Month: May 2023

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Moving Company

How to Find Reliable Moving Companies in CT

How to Find Reliable Moving Companies in CT

Thanks to the internet, you can find dozens of movers in Connecticut in a couple of seconds. However, there are almost too many companies to choose from and, more importantly, there are more scammers out there than ever before. In some ways, finding a trustworthy CT moving company is harder than ever, as you will have to spend time researching each potential company. Still, you’ll be happy that you performed your due diligence once all of your belongings are safely in your new home.

If you don’t know where to start when looking for CT movers, the steps below should help you weed out any potential low-quality movers and scammers.

Ask Friends and Family

Sure, the internet is great, but there’s nothing better than having your friends and/or family members provide you with recommendations. Nowadays, even online reviews aren’t necessarily trustworthy, as companies can easily pay people to write good reviews. What they can’t do is pay off people you already know. If you know someone who used a professional CT mover, ask them about their experience. Some good questions to ask include:

  • Were the movers on time?
  • Was the moving crew professional?
  • Did anything get damaged during the move, and how did the company respond?
  • Did the final moving cost match the initial quote? If not, was it because you forgot to include something, or did they try to upcharge you?
  • What additional services, if any, from the movers did you use? How do you rate that service?

Ask as many questions as you can think of! Your friends and family should be more than happy to answer them and give insight into the good and bad of the company they used. If their report sounds good to you, then make sure to add that moving company to the list.

You might not know anyone who has moved recently, so your next best bet is to read online reviews. No company has 100% customer satisfaction. If you notice thousands of reviews but zero complaints, the company might have deleted some of the more critical ones. You should also filter by lower ratings and see what the issues were. It’s up to you to decide if these negative reviews are warranted or not.

Shop Around

Yes, even if your friends or family members gave glowing reviews for the same moving company, it’s in your best interest to find at least two other options. There are a few reasons for this:

Choosing a moving day that works around your schedule

While most movers should have availability during the time frame, that might not always be the case if you’re moving during peak season (May-September) or making a last-minute move. If your move falls into either category, you definitely want to have some backup options in case the one you really want falls through.

Ensuring a company offers all of the services you need

All moving companies offer basic loading and unloading, but not all offer the same extra services. Many don’t even offer the same quality of service for their basic moves! Highly-rated movers in CT will include free services with the basic move, such as disassembling and reassembling basic furniture, wardrobe boxes, dismounting TVs, etc.

 

Side-by-Side Comparison When Shopping Around for CT Movers

Factor Why It Matters What to Look For
Availability & Scheduling Movers may be booked during peak season or for last-minute moves. Check at least 2–3 companies to ensure your preferred date is open.
Service Options Different movers offer different services and quality levels. Confirm availability of packing, storage, furniture disassembly, etc.
Quality of Basic Services Not all companies include free furniture handling or protective materials. Look for movers who include wardrobe boxes, furniture wrapping, and reassembly.
Rate Comparison Prices should be similar among reputable companies. Avoid quotes that are too cheap — often a scam tactic.
Negotiation Potential Multiple quotes allow you to leverage better deals. Ask about seasonal discounts or match-rate offers.

 

If you require something besides basic moving, such as packing/unpacking, storage, etc., mention that in your initial call. You don’t want any surprises on the day of the move!

Negotiating a better rate

You likely won’t see huge fluctuations in the estimate for your move so long as you are in contact with professional moving companies. If one estimate seems significantly cheaper than the others, don’t book it. Chances are, the company is trying to scam you!

With that said, you can see if the company has any active deals going on, especially if you’re moving during off-peak season. You can often leverage a quote from another company to negotiate a better rate with the movers you prefer.

Verify Their Legitimacy

All reputable moving companies have a unique number that is provided by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) when they register as a moving company. All movers must provide this number on their website and in their advertising. In addition, they must also have a carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you don’t see the number anywhere on their site, consider that a red flag. You can always call and ask for it, but the information is supposed to be readily available, so you can do your research before calling. If they cannot provide a number, do not book them!

To check a USDOT number, go to the FMCSA site and search for the moving company you are using. You can check if there are any complaints, crashes, safety issues, etc. While you’re on the search results, you should check the following:

  • Basic information – make sure the company name, address, and phone number on the site match what you see on the website
  • State carrier ID – not all states require a USDOT. If that’s the case, you can look up their state carrier ID, which verifies they can make local moves
  • Operating status – make sure it says active! Avoid any companies that are inactive, out of service, or not authorized.

