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How to Find Cheap and Reliable NJ Movers

How to Find Cheap and Reliable NJ Movers

Looking for movers is already a challenge. Finding affordable ones that are reliable and trustworthy is even harder. Every year around 40 percent of moving customers are scammed by moving companies. A common scam is providing a quote that is significantly cheaper than other moving companies and then tacking on extra charges after the move has happened, which means that many of the ‘cheap’ companies you find might not be trustworthy.

With that said, it’s not impossible to find affordable NJ movers; it might take a bit more time and research to find one that is affordable and reliable. If you follow the steps below, you should be able to find an NJ moving company that is within your budget.

Start Your Move Early

The sooner you start looking for a nearby NJ mover, the better. You want to have plenty of time to do your research by looking up reviews and reaching out to multiple companies. When you talk to the various movers, always request moving cost estimates. Make sure you have a good idea of the services you want especially if you might need help with packing, unpacking, or storage solutions. Don’t forget to ask if they provide any offers. Some places provide discounts for senior citizens, military, and even early bookings. Start your research months before the moving date if possible.

Get Recommendations

Before you dive into customer reviews, ask people you know for their suggestions. As much as people rely on online feedback, the truth is you have no idea who these people are or if the reviews themselves are real or not. That’s why it’s always better to get information from people you know who have zero hidden motives. Your friends, neighbors, and coworkers are people you can trust to give you relevant and useful information.

If no one you know has moved recently, then your next best bet is to go line to check out social media groups as well as online reviews. While Yelp and Google might be the more popular and accessible options, you should also check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the company. 

You should also write down the Department of Transportation number of all the movers you’re interested in and look them up on the DOT website. While you won’t get reviews, you will be able to see any complaints and licensing issues. Remember, all professional moving companies need to register with the DOT to legally perform as movers!

Compare Services and Location

Not all moving companies offer the same services. Some provide full-service packing and unpacking while others might just handle transportation. Even if you just need help with the transportation aspect, many companies differ in what they offer for free. Some might just load and unload your stuff while others will provide additional items for free like wardrobe box rentals, disassembly and reassembly, and so on. So when comparing quotes, make sure you know what services are included and which ones might lead to more costs. 

If you’re moving locally, make sure to find a moving company that is close to your old and new home. Not only do local businesses offer more competitive rates, but the shorter the distance between your two locations, the better. After all, most local moves are charged on an hourly basis, which includes travel to and from their corporate location. So the further away they are from either location, the more expensive your bill will be.

Negotiate Prices

Ideally, you’ll have received quotes from 3-5 different moving companies and know exactly what services are included in your move. From there, compare what you get with the estimate. If you prefer the cheapest one, that’s great! However, you might decide not to go with the most affordable option for a variety of reasons. In that case, leverage the estimate to your advantage. See if the moving company you like will match the price or at least get a little closer. If they don’t want to lower the price, see if they might be willing to add some services that will get you closer to a match like partial packing or even providing some packing materials.

Another option to reduce the price is to look for discounts. Many moving companies offer promotions, seasonal deals, and reduced prices for groups like students, seniors, military personnel, and even first-time customers. Always ask the movers if they have any current discounts happening. Some might end up providing a discount to you especially if you’re moving between September through April.

Do as Much as Yourself

It might be tempting to get professional movers to pack and unpack for you, but if you want to keep your moving budget low, you should go the DIY route for as much as possible. Packing and unpacking can greatly reduce the overall cost of your move, though it will take more of your time. While you’re packing, take the time to disassemble the furniture yourself. While many moving companies do offer this service as part of their basic moving package, it still adds on time to the move. Plus, many companies won’t disassemble more complex furniture like Murphy beds.

Speaking of packing, you can also save money by getting your supplies. While many moving companies do offer a range of moving supplies for purchase, there tends to be a markup when compared to getting it on your own. Instead, find ways to procure the supplies for free or, at least, cheap. Chances are you can easily find boxes, tape, and even bubble wrap from your friends and even local businesses. If all else fails, ask the mailroom at work if they have some extra supplies that you could take. 

Find Affordable NJ Movers Today

Moving doesn’t have to be expensive, but if you don’t have a plan you could end up spending hundreds of dollars more than necessary. To start your moving journey, make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call for a detailed estimate. We’ll help walk you through the moving process to create a customized plan that matches your needs and budget. 

