Month: August 2024

Categories
General Moving Tips

What to Expect from Full Service NJ Movers

What to Expect from Full Service NJ Movers

Moving to a new home is both an exciting and stressful experience. There are so many steps involved in the moving process that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re planning a long-distance or local NJ move, professional moving companies can help you with almost every step of the process. If you want to save yourself some time and potential heartache, consider a full-service move.

What Does a Full-Service Move Entail?

As the name suggests, full-service NJ movers will do everything associated with a move. That includes:

    • Providing all packing materials and supplies – no need to save up boxes or purchase packing tape, bubble wrap, or anything else. The movers will provide everything your move needs, which includes things like furniture blankets and additional padding to keep your belongings and walls safe!
    • Packing everything – no one enjoys packing, and it is generally the most time-consuming part of a move. With a full-service move, the packers will pack everything for you in a fraction of the time it would take you. The highly trained crew knows exactly how to pack boxes in an efficient and safe manner for transport and, of course, knows how to handle fragile and valuable items. Plus, if the movers pack items themselves, your belongings are protected should anything get damaged.

 

Full-Service vs. Self-Service Moves

Feature Full-Service Move Self-Service Move
Packing Movers provide all materials and do the packing for you You buy supplies and pack everything yourself
Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly Included for most items You handle it yourself or hire extra help
Loading & Unloading Movers handle all heavy lifting You load and unload the truck yourself
Transport The movers’ truck included You rent a truck or trailer
Unpacking Movers unpack boxes and place items in rooms You unpack everything yourself
Time Required Often completed in hours (depending on home size) It can take days or weeks
Effort Level Low – mostly supervision High – physically demanding
Cost Higher upfront cost, but saves time and stress Lower upfront cost, but more labor-intensive and time-consuming

 

  • Furniture disassembly – while many movers provide basic disassembly service of your furniture, full-service movers will provide more thorough disassembly and, in many cases, reassembly upon reaching the destination.
  • Truck loading and unloading  +- there’s no need for you to carry anything except your essentials bag and whatever items the movers cannot put inside their truck. Otherwise, leave the rest to the professionals.
  • Transport – This should go without saying, but included in all moving packages (even the basic one), the movers will use their own truck to transport your belongings from one location to another. They’ll even manage things like parking.
  • Unpacking – Full-service NJ movers don’t just pack your house; they also unpack. While the movers will have labeled the boxes according to the room they were in, make sure to provide some direction on where items should go so you don’t have to do too much redecorating.
  • Disposal of packing materials – say goodbye to cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. Full-service movers will remove all packing materials and supplies once they have unpacked and unloaded everything. That means you don’t have to spend time breaking down boxes and separating recycling.

Of course, you shouldn’t assume all of these are included in a full-service move. Always ask beforehand to make sure they are offering you what you need.

How Much Does it Cost?

As you might expect, a full-service move will cost you significantly more than a basic move where you do the packing and disassembling yourself. Costs vary based on the size of your move, the distance they need to travel, the time of year, and more. Always get an estimate from several full-service moving companies so you can compare prices and make an informed decision. Don’t forget to ask if they have any promotional sales going on at the moment or if discounts if you belong to a certain group, like a student, senior citizen, or veteran.

How Long Will it Take?

Packing and moving yourself can take days or sometimes even weeks. When you hire a full-service mover, they can finish in a few hours, depending on the size of your move. In order to provide you with an accurate time frame, the movers will need to do an in-person or virtual tour of your home to take stock of your belongings. Unless you have a lot to move, most full-service movers can pack everything up in a three-bedroom home in under 4 hours. 

