Month: May 2024

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Moving Tips

What Is Moving Insurance and Is It Important for Your NJ Move?

What is Moving Insurance and Do You Need It for my NJ move

Moving your belongings from your old home to your new one is a difficult process. You can only hope that everything arrives in one piece. While you’ll have better chances of a damage-free move when using professional NJ movers, there’s always the possibility that something could break. For a more stress-free move, you might consider purchasing moving insurance

What is Moving Insurance?

In simple terms, moving insurance is a protection plan for your belongings during a move. You generally have three available options:

  • Released value protection – the most basic coverage protection. 
  • Full value protection – coverage for the full replacement of items
  • Third-party insurance – more comprehensive coverage for a variety of potential issues

All moving companies are required by federal law to have released and full value protection. These aren’t technically ‘insurance’ (as moving companies cannot sell insurance) and instead are simply an amount of liability they will pay if they damage an item during the move, and thus don’t cover every potential problem overs m that might arise. Actual moving insurance is only available through third parties.

Which is Better: Valuation vs. Insurance

There is a fundamental difference between valuation and insurance, and that’s typically how much coverage it provides. Unless you’re getting the cheapest moving insurance on the market, third-party options tend to provide coverage for a wider variety of scenarios than valuation. More importantly, you can only get the valuations from the moving company that you hire. Different companies offer different types of valuations, so make sure to ask about their options before hiring them. With that said, the most common options are:

 

Types of Moving Insurance and Coverage Comparison

Insurance Type Coverage Limit Cost Estimate Ideal For Notes
Released Value Protection $0.60/lb per item Free Local moves, low-value items Limited coverage, no liability if you pack yourself
Full Value Protection $6/lb per item ~1% of total item value High-value items, long-distance moves Movers repair, replace, or provide cash settlement
Third-Party Insurance Varies by policy $200+ Expensive electronics, artwork, collectibles Covers natural disasters, mold, pests, and transit accidents

 

Released value protection

Covers $0.60 per pound per item for damaged goods. Best for short-distance/local moves with only a few high-value items. This valuation comes at no cost to you, so it’s a good way to save money if you’re on a tight budget. However, if something of high value does get damaged, you likely will only get a small pittance in return. As well, the coverage might be avoided if you pack your own things.

Full Value Protection

As the name suggests, full value protection provides more coverage than released value. While this will cost extra money, it offers a lot more coverage for your belongings. A common valuation for this option is $6 per pound per item. The movers will provide one of three options for damaged items:

  • Repair it
  • Replace it with something of equal current market value
  • Cash settlement for the current market value of the damaged item

While it can cover higher value items that are worth $100 per pound or more, think fine china or electronics, you will need to inform the movers of each of these items in writing to receive coverage. If you don’t, then they can limit how much liability they take. Plan on using short-term storage? Use the one provided by the moving company. Your items will still be protected by the mover’s valuation as well as their own storage insurance. If you use a third-party storage solution and something gets damaged while in storage, the moving company will not be liable.

How much the coverage costs is dependent on the total market value of all your items. Most companies charge around 1% of the total value. This is perfect if you have a lot of expensive items you need to move and/or if you are moving long distance.

As good as full value protection might be, it still doesn’t cover everything, most notably things that are out of the mover’s control. This includes damages from natural disasters, fires, pests, mildew, mold, and more. And much like released value protection, if you pack the boxes, the movers won’t be held liable for any damage, as the damage could have been caused by your improper packing skills. That’s why you should request the movers to pack all your fragile items, so if they do get damaged during the move, you are not to blame!