 

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Moving Tips

Moving to NJ From Out-of-State Checklist and Tips

Moving to NJ From Out-of-State Checklist and Tips

Many people find a small local move challenging and plan a few weeks in advance. Moving to New Jersey from another state requires even more preparation and planning even if you’re coming from the next state over. That doesn’t mean your out-of-state move has to be stressful or difficult. There are plenty of steps you can take to make your NJ relocation a walk in the park.

Visit the Area

Ideally, you’ll be able to physically visit your future home so you can get a good feel for the neighborhood, nearby amenities, and so on. Unfortunately, traveling out-of-state isn’t always affordable. However, if you can squeeze it into your moving budget, seeing the location first hand is always a great idea.

If you can’t physically visit your new home, the next best thing is to find digital resources. Your new town or city might have its own social media account. If not, they will at least have their own website where you can check out the calendar of events, announcements, and so on. You can also “walk” the neighborhood with Google Maps to find the nearest park, grocery store, library, and whatever else is important to you. The more you research, the more  you will feel comfortable when you actually make the move.

Prepare a Moving Calendar

While you might only need 2-3 weeks for a small, local move, you should start preparing for your interstate move at least a month in advance, if not longer. The best way to make sure you get all your tasks done is to first figure out your move date and then count backwards at least 4-6 weeks. If you know you’re going to be busy with work or travel during that timespan, make sure to give yourself even more breathing room. Find and circle the date on the calendar – that’s the day you start with your moving tasks!

Don’t just fill in the calendar haphazardly. First, create a list of all the tasks you need to complete. For example, hiring professional movers, packing, shutting off utilities, purchasing packing supplies, changing your address, etc. Make sure to personalize these tasks to match your needs and prioritize them based on how many days you have until moving day. If you plan on hiring a moving company, you should book them at least a month before your move date, especially if you plan on relocating between May through September.

Create a Budget

Moving out of state isn’t cheap. The average cost of hiring professional movers for a long-distance relocation is close to $5,000. Unlike local moves that charge you an hourly rate, out-of-state movers generally offer a flat rate fee based on the distance, weight, and volume of your move. Ultimately, it means the further you move and the more stuff you have, the higher your final bill. The price only goes up if you include additional services like storage, packing, unpacking, and buying packing supplies. 

Even if you decide to do a DIY move, you’ll still need to pay money for a truck or container, moving supplies, and other expenses like gas, tolls, parking, and more. Plus, you’ll have to load and unload the truck yourself. At best, you’ll be sore for the next few days from lift and carrying heavy boxes and furniture, but at worst you could seriously injure yourself.

Speaking of budget, don’t forget to include costs outside of the actual moving process like some takeout food for the day or two after you move into your new NJ home, new decorations, and even new furniture. 

Choose a Professional Moving Company

If you can spare the money in your budget, hiring a moving company can make your transition to your new New Jersey home a lot easier. Every move is unique, which is why the most reputable New Jersey movers will walk you through the entire process and come up with personalized moving plans based on your needs and budget. Before you call, figure out what you might need as part of your moving plan. Most movers offer services like packing, storage, and more. If you need a full-service experience where movers do the packing for you, make sure to mention it!

Always do your research before hiring the company. Look up online reviews on a variety of sites including Yelp, Google Business, and the Better Business Bureau. Licensed and insured movers also provide their Department of Transportation number, which allows you to search the number to make sure they are up-to-date with their licenses.

Create a Moving File

Filing all documents related to your move is one of the best ways to stay organized and sane. Sure, it’s not fun and is just another thing you have to remember, but you’ll be grateful you have everything in one place. Documents you should store here include:

  • Moving related documents like your estimate, bill of lading, inventory 
  • All personal documents related to you, your child(ren), and/or pets. This includes birth certificate, school records, pet-related documents (vet records, etc)
  • All related bills and utilities that you will need to call to either cancel or update your address

While you can access many of these documents online, it’s still a good idea to have a hard copy version just in case something happens, especially for places like your doctor’s office. If they don’t have a digital portal, call to get a copy of your health records emailed to and print it out. When you find a new doctor, you can hand over your health history on the first day.

Declutter

The less stuff you have, the cheaper your move! Take a look at everything you own and filter out anything that you have used in the past year. Chances are, you won’t miss it! After that, try out the 3-second rule, where you must decide in three seconds if you’ll keep an item in your hand or not and you can’t change your mind after. 

If you end up with a lot of things to get rid of, consider hosting a garage sale. Not only will it help get rid of our unwanted items, it’s also a great way to pad your moving budget. Donate whatever leftover items you have that are in good condition. If you still have a few things left after all that, post it on a local buy nothing group.