Time Saved with Full-Service Moves

Home Size Packing Time (DIY) Packing Time (Full-Service) Estimated Hours Saved
Studio / 1-Bedroom 6–8 hours 1–2 hours 4–6 hours
2-Bedroom 12–16 hours 2–3 hours 10–13 hours
3-Bedroom 18–24 hours 3–4 hours 15–20 hours
4-Bedroom / Larger 30+ hours 4–6 hours 24+ hours

 

After that, the rest of the time will be spent loading and unloading the truck and unpacking. And, of course, don’t forget the time it will take to get to your new home. For local moves, a full-service move might take 8-10 hours. The less you move, the quicker the move will be so make sure to declutter beforehand. Even if you’re not doing the hard work, there’s always something nice about having a few hours to relax after a move.

If you’re not able to move into your new house immediately, you might need to request short-term storage solutions. Many NJ movers have their own secure storage units, but renting one is an additional cost on top of the full-service move. Make sure you know how long you will need to rent out the unit and incorporate the cost into your moving budget. While you can find self-storage solutions, the benefit of using storage directly from the movers is that they will handle all the loading and unloading and travel to and from your home.

How to Find a Reputable Full-Service NJ Mover?

There are plenty of NJ movers to choose from, and while most of them are legitimate, not all of them have your best interests in mind. When looking for an NJ mover, make sure to check that they are licensed and insured by looking for the Department of Transportation (DOT) number on their website. You can then go to the DOT website and enter the number to make sure they are up to date on their licenses and check for any complaints or accidents. 

You should also ask friends and family for suggestions or feedback if you know they have moved recently. Otherwise, look up online reviews on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (if they are listed). You want to look for any negative reviews that have the same or similar complaints.

After that, listen to how the movers talk on the phone. Are they professional? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? If you notice that the movers are evading questions and/or trying to pressure you into signing a contract with them, thank them for their time and move on to another company. You should also avoid movers who have estimates that are wildly cheaper than others or who ask for a large upfront deposit. These are all signs of a scam.

Ready to Move?

If you want to make your next NJ move easy, make sure to reach out to NJ Great Movers. We have years of experience and can provide you with a comprehensive, full-service move tailored to your budget and needs. Of course, we also provide other services like storage, last-minute moves, and more! 

FAQ

What is not included in a full service move?

It varies by company, but a full service move generally only includes tasks associated with the move itself. Anything outside of that will be extra including storage, car transport, additional insurance, and so on.

Do I need to be present during a full service move?

Yes, you or someone who you have appointed must be present to oversee the move, answer questions, and sign the final bill of lading.

How much should I tip after a full service move?

Ideally, you should tip around 15-20% of the final bill if you think the movers did a good job.

Categories
How To

How to Find Affordable NJ Movers You Can Trust

How to Find Affordable NJ Movers You Can Trust

Finding the right NJ moving company to help with your relocation can be a daunting process. Looking for a trustworthy, affordable one can be even harder. With so many moving companies in NJ to choose from, it’s important to take the time to do your research and find one that matches your needs and budget. Luckily, the steps below can help you find an NJ moving company that is affordable and trustworthy.

Start Early

The sooner you can start your research, the better. While there are hundreds of reliable companies in NJ (including NJ Great Movers), there are also plenty of scams out there. The more time you give yourself to research companies, the better odds you’ll have of finding a reputable one. Ideally, you should start your search at least a month before you plan on moving out of your current home. You might want to start earlier if you’re moving during peak season, which is from May through September. 

 

How Early You Should Book NJ Movers

Booking Factor Data
Months/Days to Book in Advance (Peak Season: May–Sept) 4–8 weeks before moving day
Months/Days to Book in Advance (Off-Peak Season: Oct–Apr) 2–4 weeks before moving day
% of NJ Movers Fully Booked During Peak Season 65%–85% booked
Average Price Increase for Last-Minute Moves 10%–25% higher than standard rates
Recommended Timeline for Local Moves 2–4 weeks in advance
Recommended Timeline for Long-Distance Moves 6–8 weeks in advance

 

Of course, sometimes you won’t have the luxury of time. If you need to move out in a hurry, you should still take some time to do as much research as possible and don’t go for the first company that offers you a good deal. Ask questions, look up reviews, and most of all, trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. And if the moving companies seem to be dodging your questions or trying to pressure you into signing the estimate, they’re probably trying to scam you. Look for companies that provide full answers, are helpful, and most of all, have an active Department of Transportation (DOT) number listed on their site.

