For many people, the end of the year can be exhausting with all of the family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and, of course, preparation for the new year. Planning a move during this time might feel overwhelming on top of everything else, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning, making an NJ move during the new year doesn’t have to be stressful. Below are some tips and steps you can take to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Know Your Budget
With the holidays, your budget is probably already stretched thin with all the gifts and travel you might need to do. Adding moving expenses on top of that can throw your budget for a loop. Before you start buying presents or moving supplies, sit down and break down exactly how much you can afford for both. Chances are, you’ll probably need to cut down your spending somewhere.
Holiday Season Moving Cost Breakdown in NJ
| Category | Average Cost (NJ – Holiday Season) | Notes |
| Average Hourly Labor Costs | $120 – $160 per hour (2–3 movers) | Rates rise slightly due to limited crews. |
| Truck Fees | $100 – $180 flat fee | Includes fuel, equipment, & travel. |
| Packing Material Costs | $120 – $300 total | Boxes, tape, shrink wrap, protectors, etc. |
| Potential Savings (Weekday vs Weekend) | Save $80 – $250 | Weekdays are often cheaper due to lower demand. |
| Cost Difference (December vs January) | January is usually 10–20% cheaper | Demand drops after the holidays. |
Luckily, there are ways you can save on your end-of-year move. First, try to schedule a midweek move if possible and avoid moving on an actual holiday, as most moving companies will be short-staffed. On top of that, try to negotiate a lower price. While there, NJ moving companies may have fewer people on staff, that’s because there aren’t as many people moving during the winter months. As such, you have more room for negotiation than if you tried to move during the summer. Some may even have active deals available, so don’t forget to ask!
On top of that, you can save money by decluttering your house. After all, the less you move, the less time it will take the movers to load and unload your boxes at your new home. Start this process as soon as possible. Not only will it prevent any mix-ups between the items you are gifting and what you want to get rid of, but it also gives you time to sell your stuff. You can host a garage sale for more common items, and for more expensive things like brand-name clothes, cameras, etc., you can sell those online for a better price. Whatever money you make from these sales, you can put towards your move or your holiday gifts.
Pack Early
The last thing you probably want to do is pack during the holidays. Even if you live in an apartment, you should have some advance notice before you need to move. Use that time to your advantage! It might be tempting to put it off, but commit yourself to packing one room a week. Start with rooms that don’t see a lot of use, like a guest room or attic, and then go from there. The last places you should pack are your bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.
Quick Guide to Packing Early
| Task | Recommended Timing | Notes |
| Start Packing (Low-Use Rooms) | Week 1 | Begin with the attic, guest room, and storage areas. |
| Pack Medium-Use Rooms | Week 2 | Organize items by category for easier unpacking. |
| Pack High-Use Rooms | Last 3–5 Days | Kitchen, bathroom & bedroom packed last. |
| Fragile Items | Throughout | Use extra padding & eliminate air gaps. |
| Holiday Decorations | Final Week | Keep minimal décor; save 1 box for quick packing. |
Take your time when packing. The last thing you want to do is throw everything into a box without a plan. Remember, you also need to unpack once you’re in your new home! The more organized you are when packing, the easier it will be to unpack. Besides packing by room, try to pack like items together so they are easy to find. For fragile items, make sure you not only add enough protection in the box, but make sure there are no air gaps to prevent the objects from shifting during transit.
You don’t have to forego decorations just because you’ll be packing. With that said, you should try to minimize the amount you’ll need to pack away afterwards, so choose a few favorites and put them up. And don’t forget to save a big box so you can quickly pack the decorations once you’re ready to move.
Plan For the Weather
Since you’re moving during the winter, you need to be aware of the weather during your move. While winters recently have been relatively mild, you never know when you might get hit with icy roads or a blizzard. While you can’t control the weather, there are ways you can mitigate potential issues. For example, you should prepare moving supplies that will stand up to wet and soggy conditions. Make sure to have your snow shovels and or snow blower ready to go to keep your driveway clear.
When it comes to preparing yourself, have some winter gear ready. That includes jackets, gloves, boots, and hats. More importantly, make sure your electricity and heat are turned on in your new house before you arrive. You don’t want to deal with freezing cold temperatures on a moving day. Also, have a mop and cleaning supplies ready for your old and new houses. NJ moving companies may put down plastic runners to reduce how much dirt they track, but with snowy conditions, chances are you and they will track plenty of mud inside.
Finally, be careful when it comes to stairs and sidewalks, especially during the winter. It’s all too easy to injure yourself by slipping on a patch of ice.
Consider Temporary Storage
If your move conflicts with holiday plans, it might be worth your while to use temporary storage for some of your things. You can easily store some or all of your items somewhere safe while you’re traveling to visit family. That might mean you have to start your moving plans earlier, but it might be worth it if you don’t have to deal with all the half-packed boxes in your own home. Plus, if you know you’re not going to be around for most of December, you can potentially save some money on utilities by canceling them before you’re hit for another month. Don’t forget to turn them on a day or so before moving into your new house, though!
Temporary Storage Options Comparison
| Storage Feature | Typical Range in NJ | Details / Notes |
| Available Unit Sizes | 25 – 300 sq. ft. | Options range from small locker units to large room-sized spaces. |
| Climate Control Temperature Range | 55°F – 80°F | Protects furniture, electronics, and seasonal items from winter temperatures. |
| Monthly Cost | $75 – $350+ | Depends on size, location, and whether climate control is included. |
| Access Hours | 8 – 24 hours per day | Some facilities offer 24/7 access; others have limited business-hour entry. |
| Security Features | 4 – 10+ layers of protection | Includes cameras, keypad entry, on-site staff, alarms, and gated access. |
| Short-Term Rental Minimum | 1–30 days | NJ Great Movers offers flexible rentals perfect for the holiday season moves. |
| Long-Term Rental Options | 3–12+ months | Ideal for downsizing, renovations, or extended travel. |
There are plenty of self-storage solutions available, but many NJ moving companies also offer short and long-term storage rentals. The benefit of going through movers is that they will move everything to and from your storage unit. If you use NJ Great Movers for storage, our facilities are 100% climate-controlled and secure with 24/7 surveillance.
Prepare for Your New Year’s Move in NJ
Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful. Add in the holiday period and the winter weather, and you have a recipe for exponential stress growth. Luckily, the steps above can help you keep your NJ move on track. To make it even easier on yourself, make sure to hire professional movers like NJ Great Movers. Not only can we help with a basic move, but we also offer other add-ons like packing, unpacking, and more. Reach out and we’ll help you through the process.
FAQ
Does it cost more to move during the holiday season?
It depends on who you use. Some companies may charge more while others will offer the same price. Ask beforehand and make sure you’re upfront about your move date!
Are movers closed on the holidays?
Since 2020, movers have been considered an essential service so moving companies are usually open even on national holidays like New Year’s and Christmas. With that said, they will often be operating with a skeleton crew, and you probably will have to deal with rerouted traffic and other issues, so it’s best to move a few days after the holidays if possible.