Pack Early!

Packing is by far the most time-consuming task. Don’t leave the packing to the last minute. If you want to ensure all of your belongings get to your new home in one piece, you’ll want to set aside a few weeks to pack properly. That includes some prep time to ensure you have all the materials you need including boxes of various sizes, packing tape, padding for fragile items, and packing paper to fill up any gaps in the box.

Split up the packing by section or room and start with the location with the least essential items. That might mean your garage, attic, basement, or guest room. Make sure to label each box appropriately with the room the box should go into as well as basic details on what is inside the box. If you have any fragile items in the box, make sure to write FRAGILE so the movers know to handle them with care.

Don’t forget to pack an essentials bag while you’re at it. Think of this bag/box as what you would take to a two night stay at a hotel and include all these items. The last thing you want to do after you have moved into your new home is dig through boxes to find your toothbrush.

Make all Necessary Travel Arrangements

Moving long distances means figuring out how you’ll get from your old place to your new one. And no, you can’t hitch a ride with the movers. Depending on how far you’re moving and whether you are moving with kids or pets will determine your travel strategy. If you’re relatively close to your new location (a couple hours out), you can simply drive to your new location with no issues. For anything further, you might want to plan out meals, bathroom, and other breaks, especially if you’re moving with young children.

For those who live cross country, a flight will be the fastest and easiest option. However, if you prefer driving, don’t forget to make hotel reservations and plan an itinerary to see some cool things along the way during your road trip. This might not be the best option if you have kids or pets, but it’s great if you’re single.

Move to New Jersey with NJ Great Movers!

If you’re ready to make your move to the Garden State, NJ Great Movers can provide all the information and help you might need. We provide standard long distance moving services along with other add-ons like packing, unpacking, storage, and more. Reach out to us and we’ll walk you through the process.

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Moving Tips

5 Ways to Deal With Your NJ Relocation Depression

5 Ways to Deal With Your NJ Relocation Depression

Even if you’re excited for your upcoming relocation to New Jersey, a move can leave you feeling dispirited, especially if you’re moving to a completely new city. After all, you’ll be leaving behind your old friends and, if you’re moving away from home, your family members. So if you’re feeling depressed because of all these changes, you’re not alone. 

Almost every major life event, no matter how positive, can lead to a period of upheaval. What matters are the steps you take to ensure these negative emotions don’t affect your overall mental health and wellness. That’s why we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep you on track and feeling good.

What is Relocation Depression

While it’s not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 manual, relocation depression, also known as adjustment disorder, is very real and its effects vary greatly between people. For many, the disruption to their routine as well as the anxiety associated with a move, can lead to temporary sadness. Depending on how far you’re moving, it can mean losing your support network, feelings of isolation, and dealing with culture shock. Other causes of relocation depression include:

  • Physical and mental exhaustion from the move
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Increased financial burden
  • New job or career
  • Underlying mental health issues

These emotions are felt even strongly in children who thrive on routine and familiarity. While many children thrive in their new environment, others might have difficulty fitting in or making friends. Studies show that frequent moves during childhood can lead to poor mental health later in life.

Suffering from relocation depression isn’t limited to younger people. Many senior citizens experience the same effects, especially when they are moved into senior care facilities. After all, they are being moved out of their home, which they might have lived in for decades with many requiring some kind of aid from complete strangers. 

Symptoms of Relocation Depression

Not everyone experiences relocation depression the same way, but there are a few things you should look out for including:

  • Changes in your sleep whether that’s sleeping more or less than usual
  • Feeling irritable
  • Change in appetite
  • Lack of interest in your regular activities
  • Overall sadness
  • Difficulty completing tasks
  • Loss of interest in socializing
  • Difficulty concentrating

Unsurprisingly, these are similar symptoms as clinical depression. The difference is that adjustment disorder is temporary and should go away as you get settled. Still, the symptoms can persist long after your move if you don’t find ways to address it. It is especially easy to let these feelings persist if you have feelings of regret or start doubting your ability to adapt. 

Coping with Relocation Depression

Over time, you should find it easier to get used to your new life in New Jersey, but adjusting to these changes can still be challenging. You might even feel pressured to put on a brave face for your children and especially at your new job. However, your best bet is to confront the issue and find ways to handle these changes. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make the transition to your NJ home easier.