Ask for Recommendations

No moving company is going to say that they’re bad or mediocre. Every single one will claim that they are the best. Instead, ask people you know first for recommendations. You’ll likely get better advice and feedback from them since they can provide you with reliable information regarding their experience.

After that, go online and look for customer reviews about cheap NJ movers. There are plenty of review sites online that you can check, and you can even join some online groups and ask their members for their opinion on various moving companies. When checking online reviews, take them with a grain of salt. The moving companies themselves create the listings on these sites and can manipulate the reviews to make themselves look good.

While you’re at it, make sure to look the company up on the Better Business Bureau and look for complaints. You should also look up the DOT number online to make sure the company still has a valid registration with the state and federal government.

Call the Movers

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, it’s time to look up the movers themselves. Check out their website to make sure that they have things like a DOT number listed on their site, a business email, phone number, and address. From there, check the DOT site to ensure the name of the company and address listed on the site match what is registered with the DOT.

If everything checks out, give the movers a call. When answering the phone, they should say the company’s name, not a generic “movers” or “moving company” or, worse, their name. If you do hear the latter, move on to the next company. In case everything is fine, ask for an estimate. Most companies will either need a virtual or in-person tour to see what you are bringing with you. Make sure to convey important information, such as if you need them to navigate stairs or other things, like dealing with building management. These could add to the estimate.

Average Moving Costs in NJ (Local vs Long-Distance)

Move Type Average Cost Range Average Hourly Rate Distance
Local Move (1–2 Bedroom) $450–$1,200 $120–$180/hr Under 50 miles
Local Move (3–4 Bedroom) $1,200–$2,800 $150–$220/hr Under 50 miles
Long-Distance Move (Small Apartment) $1,800–$4,500 Flat-rate pricing 100–800 miles
Long-Distance Move (Large Home) $3,500–$8,000+ Flat-rate pricing 100–1,000+ miles
Last-Minute Move Fee (NJ) +10%–25% increase Varies by crew size Same day / 24–48 hrs

 

Most estimates should be within the same range, give or take $10-20. If the estimate is suspiciously low, it’s likely a scam. Ask the company for clarification and make sure there aren’t any hidden costs. Always discuss every aspect of the move, including additional services like packing and unpacking, storage, furniture disassembly, insurance, etc. If you’re working with professional NJ movers, you should have released value protection included for free, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If it’s not included, RUN! By law, all professional moving companies need to offer this for FREE.

Quality Over Price

Even if you’re moving on a tight budget, it’s important to understand that you get what you pay for. Renting a van might be an inexpensive option, but you’ll spend a lot of time doing the moving yourself. And unless you have people to help or the appropriate equipment, moving bulky or large pieces of furniture will be out of the question. Even with help, you could easily injure yourself carrying boxes or other items because you don’t know proper technique or know moving safety guidelines. There’s nothing worse than having to move into a new place while injured.

Even when hiring professional movers, it can be worth it to go with a company that is a bit more expensive but has great recommendations and reviews. An experienced company will be able to efficiently and safely move all your belongings from one place to another in a few hours. Not only that, but they’ll have all the appropriate equipment and materials for a successful relocation.

When it comes to cutting costs, one of the easiest places to save money is with packing supplies. While they should be sturdy and durable, you don’t have to buy them new. In fact, you should try to use as many things in your home as possible, such as bags, plastic bins, suitcases, etc. If you’re low on boxes, ask your local supermarket to see if they have any extra boxes or papers lying around. You should be able to scrounge up enough, but if not, you will only have to buy a handful of boxes instead of a couple of dozen.

Ready to Move?

Whether you’re making a local or long-distance move, NJ Great Movers can help. Our highly qualified employees can provide you with useful information and help with creating your custom moving plan. Just give us a call, and we’ll walk you through the process.

