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Moving requires a lot of planning and multitasking. You have to find the perfect home, consider your budget, potentially change schools for your kids, pack, and find the right professional movers in NJ. If you’re already dealing with all the other aspects of moving, searching for movers might be your last priority. After all, aren’t all movers the same? The answer to that is a resounding no!
While it might add one more item to your ever-increasing moving to-do list, it’s important to find reliable movers in NJ if you want to ensure all your items arrive at your new place intact. So, how can you find reliable movers in NJ? Check out the tips below.
Thanks to the internet, you can easily do some vetting of companies before you even make a phone call. Your first line of defense is to do some research on your own on moving companies in your area. A quick search of ‘movers near me’ should provide you with a decent starting point. Narrow down to around 10-20 movers in the beginning and then look at reviews and complaints on places like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. While business owners can challenge negative reviews and potentially have them removed, it would be hard to get rid of all of them. If you notice inconsistent reviews on multiple sites, you should cross these movers off the list.
| Question | Purpose / Importance Score (1–10) | Average Customer Savings from Asking | Risk Prevented (% Chance of Issues Avoided) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Are you licensed and insured? | 10/10 | $500–$2,000 (avoids scam losses) | 75% risk prevented |
| 2. Do you provide a binding or written estimate? | 9/10 | $150–$600 (prevents surprise fees) | 60% risk prevented |
| 3. Are your movers in-house employees or subcontracted? | 8/10 | $100–$400 (avoids liability issues) | 55% risk prevented |
| 4. What extra fees should I expect? | 9/10 | $75–$300 (stairs, long carry, supplies) | 50% risk prevented |
| 5. What is your cancellation/reschedule policy? | 7/10 | $50–$150 (avoids late-change penalties) | 35% risk prevented |
After you’ve narrowed down your list, look at their site to see if they list their department of transportation number. Some states, like New Jersey, also require movers to register with the state’s DOT. Registered moving companies will list their number directly on their website. You can then use this to look them up on the corresponding DOT sites to make sure they are still in good standing and properly registered.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to around 5 companies, it’s time to start calling. Before you call, make sure to write down a list of questions as well as a general idea of what kind of service you would like to utilize. When you come prepared, you’ll be more likely to spot potential red flags and keep your cool if the movers on the phone try some hard-sell tactics.
If you’re not sure what questions to ask, here are some options:
There are many horror stories of people using a moving company only to realize after moving that many of their precious items were broken during transit or, even worse, they aren’t able to even get their belongings because the moving company is holding them hostage. If you notice the representative on the phone is dodging your questions, seems unprofessional, or is pressuring you into other services you didn’t ask for, consider it a red flag. Reliable and reputable movers are more than happy to answer any questions and will do so in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. They also won’t pressure you with aggressive sales tactics.
| Cost Factor | Reliable Movers | Red Flag / Scam Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Average NJ Moving Cost (per hour / per truck) | $120 – $180/hr | $60 – $90/hr (suspiciously low) |
| Normal Deposit Range | $100 – $200 | $500+ or 50% upfront |
| Typical Stair Fee Range | $50 – $100 | $150+ without explanation |
| Typical Long Carry Fee Range | $75 – $150 | $200+ or undisclosed fees added later |
| Lowball Quote Warning Threshold | Within 10–20% of competitor quotes | 30%+ cheaper than average (major red flag) |
Speaking of red flags, a common one is asking for a large initial deposit. While most moving companies will ask for some form of a deposit in order to confirm your move date, it will generally be around $100-$200. If they ask for half of the quoted rate or more, it’s most likely a scam! Likewise, if a moving company quotes you a number significantly lower than that of other moving companies, it’s probably too good to be true, and they’ll tack on plenty of hidden fees at the end.
Finally, a good rule of thumb is to check the website for information on their address, company name, and how many years they have been in business. Not all new moving companies are bad, but many scam companies change their name often to avoid a trail of negative reviews and legal issues. While you’re at it, verify their address by looking it up online. Make sure the moving company’s address is properly listed and registered under the company name. Avoid any address listed under a residential name.
Finding reliable movers in NJ takes some planning, time, and research, but it will be worth it at the end. Yes, it might be more expensive than using a ‘man with a van.’ However, when you hire professional movers, you can rest easy knowing that they will treat your belongings with the care they deserve. If you’re still in the research phase, why not give NJ Great Movers a call, and we can answer any of your questions.
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