Familiarize Yourself With Your New Neighborhood

If you’ve moved to a new city in New Jersey or are coming from out-of-state take some time after your move to explore your surroundings. Look up local tourist attractions or events happening in your town or in the surrounding areas. You should also find ways to meet new friends whether activity groups or even volunteering.

Make Your Home Comfortable

Don’t take too long unpacking your things. While you might want to procrastinate for a few days, try to unpack as much as possible in the first week. The very act of cleaning and organizing your things can help reduce your anxiety and increase your overall comfort levels. Plus, unpacking can also help make you feel more productive, which can then carry over to other parts of your life.

While you should unpack the essential boxes first, don’t neglect decorating your new place. Take some time to go to a local hardware or paint store with your family and choose some colors for a few of the communal rooms. If you have kids, let them choose what color they want their room and maybe even pick a few stencils. Of course, you don’t have to paint if you don’t want to. However, you should take some time to add a few decorations around the house to make it feel more lived in. If you don’t have many, consider purchasing a few items such as:

  • Candles
  • Wall art
  • Throw pillows
  • Curtains
  • Photos of friends and family

Don’t forget to set up a space in your house where you can relax. It might be a reading nook or even just a cushy sofa. Whatever the case, you want a place where you can enjoy some quiet time.

Practice Self-Care

With all the excitement of moving, it’s easy to focus on the tasks at hand and push your own needs to the side. However, that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, carve out some time in your calendar for some self-care activities that you know will put you in a better mood. Some potential ideas include:

  • Journaling
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Taking a shower
  • Enjoying a hobby
  • Exercising
  • Listening to music
  • Enjoying your favorite snack or meal

Some of these activities only take a few minutes, so you won’t fall too far behind schedule. Plus a happier and relaxed you will make you even more productive!

Throw a Party

After a big move, it’s common for folks to throw a housewarming party. Not only is it a great way to get to know your neighbors, it’s also a way for you to celebrate a new beginning in your life! Invite over any friends or family who live in the area as well as your neighbors. You don’t need to throw a huge party. In fact, you should try to keep it as low-key as possible to reduce stress. Ask folks to bring something to the party whether it’s food or drinks. After that, spend a few hours chatting and relaxing.

Another benefit of a housewarming party is that it motivates you to finish unpacking and cleaning. It’s also a great excuse to decorate and use your new kitchen!

Fall Back into Your Routine

It’s important to have a routine, especially in the midst of a life changing event like a big move! This is true of you as an adult, your kids, and even your pets. A routine helps add normalcy to your life and allows you to get back in a comfortable groove. With that said, moving means even your old routines get a makeover since you’ll be in a new location. That 30 minute morning walk with your dog is now an adventure to explore different parts of your neighborhood. The same with going to the gym or a yoga studio. Plus, you’ll also get to meet other people who might end up becoming your friend.

As for the kids, make sure you keep them on the same schedule of dinner and bedtime. For the first few weeks, cook family favorites. If you have young children, make sure to read their favorite bedtime stories. School-aged children might need to make some adjustments when it comes to what time they wake up, especially if the school is further away. Still, you should bring over as many traditions/schedule as possible so the move isn’t too jarring for them.

Make Your Move Easier!

If you’ve already found your dream home, you can make the next chapter in your life a lot easier by hiring professional NJ movers like us! At NJ Great Movers, we can help with packing and unpacking in addition to our standard moving services. Just let us know what you need and we’ll provide more information!

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Moving Tips

7 Steps to Take Before Your NJ Movers Arrive

7 Steps to Take Before Your NJ Movers Arrive

When it comes to moving, you’ve probably heard more stressful stories than trouble-free ones. It always seems inevitable for there to be last minute hiccups or issues that seem completely unpreventable. But is that truly the case? You might not be able to plan for every contingency, but there are some predictable issues that can crop up during a move like misplaced boxes, damaged belongings, narrow doors and halls, and so on. By planning ahead, you can speed up the entire moving process and minimize potential risks.

Not sure where to start? Below are some useful steps to take before the movers arrive on your doorstep.

Declutter Your Home

Your very first step is to organize and declutter all of your belongings. Yes, even tiny items like hair ties, pens, and so on. The less stuff you bring with you, the less you’ll need to pack and unpack. Take a hard look at everything you own and separate it into three piles – keep, sell/donate, and trash. If you want some extra cash for your moving budget, consider holding a yard or garage sale to get rid of unwanted items and then donate whatever is left over. Depending on how much you’re getting rid of, you could make a couple hundred dollars.