FAQ

Can I negotiate the price?

Yes, prices are negotiable, though probably only $10-20. With that said, it doesn’t hurt to ask, and if you have a quote from another company at a lower price, you can use that as leverage. Also make sure to let the movers know whether you’re a student, senior citizen, military, or disabled as many offer discounts based on these backgrounds.

What qualifies as an additional service?

It depends on the moving company, but usually it will cost you more if you hire movers for packing and unpacking and storage.

Will I get charged more for a last minute move?

Some companies will charge more, some won’t. It never hurts to get clarification.

Categories
Cost Moving Tips

Budgeting for Your NJ Move

Budgeting for Your NJ Move

One of the biggest concerns many people have when hiring NJ movers is managing all the costs involved. When budgeting for a move, it can easily be overwhelming as there are so many different costs associated with it, from moving supplies to additional moving services. Plus, many NJ movers might not be upfront about additional fees you may need to pay when providing their quote. Even when working with reputable NJ moving companies, it can still be difficult to understand all the costs associated with a move. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Below are some tips and tricks on how to understand how much money to set aside for your NJ move.

Factors That Affect NJ Moving Costs

The cost of hiring NJ movers varies widely depending on what you need for your move. For example, a local move tends to be cheaper than a long-distance move, and they also tend to have different pricing structures. Most professional movers will charge you an hourly rate for local moves and a fixed rate based on a few factors for your long-distance move. In general, local moves range between $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of your move, versus $2,000 to $5,000 and above for long-distance distance.

So how do movers come up with these figures? It’s based on a few things, including:

  • Distance – the further away your new house is from your current home, the more expensive it will be. Speaking of distance, the clock starts on the move when they leave their warehouse and stops when their truck is back at their HQ, not when they finish unloading their truck!
  • Volume – The more you have, the larger the truck and the more time movers will need. This directly impacts cost, especially for fixed-rate moves, as costs are calculated by combining distance and volume.
  • Services – If you need anything else besides the basic loading and unloading, expect to pay more! Packing, unpacking, storage, etc., are all services moving companies provide at an additional cost.
  • Time of year – while most companies won’t charge you more when moving during the summer or holiday season, you likely won’t be able to find as many discounts or negotiate a better deal as you might be able to during off-peak season.
  • Accessibility – Does your home have stairs? Will the movers need to park far away from your old or new home? All of these could incur an extra charge.

And don’t forget about other moving expenses like buying moving supplies, getting a hotel if your home is not move-in ready, renting a car, etc. All of these things add up! 

Common Hidden Fees

Before you sign the contract for the movers, it’s important to understand any potential hidden or extra fees you can expect. Remember, the initial quote you get from the company is their best guess based on the information you provide. If you realize you need extra services or forget to mention something like stairs, the final bill will likely be higher than the initial estimate. That’s why it is important to give as much information as possible for an accurate quote. A few things that can add extra charges to your bill include:

  • Stairs – many moving companies will charge extra money for each flight of stairs. So if you are moving out of a third-floor walkup, expect to pay at least $30 more.
  • Long carry – not all companies utilize this charge, but you should always ask if you don’t think the company will be able to park directly in front of your house or apartment. These fees are charged for carrying items a long distance from your home to the truck. The distance varies between companies and could be as short as 100 feet from the doorstep to the truck.
  • Shuttle service – if you’re moving somewhere with narrow streets that can’t fit a full-size moving truck, the company may charge you a shuttle service fee that provides a smaller vehicle to move your belongings from the truck to your home.

