Tag: Affordable NJ Movers

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Cost

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost in New Jersey?

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost in New Jersey?

On average, movers in New Jersey cost anywhere from $90 to $150 per hour for local moves, with most NJ moves landing between $600 and $2,500 total, depending on the size of your home, distance, and services needed, according to Forbes. That range can go higher for long-distance moves, larger homes, or jobs that require packing, storage, or specialty handling. While New Jersey tends to be more affordable than NYC, costs can still add up quickly once you factor in stairs, long carries, or multiple stops. The key to managing your moving costs in NJ is understanding what drives pricing, budgeting early, and choosing a moving company that’s transparent about fees and expectations.

What Increases Moving Costs in New Jersey?

The biggest factors are the size of your move, how far you’re moving, and whether you need extra services like packing or specialty item handling. Accessibility issues also play a big role. Things like stairs, long carry distances, and tight parking can add time to the move and increase your total cost. Once you understand how these factors work together, it becomes much easier to budget realistically and avoid surprise charges on moving day.

Size of Move

One of the biggest factors for the cost of your New Jersey move is how much stuff you plan on moving. In general, the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be. According to This Old House, when movers provide an initial estimate, they usually do so based on how many bedrooms you have and provide an educated guess based on their years of experience. That’s why it is so important for the movers to do a live or virtual walkthrough of your home so they can provide a more accurate estimate. That way, neither of you will be surprised on moving day.

 

Common NJ Moving Fees & Their Average Costs

Additional Moving Fee What It Covers Average Cost in New Jersey
Stairs (per flight) Carrying items up or down a full flight of stairs when no elevator is available $50 – $100 per flight
Long Carry Distance (per 50 ft) Distance from the truck to the entrance exceeds standard allowance (typically 50–75 ft) $75 – $150 per 50 ft
Elevator Usage Extra time waiting for or sharing an elevator in apartments or high-rise buildings $75 – $200 flat fee
Appliance Disconnect / Reconnect Safely disconnecting and reconnecting washers, dryers, refrigerators, or similar appliances $50 – $150 per appliance
Bulky or Specialty Items Handling oversized or high-value items like pianos, safes, pool tables, or gym equipment $150 – $600+ per item

 

While each moving company will offer slightly different pricing, below is an average cost for a local move:

  • 1 Bedroom – $1,000
  • 2 Bedroom – $1,200
  • 3 Bedroom – $1,500
  • 4 Bedroom + – $2,800

Distance of Move

How far you’re moving also has a huge impact on the final bill, as well as how the movers charge you. For local moves – 100 miles or less – movers tend to charge an hourly rate. Out-of-state, and over 100 miles from the point of origin and movers will bill by distance and volume. According to Forbes, you can expect the following averages for both local and long-distance moves.

  • Short distance moves (<100 miles) – $1,200-$3,800
  • Long distance moves (>100 miles) – $5,200-$8,900
  • Out-of-state moves – $4,200-$10,500

Extra Services

The above averages are for basic moving services. If you require additional services like packing, unpacking, storage, and so on, it will add to your final bill. The cost of these services varies per company, so it’s always best to ask the movers if they offer these services and how much they would cost. Be as specific as possible on what you need to avoid any surprises. Some common services include:

  • Packing – generally, you will get charged by the hour for packing and unpacking services. The more stuff you have packed, the higher the cost. If you’re on a tight budget, you can hire movers to pack specific rooms or items to ensure they are covered by the valuation protection
  • Storage – many moving companies offer short- and long-term storage options. Costs vary by length and size of the unit. You can rent a unit on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Packing Materials – purchase boxes and other packing supplies directly from the mover. These tend to be more expensive than if you buy them yourself.

On top of extra services, don’t forget to ask about extra accessibility fees. Many movers will charge you for things like stairs, appliance services, specialty item handling, and more. Make sure to mention any and all of these beforehand so it’s baked into your quote.

How Can You Save Money for Your NJ Move?

While the cost of a move can seem daunting, the good news is that there are a lot of ways you can bring down the costs without sacrificing quality. Some of your best options are to declutter and sell off some of your belongings, book early and compare quotes, pack yourself, and find free packing supplies.

Declutter

As noted above, one of the main contributors to cost is how much you’re moving, so the more you can reduce, the better. When decluttering, be ruthless and only keep items that you use on a consistent basis. If you’re moving long-distance, consider getting rid of heavy items like furniture. You can always find some new or used options once you move to your new place. Besides reducing the amount of stuff you’re bringing with you, you can also sell items that are in good condition at a garage or yard sale. While you won’t be able to recoup the cost of the original value, whatever you end up getting can be put towards your moving budget.