Third Party Insurance

Unlike valuations, third-party insurance tends to provide greater coverage. Of course, you’ll need to shop around to find a policy that provides the coverage you want. For the most part, though, you’ll want something that covers damage from:

  • Natural disasters
  • Mechanical and electrical accidents
  • Fires
  • Mold and mildew
  • Insects and pests

Your moving insurance coverage lasts up to 90 days if you need to store your stuff in your movers’ storage option. You can even extend it if necessary. However, if you plan on using self-storage, ask the company if they offer coverage, as many do not. Some policies you might want to consider include:

  • Liability – compensates you for your loss on top released value protection
  • Floater – applies to specific items like jewelry or fine china
  • Special perils contents – applies to damage to specific items, sans breakables
  • Trip transit – threats to your items while movers are in transit, mainly accidents caused by other people, automobile/personnel failure, or natural disasters

Insurance prices vary across the board and are based on the value of all your items, the level of deductible you choose, and the destination. With that said, you can expect to pay at least $200. If this seems too expensive, consider the cost of having to replace your electronics or artwork. 

Types of Moving Insurance and Coverage Comparison

Scenario Released Value Protection Full Value Protection Third-Party Insurance
Electronics damage Minimal coverage Repair, replace, or cash settlement Full replacement + accidental coverage
Fine china breakage Minimal coverage Repair or replace Repair or replace + extra perils
Mold or mildew Not covered Not covered Covered
Natural disaster Not covered Not covered Covered
DIY-packed box was damaged Not covered Not covered Sometimes covered (depends on policy)

 

Do You Need Moving Insurance?

Ultimately, the decision requires you to take stock of your items and figure out the value of everything. While professional movers do their best to get everything to your new place without a scratch, there’s always the possibility that something might get damaged. If you’re not moving very far or very much, you can probably get away with the released value protection and save yourself a few hundred dollars. However, investing in full valuation protection and/or third-party moving insurance might be the better option if you have a lot of valuable items. And while it might add to your moving budget, it could save you a lot of money should something happen. Of course, the hope is that everything arrives intact at your new home, but you can at least have peace of mind when you purchase insurance that you’ll be able to receive some help.

If you’re ready to make your NJ move, make sure to work with professional NJ movers, as they can provide you with information on their valuations and even recommendations for moving insurance.

FAQ

How long do I have to make an insurance claim?

You want to send in the claim as soon as possible for best results. Still, you generally have around 9 months to send in all the information.

What do I need to file a claim?

You must first provide proof that you own the items that were lost/damaged. If the items are damaged, you must provide proof that they were not damaged beforehand. That means you’ll need to plan ahead and take pictures of everything you own before it gets packed up. You should also create a comprehensive inventory that lists every item you own along with the value.

What happens if I do the move myself?

There may be some moving insurance that covers a DIY move, but in general, moving insurance policies only cover damages done by movers. Check your homeowners or auto insurance policy to see if it offers limited coverage of your belongings. If you use a truck rental company, they might offer insurance that protects the vehicle and your items.

Categories
How To

How to Find a Reliable Moving Company: 4 Questions to Ask

How to Find a Reliable Moving Company 4 Questions to Ask

The Better Business Bureau receives an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews on movers every year,  and moving scams themselves have cost Americans a total of around $2.1 million a year. Not surprisingly, the number of moving scams increased during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the number of scams has decreased since then, you still need to stay on your toes when dealing with movers. 

While most moving companies are reliable and reputable, it’s still important to do your research. That includes asking questions when you speak to each moving company. The questions below will help you avoid scam companies and find a professional moving company that meets your requirements.

Question 1: What is your company’s experience with moving?

When it comes to moving, it’s essential to hire a professional moving company with years of experience. Moving can be a complex process that involves various tasks, such as packing, loading, and transporting your belongings to a new location. An experienced moving company can handle these tasks with ease and efficiency, ensuring that your move is as stress-free as possible. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle any challenges that may arise during the moving process, such as navigating narrow hallways or dealing with fragile items. 

 

Key Experience Factors to Look for in a Moving Company

Experience Factor Why It Matters
Years in Business More experience = better handling of complex moves and tricky situations
Specialty Items Experienced movers can handle pianos, pool tables, antiques, and other delicate items
Equipment & Tools Proper equipment ensures items are moved safely and efficiently
Local Knowledge Familiarity with local streets reduces delays and navigation issues
Additional Services Packing, unpacking, and other services save time and effort

 

On top of that, moving companies that have been around for several years have likely moved pretty much everything, including items like pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, antiques, and more. So, if you plan on moving any of these items, you know you’ll get a better moving experience when you hire reliable movers.