 

Common Hidden Fees & Typical Cost Ranges

Hidden Fee Typical Cost Range Why It Happens Example (NJ Moves)
Long Carry Fee $75 – $150 Distance from truck to your door exceeds 75–100 ft Apartment buildings in Jersey City/Hoboken
Stair Fee (Per Flight) $50 – $100 per flight No elevator or narrow stairwells Walk-up buildings in Newark & Union City
Elevator Fee $75 – $150 Slow elevators or timed elevator reservations High-rises in Fort Lee & Edgewater
Shuttle Truck Fee $150 – $350 The main truck can’t access your street or parking area Narrow streets in Montclair or Princeton
Heavy Item Fee $80 – $300 per item Pianos, safes, gym equipment, oversized furniture Piano moves in Morristown or Clifton
Packing Material Charges $20 – $200+ Boxes, tape, shrink wrap, blankets Extra wrapping for fragile items in Bergen County
Storage Fees $50/day or $80–$250/month Delay in move-in or lack of space at the new home Last-minute storage in Linden or Jersey City
Same-Day / Last-Minute Fee $100 – $300 Booking within 24–48 hours of the move date Emergencies in Hoboken & Jersey City

 

  • Packing materials – you’ll be charged extra for packing supplies like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.
  • COI – if you are moving into an apartment that requires a certificate of insurance, some moving companies might tack on a fee to produce the COI for building management.
  • Travel time – in addition to the hourly rate for the move, many companies will also add a travel surcharge to your bill if your home is outside of a certain radius from their headquarters.

If you don’t see any of these fees listed out in the quote or contract, make sure to communicate potential issues clearly and ask questions about other additional charges.

Deposits and Cancellation/Rescheduling Fees

Once you have found the company for you, you will probably need to pay a deposit. This amount is usually $50-$100, depending on the cost of your move, and will be credited against your final bill. However, since you will have to put this payment a month or more in advance, you’ll want to make sure you have it available. This deposit will also be held if you end up canceling or rescheduling outside of the contracted rescheduling time frame, usually up to 2 days before moving day. Some companies will even charge you the full amount of the move for these last-minute changes, so make sure the moving date you provide works for you, and if anything changes, contact the movers as soon as possible so you don’t get hit with these fees.

Tipping

The biggest fee many people forget is the tip! While it isn’t a required part of your move, it is still customary to provide a tip to your NJ moving crew if they ticked all the boxes. The standard tip is around $15-20 per hour per person. So, for a 2-person crew that worked 4 hours, that would be $160 that you should set aside. Feel free to tip more if you felt the movers did an exceptional job and/or had to move a lot of bulky items. You can also provide the movers with some cold water during the summer or some hot coffee during the winter time. They’ll definitely appreciate it!

If the movers did not do a good job, don’t feel pressured to tip. Some red flags that warrant decreasing the tip amount include:

  • Arriving late with no communication
  • Poor attitude
  • Making excessive noise or using profanity around children and neighbors
  • Disregarding directions on your fragile, marked boxes
  • Damaging belongings
  • Demanding cash for each mover
  • Slow, lazy service

If the movers try to threaten or pressure you, call the office and let them know what happened. You do NOT need to provide a tip if the crew does not do a good job with your move or, at any point, make you feel unsafe.

Reducing Your Moving Costs

While some costs are fixed, there are ways you can save money on your move. The first thing you should do is declutter as much as possible. The less stuff you have, the less you need to move, which means fewer boxes and less time movers need to take loading and unloading your belongings. You can even make some money on the items you decluttered by hosting a garage or yard sale. While you’ll never recoup the original amount you paid for the items, you could earn back a couple of hundred dollars depending on what you’re selling, which can give you some extra wiggle room in your moving budget.

 

Cost-Saving Opportunities Checklist

# Cost-Saving Opportunity Estimated Savings
1 Decluttering Before the Move Save $100–$500
2 Packing Your Items Yourself Save $150–$600
3 Scheduling Your Move During Off-Peak Season Save 10–20%
4 Using Free or Recycled Moving Boxes Save $50–$120

 

Another great way to save money is to shop around. Don’t hire the first movers that show in your search. Take note of a few and call them up to compare services and quotes. If one company offers the services you need but is a little more expensive than a comparable company, try and negotiate the rates down. You can also ask if they have any deals or discounts available.

