, take a video or pictures of every object and note any existing damage.

As you create your spreadsheet, do a little research on the value of your items. Do you happen to have an expensive shoe collection, rare art, or antiques or is most of your furniture and decor from Target and Ikea? Once you’ve determined the value of your items, estimate the weight.

From there, you just need to do a little math. Say your belongings weigh a total of 5,000 pounds. The basic released value coverage will only provide a max of $3,000. If you’ve estimated that everything you own is worth $3,000 or less then there’s no need to get the full value protection.

When considering the full value protection don’t forget to factor in the cost of the insurance as well as the deductible. If you’ve decided the value of all your belongings is $80,000, then the basic $3,000 coverage won’t cut it. Even with the premium and deductible, it’s still worth it to cover your more expensive items like TVs, furniture, etc.

Protect Your Belongings Easily by Hiring the Best Movers

Having peace of mind during a move is important, especially when you are trusting a moving company with your most precious belongings. That’s why you want to hire NJ movers that provide value protections. That way, if something gets damaged or lost, you’ll receive some compensation.