Finally, movers with years of experience have the necessary equipment and tools to handle your items with care and can provide additional services such as packing and unpacking, which can save you time and effort. Additionally, experienced movers are familiar with the local area and can easily navigate through notoriously tricky city and back streets without any issues. Hiring an experienced moving company is a wise investment that can save you time, money, and stress.

Question 2: Are you licensed and insured?

One of the biggest red flags for a moving company is if they are not licensed or insured. All professional moving companies have to register with the US Department of Transportation. Some states, such as New Jersey and New York, also require movers to register with the state’s Department of Transportation. All registered businesses receive a unique USDOT number (and state DOT number) that can be used to look up the company’s safety information, which includes crash investigations, inspections, and more. Licensed moving companies generally list their USDOT number on their website or provide it upon request. You can then use the number to look up information on the company, including registration status, fleet size, and compliance information. Make sure the company is also “Authorized for HHG” (Household Goods), as that will confirm they are licensed for residential moves.

In addition to being licensed, you want to make sure you’re hiring insured movers. In order to receive their USDOT number, moving companies must provide proof of insurance. The most common policies include:

  • General liability – protects the company from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury
  • Workers’ Compensation – provide benefits and/or medical care to the moving crew in case they are injured on the job
  • Commercial Auto Insurance – protects a commercial fleet in case of accidents

Some movers go a step further and add on Umbrella Liability. This supplemental policy offers protection for settlements, legal costs, and judgments. Many apartment buildings require movers to have Umbrella Insurance, so it’s not necessarily a red flag if you hire movers who don’t have it. Just asking if the company has insurance isn’t necessarily enough. You should ask them for a certificate of insurance, a form that lists all of the insurance policies they have, to make sure they have everything. Make sure to check that the name and address listed on the form match what is listed on their website.

Finally, all moving companies must provide some form of cargo insurance in the form of released value protection and full value protection. The released value protection is completely free, but will only provide $0.60 per pound per each item that is damaged or lost in transit. Full value protection will provide one of the three options:

  1. Repair your damaged item
  2. Replace it with an item of equal current market value
  3. Provide a cash payout based on the market value of the item

You can also purchase moving insurance from a third-party if you happen to own a lot of valuable items.

Question 3: What services do you offer?

Hiring professionals for your move isn’t cheap, so it’s important to choose one that can meet all your needs. Outside of shipping your belongings, the best companies offer a variety of moving services. In some cases, some of these services might even be included in your basic moving such as disassembling and reassembling basic furniture, uninstalling window AC units, dismounting TVs, and more.

 

Additional Services Offered by Movers

Service Description Typical Additional Cost
Packing & Unpacking Movers pack your belongings or unpack at the destination $50–$100 per room
Storage Solutions Short or long-term storage of items $100–$500 per month
Specialty Item Handling Pianos, pool tables, antiques $100–$500 depending on the item
Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly $50–$150
Packing Materials Boxes, tape, bubble wrap $30–$100 per pack
Additional Stops Extra pick-up/drop-off locations $50–$150 per stop
Cleaning Services Basic cleaning of old/new property $75–$250

 

So what additional services can you ask for? The most common include:

  • Packing and unpacking – you can choose to hire movers to pack up certain rooms or areas, or hire them for your entire house. For an additional fee, the crew can unpack your boxes and place everything in closets and cabinets the way you want.
  • Storage solutions – if you’re not planning to move into your new home immediately after your move, then you can ask the movers to store your stuff for you. Most companies have storage units available for short and long-term rentals.
  • Packing materials – while you can certainly find free boxes for your move, the materials you purchase from a moving company are the same ones that they use professionally when they pack and seal up your boxes. That means you can rest easy knowing the boxes won’t fall apart in the middle of transit.