Finally, pack as much as you can yourself. It’s tedious, but it will save you money in the long run. If you still need some help, see if the moving company provides partial packing service. That way, you can have them focus on packing a certain room or area while you pack the rest. For the best value, have the movers pack your fragile items. While the movers do cover your belongings with the released valuation for free, it will usually only cover items the movers packed themselves. If you packed the items and they get damaged, it won’t be covered in released or full valuation unless it can be proved that the damage happened due to negligence by the movers and not poor packing on your part.

Ready to Make an NJ Move In Your Budget

At NJ Movers, we provide excellent service at affordable prices. Our company has become the mover NJ residents trust. So if you’re looking to make your NJ move, reach out to us and we’ll help create a customized moving plan that matches your needs and budget.

FAQ

How much will it cost if I need to store my belongings before or after a move?

It depends on how much and for how long you need to store your things. If you’re only storing a few boxes for a month or so, you may only end up spending $100. However, if you need to store everything within a 3 bedroom house for a year, it could cost well over $1,000.

How far in advance should I start researching movers?

In general, you should research and book your movers at least a month in advance of your moving date, maybe even earlier if you’re moving during the summer months.

Categories
Moving Tips

Crucial Steps to Take Before Moving to NJ

Crucial Steps to Take Before Moving to NJ

New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, is a popular destination for a variety of reasons, with the most common one being its proximity to two major cities: NYC and Philadelphia. While it’s often overshadowed by New York, there are plenty of other reasons to move here, including affordable housing, parks and beaches, great schools, and more. So whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or perhaps a retiree, moving to New Jersey is a great option. Below are some hints and tips on how to choose the right place in New Jersey for you.

Check Out Different Towns/Cities

New Jersey might be the fifth smallest state when it comes to land area, but there’s a lot of diversity when it comes to the various towns and small cities. If you want to commute easily to NYC, look at Hoboken or Jersey City, as you can simply hop on the PATH train to access Midtown, the West Village, and Battery Park City. Due to its proximity to NYC, both locations have a more urban feel and offer a wide variety of amenities and great nightlife, making it perfect for young professionals. 

 

Top NJ Towns by Commute to NYC

Town Approx. Commute Time to NYC Transit Options Notes
Hoboken 15–20 min PATH train Urban feel, vibrant nightlife, great for young professionals
Jersey City 20–25 min PATH train, ferry Diverse amenities, growing residential areas
Weehawken 15–30 min Ferry, bus Waterfront views, quieter than Hoboken
Edgewater 25–35 min Ferry, bus Suburban feel, easy access to shopping & NYC
Secaucus 20–40 min NJ Transit train, bus Good for commuters, more suburban and affordable than Hoboken
Fort Lee 25–45 min Bus, car via the George Washington Bridge Close to Manhattan, a mix of urban and suburban living

 

However, if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, there are plenty of options to choose from, including:

  • Montclair offers an urban/suburban feel with plenty of restaurants and retail shops. It also has highly rated public schools and low crime rates
  • Princeton – home to the prestigious Princeton University, the town of Princeton is often considered one of the best places to live. The historic downtown is very walkable with plenty of food and shopping options.
  • Closter – Located in Bergen County, this small town is great if you’re looking for a more rural environment, but still want access to major cities. NYC is about an hour away via NJ Transit buses. Considered the Historic Hub of the Northern Valley, Closter offers a quaint downtown area as well as an outdoor mall that includes grocery stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Know what kind of environment you want before moving. You don’t want to move to the suburbs if you’re looking for a more bustling environment. Some factors to consider when comparing neighborhoods include:

  • Community – each area has its own culture. Some towns are more conservative, while others are more progressive. Find the one that suits you!
  • Cost of Living – the cost of living varies widely between towns, but the more amenities you want where you live, the more expensive it will be. Living in Hoboken will be more expensive than a place like Morristown, for example.
  • Amenities – what do you want from the neighborhood? If you’re an outdoorsy person, you might want to move to a place that has easy access to one of the many parks in New Jersey. Young professionals, on the other hand, might want to move to a place that has an active nightlife. Figure this out before you move so you’re not stuck somewhere that doesn’t offer the things you want. 
  • Commute – While New Jersey traffic might not be as bad as NYC, you can experience traffic jams during the morning and evening rush hour. If you plan on commuting to NYC or Philadelphia, make sure you are okay with the commute time! An hour might not seem that long initially, but it might slowly wear on you if you have to make the trip 5 days a week. 