In order for moving companies to get their DOT number, they have to prove they have the appropriate insurance. In general, professional movers should have general and automobile liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation and property insurance. That way, should anything happen during the move, nothing comes out of your pocket. That means, if the movers damage your old or new home, their insurance will handle the cost of repair. It also means that if one of the moving crews gets injured on the job, the moving company will handle it.

Look Out for Other Red Flags

It’s not always easy to spot a scammer, and with a high-stress event like moving, it can be easy to get pressured into signing a contract, especially if you’re short on time. If you have a bad feeling about the company, trust your gut. With that said, here are some common red flags:

  • Asking for a large deposit up front- Most moving companies might ask for a small deposit to reserve your date, but if they are asking for a large cash deposit, it likely means they are scammers.
  • Avoiding your questions – reputable moving companies will always be happy to answer any questions you have, as they want to provide you with the best experience possible. If the person on the phone dodges your questions or simply can’t answer them, it’s not a good sign.

 

Red Flags Checklist Table

Red Flag Type % of Reports Average Loss ($) Suggested Action
High Upfront Deposit 38% $520 Avoid immediately; reputable movers rarely require more than a small booking fee.
Dodging Questions About Licensing/Insurance 27% $890 Stop communication; verify USDOT and FMCSA details before speaking further.
Quote Significantly Cheaper Than Competitors 44% $1,280 Request a revised written estimate; if vague or incomplete, walk away.
No Physical Address Listed 31% $1,050 Verify location on Google Maps; avoid if it leads to a residence or empty lot.
Unmarked Moving Trucks 18% $460 Ask for proof of fleet registration; reputable movers use branded trucks.
Pressure Tactics to Book Immediately 35% $710 Decline politely; legitimate companies allow time to compare quotes.

 

  • Using high-pressure tactics – most scammers want to put you into a situation where you feel like you don’t have any choices but to work with them, whether that’s because a ‘deal’ is running out or that their slots are booking quickly. If you feel like the person on the phone is really trying to get you to sign paperwork on the initial call, find another company.
  • Significantly cheaper than the competition – everyone wants to save money, but most professional moving companies have relatively similar pricing. If you find a deal that’s too good to be true, it probably is. Many scam companies will provide only the fixed rate in their initial quote. It isn’t until moving day that they will add on all the extra fees they didn’t mention.

If you do end up being a victim of a moving scam, report it as soon as possible to the Better Business Bureau and FMCSA. You might not be able to get your money back (unless you want to go to small claims court, which can take even more money), but you can at least warn others and inform the proper authorities.

Find the Right Movers for You

Hiring movers might make moving day a breeze, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In order to find the best movers, you should start planning your move at least a month in advance. That way, you will have plenty of time to do your research and find the perfect CT movers.

FAQ

What happens if I need to cancel/reschedule a move?

Most moving companies have a 2-day cancellation/reschedule policy. Of course, you should ask the policy beforehand so you don’t get hit with a fee.

Do I need to worry about parking or permits?

No, the movers will take care of everything. With that said, if you live in an apartment complex, you should notify the building management when the movers will come so they can prepare accordingly.

Something was damaged in the move, how do I submit a claim?

You should submit your claim as soon as possible. Make sure to take pictures of the damaged items and send over the information to the moving company. They will help you process the claim.

Categories
General

Useful Strategies for Packing Your Home Library for Your Next Move

Useful Strategies for Packing Your Home Library for Your Next Move

Moving books might seem simple, after all, you just toss them into a box, right? You’re not completely wrong, but there are exceptions to the rule. More importantly, if you pack your books incorrectly, it could lead to broken boxes, damaged books, and injured backs. Even if you hire professional movers to haul the boxes for you, you’ll still need to do the packing, which isn’t quite as simple as you might think. For best results, read the strategies below on how to pack and move your home library.

Declutter Your Library

If you’re a bibliophile, the thought of getting rid of some of your precious books can be heart-wrenching. However, it’s in your best interest to lighten the load. After all, the less stuff you have, the cheaper the move will be, whether you’re making a local or cross-country move. And who doesn’t want to save money?