There are other services you can request, such as managing bulky or specialty items like pianos and asking for additional stops in case you have some things in storage. Some movers might also be able to help you with cleaning. In either case, you should be clear on your needs and then ask the movers if they are able to meet them before deciding who to hire. And remember, all of these services will cost you extra money, so be sure you have room in your budget for them.

Question 4: How much will a move cost?

Cost is usually the first thing that comes to mind when considering a move. While affordable movers do exist, even on the lower end, you can expect to pay at least a couple of hundred dollars for a small one-bedroom apartment. As the size of your house increases, so too does the cost.

The most important thing to notice when you ask this question is whether there is transparent pricing or not. Are you getting the runaround? Do the prices seem too low in comparison to other movers you have called? Both cases are red flags that the movers are trying to scam you. Reputable movers will provide an itemized bill that lists all charges, including ‘hidden’ charges such as:

  • Transportation cost
  • Stair fees
  • Materials
  • Gas

And of course, the actual moving fee. Local moves tend to charge an hourly rate for moves. In comparison, long-distance moves will be charged by volume and/or weight. So long as you are upfront about what you need and any services you want to include, the final bill shouldn’t be a surprise.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Trustworthy movers are more than happy to field any questions you have and will provide detailed and informative answers. Be wary of anyone who tries to argue with you or pressure you into hiring them. Their prices might seem like a steal, but that’s because they’re planning to scam you out of more money. If you encounter an aggressive customer service agent, simply end the conversation and move on to the next company on your list. Hiring bad movers could lead to huge issues, such as damaged or lost/stolen good,s and potentially losing thousands of dollars.

If you’re ready to make your next move, make sure to hire NJ Great Movers! We provide local and long-distance moves and can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and information to put your mind at ease.

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
Moving Tips

First-Time Renting Guide for New Jersey Storage Unit

First-Time Renting Guide for NJ Storage Units

If you’ve never rented a storage unit before, it can feel like a daunting task. Whether you need to temporarily store your belongings due to a move or need longer-term storage after downsizing, a storage unit is a great solution. Reliable storage facilities provide excellent security as well as a variety of unit sizes to match your needs. Of course, before you rent out the cheapest unit available, you should follow this storage guide for first-timers to make sure you’re covering all your bases.

Finding the Right Storage Facility

Before you start looking into units, you will first need to figure out what kind of storage you need. There are two options:

  • Full-service – as the name suggests full full-service movers, the company will help you pick up your belongings and deliver them to the storage unit as well as to your house. Many also have an app where you can schedule your return and/or pickup from your phone. As well, these companies will also take photos and document your stuff, so you can take a look at this information in case you forgot what you put in the unit.
  • Self-storage – this is the most popular and most accessible option for most people. The facilities are safe and secure, but more importantly, affordable. In addition to storing your standard household items, some can even store large items like cars, boats, and hot tubs. The downside is that you are responsible for delivering your belongings to and from storage. You will also need to keep an inventory of everything in the unit because the company will not. 

Which option is right for you? That depends on your needs. If you have a very small budget, going the self-storage route is the best way to go, as it’s definitely more affordable. Plus, you can pick up your things whenever you want.

Full-service is a good option for people who don’t have access to a car or truck. Since you have no way of getting your things to the facility, you will need to either rent a truck or hire a full-service storage company. 

 

Full-Service vs Self-Storage vs Mover-Provided Storage

Storage Type Average Monthly Cost Pickup/Delivery Included? Insurance Included?
Self-Storage $60–$250/month No No
Mover-Provided Storage $150–$300/month Yes Varies
Full-Service Storage $300–$500/month Yes Yes

 

You can also go for the middle ground and ask NJ moving companies if they provide storage services. The storage solution tends to be priced between full-service and self-storage, with all the benefits of full-service storage. The moving company will pick up and return your belongings between the two locations. 

In addition to the type of service they offer, make sure you ask about the actual unit location. Some fasciitis only have outdoor units. While this is great for storing things like vehicles, gardening equipment, and outdoor furniture, it’s not so great for everything else in your house. These outdoor units are not climate-controlled and are also exposed to the elements. There are more opportunities for damage to occur to your things. And if you own a lot of expensive electronics or furniture, you’ll want to keep these protected. 