Decide Whether to Rent or Buy

New Jersey has plenty of housing options, and you can choose to buy or rent. For either option, peak season is during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If possible, try to find a place between October and April, as while the supply might be lower, you’ll have a better chance of negotiating the rents and home prices down.

 

NJ Rent & Home Prices table

Town Approx. Avg. Rent (1BR / 2BR) Approx. Avg. Home Price / Home Value Trend / Notes on Price / Rent
Jersey City, NJ $3,153 / $4,158 $729,000 Rents are high compared to the NJ average; home prices are above the state median
Montclair, NJ $2,357 / $2,979 $1,073,815 Home values increased ~5.6% over the past year — strong demand & rising cost
Princeton, NJ $2,650 / $3,375 $946,837 Slight recent increase in home value (~+2.5% YoY)
Toms River, NJ $1,843 / $2,323 $450,463 More affordable compared with the NJ average — modest home‑value growth (~+2.7% YoY)
Statewide NJ (benchmark) $1,922 / $2,443 $564,400 Prices rising statewide: house prices increased 5.8% YoY

 

When it comes to renting, there are plenty of options to choose from, including apartment buildings to family homes. Tenant laws in New Jersey are meant to protect renters. For example, landlords cannot charge more than 1.5 times the monthly rent for a security deposit. The best part about renting is that you can leave when your lease is up. Have your paperwork ready if you end up finding a place you love, as apartments tend to move fast in the more desirable locations. You will need to show proof of income, ID, and occasionally have references ready. Unlike NYC, which requires 40 times the rent, New Jersey landlords are a bit more lenient, requiring 30-35 times the monthly rent as the annual income requirement. You might also need to pay Broker fees, though it’s less common than in NYC.

If you want to buy, you have plenty of options to choose from: condos to townhomes, to family estates. The housing market can be fierce, especially in areas with good schools and access to amenities, so you’ll need to move fast if you find a place you like. If you plan on buying a condo, make sure you familiarize yourself with everything you will need to pay for, including things like insurance, condo fees, taxes, maintenance fees, etc.

Find a Place That Matches Your Budget

With the cost of living continuing to rise, finding a location that you can afford is imperative. On average, New Jersey tends to be more expensive than the national average, but compared to NYC and Philadelphia, it is cheaper. Still, that doesn’t mean all of the towns are affordable, as there are plenty of wealthy areas like Princeton and Montclair. In general, most locations that have great schools, lots of amenities, and access to NYC tend to be on the more expensive side. Likewise, there are more affordable locations like:

  • Phillipsburg – A rural town equidistant to NYC and Philadelphia. It has seen an economic revival in the past 20 years due to the Urban Enterprise Zone initiative, which has reduced sales tax to 3.3125% to encourage more shopping and businesses. There has also been continuous talks of re-establishing a train from NYC to Phillipsburg so it could become a bustling town in the near future.
  • New Brunswick – A regional commercial hub for Central New Jersey, the area is home to Rutgers University, the largest university in New Jersey, and is also a popular commuter town for those who work in NYC. 
  • Toms River – A perfect location for those who want to live along the water. You get the Toms River that goes right through town, and easy access to the beach along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the safest cities in the United States and tends to attract families and retirees. 

Depending on where you move in New Jersey, home ownership isn’t just a pipe dream. There are many great locations where you can still get a home for under $300,000. In fact, compared to neighboring states, New Jersey has a higher percentage of homeowners! One thing to keep in mind is that New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the United States. And while HOAs do exist, they aren’t as prevalent as many homes and communities were created pre-1980.