 

Decluttering Value Chart

Number of Books Decluttered Estimated Resale Value ($) Donation Tax-Deduction Value ($) Weight Reduction (lbs) Moving Cost Savings ($)
10 Books $15 – $40 $5 – $15 5 – 15 lbs $3 – $8
25 Books $40 – $100 $10 – $35 12 – 35 lbs $8 – $20
50 Books $80 – $200 $20 – $75 25 – 70 lbs $15 – $45
100+ Books $150 – $400+ $40 – $150+ 50 – 150+ lbs $30 – $90+

 

Don’t rush this process. Try to start at least a month before your move. That way, you will have the time to consider each book carefully. Instead of throwing your books in the trash, consider the following options:

  • Donate to charity – most charities will gladly accept your books so long as they are in good condition. You can also donate directly to libraries, schools, orphanages, etc.
  • Sell them – there’s a fairly large second-hand market for books, so why not make a little extra cash from them? Offer your books at yard sales or sell them online through Amazon or through various online booksellers.
  • Pass them along to friends and/or family members – Ask people you know if they want to take some books off your hands. Chances are, there are probably a few you’re getting rid of that someone would be interested in.
  • Recycle – if your books are heavily damaged, your only option would be to recycle them. Avoid throwing your books in the trash if possible! Your old books can enjoy a new life as wrapping paper or paper bags if you recycle.

Organize Your Books the Properly Way

Once you’ve narrowed down your books, it’s time to organize them. Before you move anything, though, make sure to take a picture of your current library setup so you can replicate it in your new home. Of course, you might decide you want to try a different organization method later on!

Separate your books into hardcover and paperbacks. If you don’t, the hardcover books could damage your paperbacks. From there, group the books by size. That way, you can maximize the amount of space the books take in the box. You can go further with your organization and organize your book by genre, author, etc. Whatever is easiest for you to remember and unpack when you get to your new place. After all, there’s nothing quite like relaxing with your favorite book after a stressful moving day!

Choosing the Right Packing Materials

It might be tempting to put all of your books into one or two large boxes, but that’s ultimately an injury waiting to happen. Books are heavy. You might not think about the weight often in your day-to-day life. After all, you’re likely only holding one book at a time. An average hardcover weighs between 1 to 3 pounds, while a paperback can weigh between 0.5 to 1 pound. Even if you’re hiring professional NJ movers to help with moving, you still want to keep your boxes to a max of 30 pounds, since you might still need to move the boxes yourself from one room to another. More importantly, if you put your box full of heavy books, it can compromise the structural integrity of the box. This could lead to broken boxes and, at worst, a serious injury.

Your best bet is to choose smaller boxes. Sure, it might be tedious to pack dozens of smaller boxes, but it will ultimately be easier to move several small boxes versus one heavy box. Plus, smaller boxes mean better organization, so you’re not putting your mystery novels with your romance.

Besides the box, you want to make sure you have other packing materials such as tape, packing paper, and permanent markers. Make sure to label the packed books as heavy so the movers know what to expect.

Need to Pack Your Books Properly

Sure, you can just dump your books into boxes willy-nilly, but it will be easier for you and the movers if you are intentional with your packing. Besides organizing and getting the right materials for the job, the actual packing part can ensure your books arrive in good condition. Before you start packing, line the boxes you plan on using with packing paper. If you have delicate and/or rare books, consider packing these separately or placing cardboard sheets between the books to prevent damage.

 

Book Arrangement Efficiency Chart

Arrangement Method Space Efficiency (%) Packing Speed (mins/box) Box Stability Rating (1–10) Damage Risk (%)
Spine Down (Recommended) 85–95% 8–12 mins 9/10 2–5%
Stacked Flat (Same Size Books) 80–90% 10–15 mins 8/10 3–8%
Standing Upright (Like a Bookshelf) 60–75% 12–18 mins 6/10 10–18%
Mixed Orientation (Not Recommended) 50–65% 15–20 mins 4/10 20–35%
Loose-Fill / Random Placement 35–50% 5–8 mins 2/10 30–45%

 

When stacking your books, pack them with the spine down. If you’re stacking the books, pack the lighter books on top of the heavier ones. Try not to squeeze too much into the box. You don’t want the sides or top bulging! Leave a little space on the sides and top, and stuff the empty space with packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move. You might also want to get some desiccant to keep your books nice and dry. After all, moisture can ruin books and warp the book’s shape. Not to mention it can lead to mold and rot.