Book early and compare quotes

When hiring an NJ moving company, you want to start looking at least 8-10 weeks before your move, especially if you plan on moving during the spring and summer or at the end of the month. Not only does it give you enough time to do your research and find reputable companies that offer the services you need, but you can also use the time to negotiate the prices with them. For example, if you are moving during the winter season or during the week, you might be able to get lower rates. Better yet, if there’s a company that offers a lower quote, many companies will match it so long as it is not completely unreasonable.

 

Seasonal Moving Costs in New Jersey

Season / Timing Demand Level Average Hourly Rate (NJ) What to Expect
Winter (Jan – Mar) Low $90 – $120/hr Best pricing, more flexibility, and weather-related risks
Spring (Apr – May) Moderate $110 – $140/hr Balanced pricing, improving availability
Summer Peak (Jun – Aug) Very High $140 – $180+/hr Highest prices, limited availability, book early
Fall (Sep – Nov) Moderate $110 – $140/hr Stable pricing, fewer delays than summer
End of Month / Weekends High +10% – 25% premium Higher demand regardless of season

 

Pack yourself

While you shouldn’t go completely DIY with your move, one of the easiest ways to save money is to pack as much yourself. Start a few weeks before your move and pack up rooms and items that you don’t use often. As you get closer to your move date, start packing other rooms and leave the necessities for last. Speaking of necessities, don’t forget to pack a bag and/or box of necessary items like a change of clothes for a few days, toiletries, bedding, and important documents.

If you happen to have a lot of fragile items, you might want to hire the movers to pack those for you. That way, if they are damaged in transit, the movers will be held liable. This is true if you purchase third-party moving insurance, opt in for full valuation, or choose the released valuation. Either way, most of these options won’t pay out if you pack the fragile items yourself and they are damaged during the move unless you can prove the movers handled the items improperly.

Find free packing supplies

While boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap aren’t expensive by themselves, all of these little things can add up to hundreds of dollars and a lot of waste. Before you purchase anything new, first ask your friends, neighbors, or even coworkers if they have any boxes or other packing materials that you might be able to use for your own move. You can also ask local stores for their boxes, and if you’re good with the mailroom at work, you can see if they’d be willing to give you some packing tape.

If that doesn’t work, check out places like Boxcycle to find nearby used boxes for cheap or check out listings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. 

Ready to Make Your NJ Move?

Moving in New Jersey doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all price tag, but knowing what goes into the cost gives you a real advantage. When you understand how factors like home size, distance, timing, and extra services affect pricing, you can plan ahead, set a realistic budget, and avoid last-minute surprises. Taking the time to compare quotes, declutter before you pack, and work with a reputable moving company can make the entire process smoother, less stressful, and ultimately more affordable.

FAQ

How much do movers cost in New Jersey on average?

Most local moves in New Jersey cost between $600 and $1,500, depending on the size of your home and how long the move takes. Long-distance moves typically cost more and are priced based on distance and shipment weight.

Do New Jersey movers charge by the hour or a flat rate?

Local moves are usually charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are priced at a flat rate based on mileage and the amount of belongings being moved.

Is moving in New Jersey cheaper than moving in NYC?

Yes, in most cases moving in New Jersey is more affordable than moving in NYC. New Jersey typically has fewer building restrictions, easier parking, and lower hourly rates.

What time of year is cheapest to move in New Jersey?

Fall and winter are generally the cheapest times to move in New Jersey. Summer months, weekends, and end-of-month dates tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.

Do stairs and elevators affect moving costs in New Jersey?

Yes. Stairs, long hallways, and limited elevator access can increase the time it takes to complete a move, which can raise your total cost for hourly moves.

Are packing services included in the cost of movers?

Packing services are usually an add-on and not included in standard moving quotes. Full or partial packing can increase your total cost but may save time and reduce stress.

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How To

How to Plan a Successful Small Move in New Jersey

How to Make a Small NJ Move

While most people might hire professional NJ movers to handle a full house relocation, that doesn’t mean you can’t hire them if you only have a few boxes and some furniture. Sure, you could rent a truck and go the DIY route, but that means you have to deal with everything that comes with it, including lifting and carrying heavy items and driving a large truck through New Jersey traffic. It might save you money, but you could end up hurting yourself or even getting in an accident because you’re not used to driving a large vehicle.