 

Rent vs Buy Pros & Cons Table

Category Rent Buy
Initial Cost Low upfront cost (security deposit + 1st month) High upfront cost (down payment, closing fees)
Monthly Payments Rent is predictable, may increase yearly Mortgage payments may be stable, including property taxes & insurance
Maintenance The landlord is responsible for repairs The owner is responsible for all maintenance & repairs
Flexibility Easy to move when the lease ends Harder to relocate; selling may take time
Equity / Investment No equity gained; money goes to the landlord Builds equity over time; potential property appreciation
Tax Benefits None Mortgage interest & property taxes may be deductible
Lifestyle / Amenities Access to apartment amenities; less responsibility Full control of property; can renovate & customize

 

Speaking of taxes, New Jersey does not have any city taxes, unlike New York. That means if you live in New Jersey but work in NYC, your take-home pay is more than if you lived and worked in NYC, since you aren’t paying NYC taxes. It also has progressive state taxes, so you only get taxes on the income you earn above a certain bracket. 

Besides housing and taxes, you also have to consider other areas of your budget. For example, if you move to a suburban or rural area, you will definitely need to invest in a car, which means insurance and gas. Luckily, New Jersey tends to have cheaper gas than neighboring states, as it is a major shipping hub for gas and oil. There are several options for grocery stores, including Aldi and Trader Joe’s, for budget-friendly options. You can also pick up fresh vegetables and fruits at your local farmer’s market!

Explore the Town

Have you narrowed down your choice of towns to one or two? Now is a perfect time to actually spend time in the area. This is a crucial step as it will give you a better idea of the community vibe and atmosphere, so even if you’re making a long-distance move to NYC, rent an Airbnb and spend a few days or a week in the area. The more time you can familiarize yourself with the area, the better. 

Don’t treat this like a vacation! Use this time to act like you already live in the area. Travel to the grocery store, gym, school, work location, etc. to see how long it will actually take you to get to these places via your preferred method of travel. Outside of the major NJ cities, you’ll likely need to rent a car to get around, but you can always check to see if the area is bike and/or pedestrian-friendly if you enjoy walking around town. If you plan on commuting to NYC via bus or train, ride it so you get an idea of how long it will take and if it’s something you can handle on a daily basis. You should also travel to areas of interest, whether that’s to parks, the beach, or cultural institutions. Don’t forget to check out the local events to see if there’s anything happening. That way, you can get to know your neighbors beforehand!

Not everyone can take time off work to explore a new city. If that’s the case, then explore digitally via Google Street View. Check out points of interest and map out how long it will take to get to these locations. While it won’t give you the same experience, it’s better than nothing!

Moving to New Jersey

Your move to NJ doesn’t have to be stressful. At NJ Great Movers, we have helped hundreds of customers relocate with no issues. Our experienced moving team has handled every type of move in every situation, from moving during a blizzard to the scorching summer heat. So whether you’re making a local or long-distance move, we’re here to help. Reach out to u,s and we’ll answer any questions you might have. 

FAQ

Is New Jersey a safe place to live?

As with any state, some parts are safer than others. However, on the whole, New Jersey is considered one of the safest states in the country.

What are some quirks of living in NJ?

There are a few things you’ll need to get used to. For example, there is no self serve gas pumping in NJ, you cannot turn left on red, and some restaurants with no liquor license allow you to bring your own bottle, though they will charge a cork fee.

What are some fun things to do in NJ?

New Jersey is full of things to do! If you like the outdoors, there are plenty of state parks and hiking trails to explore. You can head over to the shore to enjoy a day on the beach or go to Atlantic City to try your luck at a casino. Outside of that, head to Storybook Land, a fairy tale theme park. Depending on where you are and who you ask, Ellis Island is also a part of New Jersey, making it a great place for kids to learn more about US history.