Ship Your Books Using Media Mail

If you decide to go the DIY route, you might want to consider shipping your books via media mail. That way, you don’t have to worry about lugging the heavy boxes on and off a truck! Even if you’re using professional movers, shipping the books might end up being cheaper, especially if you’re making a long-distance move. You can ship giant boxes of books for around $0.45 a pound! You can even schedule a pickup with the USPS so you don’t have to lug the boxes down to the post office.

So, what’s the catch? The USPS reserves the right to open and search the packages to ensure the contents adhere to the service’s standards. That means you can’t sneak other items into these boxes. You will need to check the media mail website to see what does count. Be forewarned that media mail packages cannot contain advertising, and things like comic books do not count. While the USPS won’t check every box, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Move Your Home Library Safely

If you want to make sure you have your favorite books on hand when you move into your new place, then hire professional movers to relocate your home library. Reputable NJ movers have years of experience and have moved pretty much everything you can imagine. And if you need, they can put any extra boxes in storage for you. Just make sure they know you will need a storage solution ahead of time!

FAQ

Should I stack books or spine down?

Stacking books is great if you have books that are all the same size and fit into a box. Spines down ensures your pages are less likely to be damaged.

Where can I get small, sturdy boxes?

There are many places where you can get small boxes. You can contact the moving company you are using, as they will have a variety of box sizes available. You can also ask local stores that tend to receive heavy items (liquor stores, local bookstores, etc). Finally, you can check at work, though the boxes that you get from here will likely be more lightweight.

What happens if a box falls apart during a move?

Sometimes you’re just unlucky. Maybe the box got wet, or it was just too heavy. If you use professional movers, they will re-pack the books for you, but you will be charged a packing and material fee for the new box. For DIY moves, you’ll either have to put the boxes in the trunk or back seat of your car (if it fits) or find another bo,x as you don’t want loose books flying around in the back of a moving truck.

Categories
General

The Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

5 Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

Around 973,000 workers commute daily into NYC, with New Jersey accounting for 42% of that total. That number is projected to increase by 10 percent by 2030 as more people are leaving the city due to the higher cost of living and the desire for more space. Of course, with more people moving to New Jersey, the cost of homes has skyrocketed. Luckily, even with the higher costs, you’ll still be getting more space for the money that you do end up paying. Plus, there are plenty of other benefits to living in New Jersey, such as lower income taxes and sales tax, more access to nature, excellent public schools, and close proximity to both NYC and Philadelphia.

If you are looking to make a move to NJ, but aren’t sure where to go, then hopefully this guide will help you choose your next home.

Madison: The Best Town in NJ

While certainly not as close as some of the other locations on this list, Madison, NJ, has been considered one of the best towns in New Jersey for several years running. It’s an easy drive to NYC, but you can also take the train to Penn Station, which will take around 50 minutes. Home to the Florham Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison is a college town in the best way, as you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. The town even boasts a community theater where you can enjoy stage plays, live music, and more!

Unsurprisingly, Madison has some of the best public schools in the state and is also incredibly safe, making it a perfect place if you have a family or plan on starting one soon. Home prices tend to be on the more expensive side, though, and you can expect to pay at least $600,000 for an actual home. Still, the idea is that you’ll be living there for years to come, so it is well worth the investment.

Hackensack: A Great Option to Live in NJ

If you still want a slightly urban feel while still having a bit of space from your neighbors, then Hackensack is a great option. And even if Hackensack doesn’t offer everything you want, you’re only 12 miles northwest of Manhattan. You can easily drive to the city or take the NJ Transit bus, which should take around 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Transportation Options Availability: NJ Towns for NYC Commuters

Town / City # of Train Lines # of Bus Routes Walkability Score Bike Score Transit Score Avg. Monthly Commuter Cost
Madison, NJ 1 4 65 50 72 $190
Hackensack, NJ 2 8 70 55 80 $160
Teaneck, NJ 1 6 68 60 75 $150
Union City, NJ 0 12 85 70 90 $140
Montclair, NJ 3 7 75 65 85 $180

 

With a population of around 46,000 people, it is the most populous city in Bergen County. It also houses the Metropolitan Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, which focuses on business and professional majors. Thanks to both the college and its proximity to NYC, Hackensack has diverse neighborhoods with almost 39 percent of the population being immigrants. For foodies, the diversity means a wider range of cuisines to choose from!

As you might expect, the proximity to NYC means Hackensack tends to have a higher cost of living, but it is still significantly lower than if you lived in NYC proper. In fact, you can buy a house for around $400,000, making it more affordable than Madison, NJ.