That’s where indoor storage units come in. These are situated inside a building and are climate-controlled, which provide protection from water or fire damage. In addition, it is more resistant to pests and dust and is monitored 24/7, equipped with alarms and guards.

Create an Inventory List for First-Time Renters

You might already know what you plan on storing. If you’re renting one because of a move, it might be tempting to just throw everything into storage. Don’t forget that you’ll need some basics while you’re in an Airbnb or staying at someone else’s house. Depending on how long you have to wait to move into your new place, the list of things you need to have with you might be pretty long!

Keeping all of this in mind, you should do a thorough walkthrough of your house and create a basic inventory of what will go in storage. Make sure to include an estimate of how many boxes you plan on storing, the pieces of furniture that will go in there, and measurements of larger pieces. This information will help when it comes to deciding the size of the unit you need.

As you perform your inventory, keep track of items that might require climate-controlled storage. Not only do you have to worry about electronics and furniture, but other items like business documents, photographs, and art will also require consistent temperatures and lower humidity.

It’s Important to Calculate Your Space

Once you have completed your inventory, it’s time to estimate the storage unit size you need. There are a few approaches to measuring your stuff. You can put everything into a pile and use a measuring tape to figure out the dimensions you need. Alternatively, you can measure each item individually. Either way, you want to have two measurements:

  • Square feet – multiply the length and width of your belongings. If they make a pile that is 5 x 5, you need a storage unit that is at least 25 square feet.
  • Cubic feet – multiply the length, width, and height of your belongings. If your larger items make a pile that measures 5 x 5 x 5, you need a unit that is at least 75 cubic feet.

Storage units come in a variety of sizes, with the most common sizes being:

  • Small – 25-50 square feet, 200-400 cubic feet
  • Medium – 75-150 square feet, 600-1,200 cubic feet
  • Large – 200-300 square feet, 1,600-2,400 cubic feet

If you’re moving to a one-bedroom apartment, chances are you will only need a small unit. Of course, that might change depending on how much furniture you have to store. Ultimately, the more stuff you have, the larger space you’ll need for storage.

 

Storage Unit Size Guide

Home Size Recommended Unit Size Square Footage Estimated Cubic Feet
Studio 5×5 25 sq ft 200–250 cu ft
1 Bedroom 5×10 50 sq ft 350–400 cu ft
2 Bedroom 10×10 100 sq ft 800–1,000 cu ft
3 Bedroom 10×20 200 sq ft 1,600–2,000 cu ft

 

Knowing how much space your belongings take can save you a lot of time and money! You don’t want to accidentally rent a unit that’s too small, as you’ll then have to find a larger space and potentially pay rent for two units. Alternatively, you don’t want a unit that is too large, as you could be shelling out an extra $100 for a space that’s half-empty.

Do Research on Storage Facilities

While it’s ideal to find a storage centre near you, don’t get hung up on location. It’s all too easy to choose a location that doesn’t provide you with what you need because it’s close to your new home. If you’ve got a car, you can cast a wide net and find some locations that offer exactly what you need. Plus, if you live in one of the major NJ cities, you’ll be able to find plenty of options just outside of the main places.

Once you’ve picked out a few that match your price point and needs, it’s time to check the reviews. While you should always take online reviews with a grain of salt, if you see recurring issues or complaints, it can give you better insight into what you might want to look for when you visit. In addition, if you know of anyone who uses a storage unit, ask how they feel about it! There’s nothing quite like word-of-mouth.

Finally, go visit the locations and ask questions. Don’t let the salespeople pressure you to sign a contract immediately. Most companies will hold a unit overnight if you’re interested, so you can think it over. When you’re visiting, make sure to ask the following questions:

  • Ask the manager if you can see the actual unit. That way, you can see how well-maintained the unit is and if there are any issues. 
  • See if there are any specials or discounts. Most places offer you the first month for free or for a greatly reduced price if you’re transitioning from another storage unit. Even if you’re moving into a new unit, some places might give you a nice discount.
  • Find out what happens if you are late or miss a payment. If you’re planning on long-term storage, you definitely want to figure out what happens in case you can’t make a payment. Some facilities offer a grace period, while others do not. In some cases, your unit might be auctioned off if you are just a few days late!