Make an Inventory

While you’re decluttering, it’s a good idea to organize all of the items you plan on bringing with you. Your first order of business is to create a detailed inventory. Take pictures of everything as this will serve as proof of the contents and condition of your belongings. For electronics and appliances, list the serial number, brand, and type. Store the inventory and pictures in the cloud but also make sure to have a hard copy on hand during the move. That way if anything goes missing, you’ll have physical evidence.

Once your inventory is complete, share it with the NJ moving company and anyone else involved in the move. Make sure to send out an updated version if you add or remove anything.

Get Organized

Making an inventory is great, but you still need to organize and pack everything so that they are protected and easy to find. It might seem tedious, but you should set some time to:

  • Pre-pack small items in a sealable bag. This is great for items like desk organizers, jewelry, small decorations, etc.
  • Label your boxes – use color-codes or simply write what items are in the box. Make sure to write Fragile on boxes you want handled with extra care.
  • Separate items – there are some items you want to have access to immediately and/or definitely don’t want lost like personal documents, valuables, your essentials like clothes, toiletries, medication, pet food, and small electronic devices. Keep these away from the other boxes so the movers don’t get confused

You should also measure all doors and hallways to make sure the boxes and furniture you have will fit comfortably through any and all entryways. You don’t want to back a big box and not be able to get it through the front door of your new home, do you?

Get Insurance

When you hire professional movers your belongings are automatically covered by the basic valuation coverage which covers you for $0.60 per pound per item. While this might be fine for basic things like your clothes, it doesn’t really provide much help for items that are expensive, but light like cameras, TVs, jewelry, etc. If you own a lot of high value items, consider springing for the full valuation from your NJ moving company. You will need to alert the movers of anything that is valued at over $100/pound, otherwise they cannot be held liable if it is damaged but not claimed.

You can also spring for third-party moving insurance. Your premium is based on the value and weight of the total items you want to insure, so it’s in your best interest to only cover the very expensive or irreplaceable items. Be forewarned that if you pack the items yourself and it gets damaged during the move, the moving company and/or insurance won’t pay out unless there’s obvious evidence of improper handling during the move.

Plan for Your Pets and Kids

Depending on how old your child is, it might be beneficial to have a friend or relative watch them during the moving process. You want them to stay away from all the commotion and tension that comes with moving day so that you and the NJ moving crew can focus on the task at hand. If you can’t find someone to help out, look for a babysitter or see if you might be able to have them wait in a separate room. 

For your pets, put them in a kennel or cage away from all the noise. Many people lose their pets during a move since dogs and cats are prone to running away from unfamiliar people and loud noises. Keep them safe by putting them somewhere they can’t escape. Include their favorite toy or cushion as something familiar can help soothe their anxiety. And don’t forget to pack some weewee pads in case they end up urinating or defecating in their cage.

Prepare Your House for Movers

Sure, most moving companies will put down some supplies to prevent damage to your house, but it’s up to you to make sure your old and new house are clean and undamaged. This is especially true if you are moving between NJ apartments since you’ll have to worry about getting back your security deposit. Some small steps you can take include:

  • Putting down doormats and plastic coverings over floors and carpets to prevent dirt buildup
  • Wrapping banisters and corners with some bubble wrap or blankets. 
  • Cover stairs with anti-slip coating
  • Protect door frames with foam pad dings or remove doors from hinges if necessary. Don’t forget to put the doors back up!
  • Remove paintings, mirrors, and clocks from walls

 Don’t forget to take pictures of your old place before the movers arrive. You want proof of the condition your apartment or home was in during move out so in case something gets damaged, you can show that you were not responsible. Don’t forget to do this when you move into your new place, too!

Think of the Moving Crew

Not all moves are strenuous, but if your move is expected to take more than four hours and/or you have a lot of bulky and heavy items to move, consider getting some snacks and water to replenish the movers’ energy levels. This is especially important if you’re moving during the summer! You should also make sure to leave some soap and disposable hand towels in your old and new home just in case someone needs to use it.

And don’t forget to take out some cash for tips. While tipping isn’t required, it’s always a good idea to show appreciation for a job well done, especially for something like moving. Add some extra dollars if the crew had to move very heavy items, walk up stairs, or navigate tight corridors.

Have a Stress-Free Moving Experience

While no move is easy, you can reduce potential issues by preparing in advance. Once you’re ready to move, make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call. We can help walk you through the process and provide a customized moving plan that fits your needs and budget.