Teaneck: Full of Nature and Charm in NJ

For those who want a bit more nature, Teaneck is an amazing option as it is home to the 46-acre Teaneck Creek Conservancy. This gorgeous park provides a variety of programs throughout the year for adults and children alike, and also doubles as an eco-art gallery as it has numerous permanent and temporary exhibits. More importantly, you can get to NYC easily by car or public transportation in about 30-40 minutes! It also has some of the best schools in the state, making it a highly desired place to live for people with children. As you might expect, home prices are on the higher end, with the average around $500,000.

It is home to around 41,000 people, making it the second most populous town in Bergen County behind Hackensack. With that said, it has more of a suburban feel than Hackensack, though it does have a quaint downtown with plenty of options for eating and shopping. For history buffs, Teaneck is a treasure trove of history, being a key location during the Revolutionary War due to its location near the center of the original thirteen colonies. In fact, around 100 battles were fought in Teaneck!

Union City: A Perfect Fit for Young Professionals in NJ”

While not as close as Hoboken, Union City is still only 15 minutes away from NYC via public transportation. In fact, if you end up in a luxury apartment, you can probably see NYC from your window! Despite its close proximity to NYC, it’s still relatively affordable in comparison to other locations such as Hoboken. Due to the pandemic, more people have discovered this gem, so prices are going up. Still, you can expect to pay around $1,500 to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

 

Cost of Living Index: NJ Towns vs NYC

Town / City Housing Index
(NYC = 100)		 Rental Price Index
(NYC = 100)		 Utilities Cost
(Monthly Avg.)		 Transportation Cost
(Monthly Avg.)		 Grocery Cost
(% Difference vs NYC)		 Average Property Tax Rate
NYC (Baseline) 100 100 $210 $135 0% 0.88%
Madison, NJ 78 72 $160 $110 -12% 2.23%
Hackensack, NJ 65 58 $150 $95 -10% 2.55%
Teaneck, NJ 70 63 $165 $100 -8% 2.30%
Union City, NJ 60 55 $140 $95 -15% 1.89%
Montclair, NJ 82 78 $170 $115 -5% 2.65%

 

Union City is perfect for young professionals as it provides everything you would expect of a city. There are plenty of options when it comes to nightlife, food, entertainment, and more. It’s also very pedestrian-friendly, so you can often leave your car at home if you just want to grab something quick to eat or drink. And while it might not have waterfront views or a multi-acre park, there are still plenty of neighborhood parks where you can enjoy nature.

Montclair, the Most Quick Move City in NJ

If you’re looking for that picturesque suburban life, then Montclair, NJ, should be at the top of your list. There are numerous public transportation options that can easily get you to NYC in 45-50 minutes. Despite being a suburban town, Montclair is very walkable, making it a favorite location for out-of-towners. Unlike Union City, Montclair is fairly well known and seems to attract media employees from outlets such as the New York Times, Newsweek, and more. Most residents are commuters to New York City and the Metro Area. Housing prices are not low and average around $600,000. Average rent is also around $2,000 for a one-bedroom.

What sets Montclair apart from other towns in NJ is its focus on the arts. Enjoy a play at Whole Theatre or Wellmont Theater and then check out the Montclair Art Museum or one of the several smaller galleries around town. If movies are more your thing, then watch some indie films at the Claridge Cinema. You can also catch some live music playing in one of the many small theaters dotting the town.

Make Your NJ Move Relaxed

Of course, NJ is home to many other towns and cities, but the ones listed provide different options for people looking to move away from NYC. If you’re ready to make the move, make sure to get in touch with professional NJ movers, like us! Just give us a call, and we can provide an estimate and answer any questions you might have about your move.

FAQ

How much do NJ movers cost?

Moving costs vary based on how much you need to move, distance, and add-on services. A basic local move can cost as little as $500 for a one-bedroom apartment.

I’m moving from NYC to NJ, would this be a local or long distance move?

Most NYC movers consider moves to NJ as local moves and will charge you an hourly rate. However, you should always ask beforehand so you don’t get any surprise charges after the move!

Will I be paying NJ and NY taxes if I live in NJ but work in NYC?

Not at all! While you will need to file in both states, you will not pay double taxes. Just make sure to file your New York return before you file your New Jersey return to receive tax credits for taxes you already paid. As a double bonus, you do NOT need to pay any NYC taxes!