If you like what you see and think the terms seem agreeable, ask the manager to put the unit on hold. Even if they can’t hold the unit, ask for their business card so you can get in touch later.

Must Read the Rental Agreement Carefully

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to take your time and read the rental agreement. This will specify all the terms of your lease, and it is a binding document. In general, the agreement will have:

  • Basic description of the unit
  • Length of lease
  • Rent amount
  • Rent due date
  • Amount of security deposit
  • Accepted payments
  • Non-payment terms
  • Additional fees
  • Tenant rights and responsibilities
  • Landlord rights and responsibilities
  • Cancellation terms
  • What you can and can’t store
  • Value limit
  • Move-out process

Once you have everything ironed out, it’s time to sign the paperwork! Congratulations, you have a storage unit!

Find Storage Solutions Today

Looking to store your belongings? Then the sooner you get started, the better. You don’t want to leave this to the last minute, especially if you know you won’t be able to move into your new house immediately. If you want to make storage easier, ask your NJ mover if they provide this service! That way, you get full-service storage at slightly elevated self-storage prices.

FAQ

How is rent determined for a unit?

The cost of storage depends on how much and how long you store something. Self-storage facilities offer both contract and month-to-month options. If you know you’re going to need more than three months, a contract might be better, as you could get a cheaper rate. However, you would have to pay a cancellation fee if you decide to move these items out earlier. There’s also weekly storage options if you need something short term.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

Most storage companies do require insurance to rent a storage unit. Many facilities will allow you to purchase insurance directly from them. Otherwise, you can use your homeowner or renters insurance or purchase a third-party insurance.

How long can you rent a storage unit?

So long as you pay rent, you can usually rent a unit for as long as you want. Most companies do have a minimum amount of time you can rent a unit, though, so even if you only plan on storing things for a week, you might have to pay for a month.

Categories
How To

How to Avoid Bed Bugs During Your NJ Move

How to Avoid Bed Bugs During Your NJ Move

With bed bug numbers back on the rise after a brief respite during COVID, it’s more important than ever for you to take preventative measures. After all, no one wants to move into a new place and have to deal with a bed bug infestation. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for these tiny critters to hitch a ride on your furniture to your new home. If you want to avoid a lot of itchy nights and expensive pest control bills, follow the steps below to stop bed bugs from moving in with you.

Detect and Identify Bed Bugs Before They Spread

While bed bug infestations are more prevalent in apartment buildings, you can still get them if you live in a house. You can pick them up from almost anywhere, including your job, restaurants, public transportation, taxis, hotels, and more. The more people pass through an area, the more chances there are of bed bugs. As soon as bed bugs enter your house, it can take a few months before the infestation becomes an issue. That means you could potentially already have bed bugs without any of the obvious warning signs.  

Before you start packing everything up, make sure to thoroughly check for signs. Usually, the first indicator that bed bugs are in a home is a series of bites, usually in a straight line on exposed parts of the skin. Of course, this could also be the work of a mosquito, so other signs include:

  • Small blood stains on sheets and pillowcases
  • Reddish or rusty stains on sheets or mattresses
  • Dark spots on sheets, mattresses, bedclothes, or even walls. These are bed bug excrement

And while these bugs are small, they’re not microscopic. You can see them if you look hard enough. Bed bugs like to nest in mattresses, box springs, drawers, furniture with cushions, and pretty much anywhere that is dark and warm.

 

Bed Bug Infestation Detection Timeline

Stage / Metric Timeline Details
Visible Signs of Bed Bugs 2–6 weeks Bites, blood stains, fecal spots, and eggshells often appear a few weeks after infestation begins.
Bite Marks 1–2 weeks Lines or clusters of itchy red bites appear after bugs begin feeding nightly.
Blood / Fecal Stains 2–4 weeks Dark spots or smears appear on sheets, mattresses, or walls as the activity increases.
Shed Skins (Molting) 4–8 weeks Bed bugs shed skins through 5 nymph stages; shells accumulate near beds & furniture seams.
Growth Stages (Nymph → Adult) 5–8 weeks Eggs hatch in 6–10 days; each molt requires a blood meal. Full maturity in about 5–7 weeks.
Time Between Each Molt 5–7 days Nymphs molt every 5–7 days with a blood meal; a total of 5 molts before adulthood.
Reproduction Rate 4–7 eggs per day One female can lay 200–500 eggs, rapidly increasing infestation severity.
Egg Incubation Period 6–10 days Eggs hatch faster in warm environments (70–90°F), speeding infestation growth.
Time Until Infestation Becomes Severe 2–4 months Without treatment, populations multiply into hundreds or thousands, making removal more difficult.

 

In addition to checking your current house, you should also check your new house for any signs of bed bugs. If you do see any, make sure to contact an exterminator before you move in to get rid of the pests, because it will get harder once you’ve already moved in all of your boxes.

But what about if you hire professional NJ movers? In some cases, bed bugs have been spread via the moving trucks or the movers themselves. Your best bet is to hire reputable NJ moving companies, as they clean and inspect the inside of the trucks on a daily basis. As well, they will also sanitize and disinfect their fleet of trucks at least once a week and change their moving blankets often. If you want to be extra cautious, ask the moving company to inspect the truck yourself before they start loading everything.

Vacuum Everything

Your first order of business is to vacuum your entire house. Get every nook and cranny, and don’t forget to vacuum things like curtains, rugs, mats, fabric furniture, etc. Make sure to really get the corners of your room and any tiny crevices in the floors. While you’re at it, vacuum the drawers of your dresser and nightstand. The idea is to get rid of as much potential debris as possible, not just for you but for whoever plans to move into your place after you. 

This goes doubly for your new place. Before you unpack, take the time to do a thorough clean and vacuum. Get inside the cabinets and dressers. If the previous owner left any furniture, toss it! You really don’t want to risk infecting the rest of your items with potential bed bugs. 

Once you have vacuumed everything, empty the vacuum bag into a plastic trash bag and immediately throw it out. In case you do have bed bugs, you want to remove them from your house as soon as possible.

Wash Your Clothes and Seal Them

A sure-fire way to kill bed bugs is to expose them to heat above 118°F for at least 20 minutes. Your best bet when washing and drying your clothes is to use the hottest setting possible for water, or go a step further and boil water to put into the washing machine. Every time the water refills, make sure to fill it yourself with boiling water. From there, dry everything on the highest heat. While 20 minutes might be enough for the actual bugs, if you want to make sure you destroy the eggs, you’ll have to expose them to high heat for at least 90 minutes. Once everything has been washed and dried, pack everything away in a sealable plastic bag. Better yet, get a vacuum-sealed bag to ensure your clothes do not get infested. Do the same to your bedding and other items. Even if you don’t have bed bugs, putting all of your fabric items in a sealable plastic bag will also prevent them from getting infested in case your new house has them.

Cleanse and Protect Your Mattress

The most common way of bringing bugs into your home is through the mattress. If you already have bed bugs living in them, there are a few ways you can get rid of them, but the easiest way is to just toss your mattress. Of course, you shouldn’t just throw it out on the street. Make sure to wrap it up in plastic so the bed bugs can’t escape and infect other parts of your house or apartment. And, of course, make sure to write Bed Bugs in red marker to warn anyone who might be tempted to bring the mattress into their home. 

 

Mattress Disposal & Replacement Cost Guide

Method Estimated Cost (USD) Effectiveness Against Bed Bugs Notes / Tips
Throw Away / Dispose $0–$50 (dump fee or bulk pickup) 100% Wrap the mattress in heavy-duty plastic and mark “Bed Bugs” before disposal to prevent the spread.
Professional Heat Treatment $150–$300 80–90% Heat may not reach the center of thick mattresses; best combined with encasement.
Pesticide Treatment $100–$200 70–85% May not penetrate deeply; follow label instructions carefully; professional application recommended.
Mattress Encasement / Cover $20–$60 Preventive Encasing prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping; use on new or treated mattresses.
Buy a New Mattress $300–$2,000+ 100% if new Choose bed bug-resistant materials if available; combine with encasement for long-term protection.
Combination (Treatment + Encasement) $150–$350 90–95% Professional treatment plus encasement maximizes the chances of eliminating the existing infestation.

 

If you just got your mattress, you might not be as inclined to throw it out and get a new one. If that’s the case, you can use pesticides or heat to try to get rid of the bugs. Still, with how thick mattresses can be, these solutions might not permeate all the way to the center of the mattress. In that case, you should contact a professional who can help. Still, the only surefire way to get rid of bed bugs in the mattress is to throw it away.

So, how about if you don’t have bed bugs? The best way to avoid infestation of your mattress is to first vacuum it and then encase it and the box spring in a bed bug mattress cover. Not only does this prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress, but it also keeps the bed bugs inside as well in case you have some and don’t know it yet. Bed bugs can survive 20 to 400 days without food, depending on temperature and humidity, so you’ll want to keep the cover on at all times. 

Avoid Bringing All of Your Old Furniture

Even if you don’t have bed bugs, you should avoid bringing too many furniture pieces with you. Besides attracting bed bugs, furniture also adds extra time to your local NJ move extra weight/volume to your long-distance move. All of that means more money you’ll need to pay. So, to save yourself some money and avoid bed bugs, leave your furniture behind. Yes, you’ll have to buy new items, but you can carefully choose items that match your new house and decor.

If you do end up bringing some pieces with you, make sure to properly sanitize each one. That means removing and packing the contents of all of your furniture and putting them in plastic storage boxes with lids. That way, bed bugs won’t be able to get in or out. You can also hire a pest control professional to treat any items you are moving. 

Take A Shower Before and After

How do bed bugs spread so efficiently? Well, they hitch rides on humans! While they might not live in your hair like lice, they do cling well to clothes. If you have pets, they can also hide in their fur. And don’t overlook things like your pet’s toys and bedding. These are prime locations for bed bugs to hide. Ideally, you would just throw out everything, but if you can’t, make sure to treat them properly! 

And while it might take some time, make sure everyone in the house involved in the move takes a shower and changes into fresh clothes before leaving. Place any dirty clothes in a sealable plastic bag to wash later. Don’t forget to wash your pets! They might not be happy about it, but you want to get rid of any potential problems.

Once you’ve moved into your new place, repeat the process. Everyone should take a shower and change into fresh clothes. It might seem like overkill, but you can never be too careful.

Move Bed Bug Free

With so many incidents of bed bugs popping up across the US, it’s important to protect yourself so you don’t have to spend months trying to treat the issue after you’ve already unpacked. The steps above should help reduce your chances of moving bed bugs. And if you’re looking to hire movers, make sure to hire reputable NJ movers, as they take numerous precautions to avoid the spread of bed bugs.

FAQ

What happens if I get bed bugs from my movers?

It’s hard to prove the movers have bed bugs unless you thoroughly inspect both your old and new place. However, if there are reviews from other customers stating that they got bed bugs after using the same mover, then you might have a case. Your best bet is to call the company and let them know. Many may pay for the cost of an exterminator.

Will movers refuse to help me if they know I have bed bugs?

Drivers and crews can refuse to pack and/or load goods if there are signs of bugs, moths, or molds. You will have to address all infestations prior to the movers showing up.

What are some natural bed bug pesticides that are pet-friendly?

Heat is one of the best options out there, as bed bugs will die at fairly low temperatures. Besides that, diatomaceous earth is another great option that you can sprinkle across floors and even fabric furniture. This is harmless to humans and larger pets, but dangerous to bugs as it damages their waxy layer, leading to dehydration.