Luckily, plenty of NJ moving companies do provide small move services. So before you decide to rent a van or truck, consider hiring a reliable NJ moving company to do the work for you. Whether you’re making a local or long-distance move, working with an experienced moving company will definitely make things a lot easier for you.

What Qualifies as A Small Move

Generally speaking, a small move means you’re relocating fewer household items than what you might typically associate with a full house move. Typically, it means you’re moving less than 2,000 pounds or the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Of course, a small move can also mean that you’re moving a few pieces of furniture or appliances. Either way, you will probably only need one trip in a moving truck to relocate all of your things.

 

How to Determine if Your Move Qualifies as a Small Move

# Criteria Indicators of a Small Move
1 Number of Items Moving less than a full apartment, such as a studio or one-bedroom contents.
2 Weight Total items weigh less than ~2,000 lbs (about a small apartment load).
3 Volume / Truck Space All items fit in a single moving truck or van for one trip.
4 Type of Items Few large items like furniture/appliances, or mostly boxes of personal belongings.
5 Distance The move can be local or long-distance; size matters more than miles traveled.

 

A small move isn’t just for local relocation. It can still be labeled one even for a long-distance move or cross-country move since the term is based on the amount that you’re moving, not necessarily the distance. Regardless of how small your move is, you should still perform due diligence on the NJ movers you hire to make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Make sure you also get a quote beforehand to ensure the price is within your budget.

When Would You Make a Small Move

Outside of moving from a small apartment, there may be other reasons you would need to make a small move. This includes:

  • Moving temporarily due to business or personal requirements
  • Moving from or to a dorm room
  • Relocating large items like furniture or appliances
  • Transferring items from a storage unit to your new home
  • Leaving a shared house situation

If you don’t feel like packing, you can always ask the moving company you hire if they provide that service. It will cost extra money so be prepared to increase your budget if that’s something you need help with.

Planning Your Small Move

Just because you’re not moving a lot of stuff doesn’t mean you can skimp on the preparation. Sure, you might not be dealing with as many items, but you’ll still need to complete all of the tasks like packing, researching NJ moving companies, transferring your utilities, and so on. Like regular moves, you should try to start the process at least a month before your move-out date, so you’re not scrambling a few days before. Nothing is more stressful than having to do a last-minute move, even if it’s small.

 

Timeline for Planning a Small Move

# Timeline Tasks to Complete
1 4–6 Weeks Before Move Research NJ movers, get quotes, and start decluttering.
2 3 Weeks Before Move Gather packing supplies and begin packing non-essential items.
3 2 Weeks Before Move Confirm movers, label boxes, notify utilities, and change addresses.
4 1 Week Before Move Pack essentials, prepare moving day plan, and confirm parking/permits if needed.
5 Moving Day Supervise movers, check inventory, and ensure safe transport of belongings.

 

When planning your move, take into consideration the distance as well. Local moves require less planning and fewer resources than longer ones. You’ll also want to pack your boxes a bit differently to make sure they will survive long transit times. 

To make your small NJ move easier, make sure to follow the steps below:

  1. Declutter – before packing, sort through everything you own and determine if you want to bring it with you to your new home. The less you have, the faster and cheaper your move will be
  2. Pack – pack room by room and category to make unpacking easier. Use good-quality boxes and other materials to ensure the boxes don’t collapse while being loaded and unloaded
  3. Hire professionals – hiring a moving company will make everything a lot easier as you won’t have to deal with the logistics of driving, parking, figuring out traffic, loading and unloading the truck, and so on.
  4. Transfer all necessary information, which includes things like utilities, credit card billing, pet information, child’s transcripts, etc.

Cost of a Small Move

How much a move costs depends on a few factors, but the important ones are distance and how much you are moving. You are typically charged an hourly rate for local moves, and many companies will have at least a two-hour minimum. Naturally, the more stuff you need to move, the longer it will take to load and unload the truck. Still, if you have a couple of extra boxes, it won’t affect your final bill.

 

How to Calculate the Cost of a Small Move

# Factor How It Affects Cost
1 Distance Local moves are hourly; long-distance charged by weight/volume.
2 Weight Heavier items increase labor and transport costs.
3 Volume A larger load may need a bigger truck or multiple trips.
4 Movers Needed More movers increase hourly costs.
5 Packing Services Optional packing adds materials and labor fees.
6 Accessibility Stairs or long walkways can increase labor time.
7 Additional Services Storage, unpacking, or specialty items add extra cost.
8 Time of Year Peak season moves cost more than off-peak.
9 Insurance Full-value coverage may increase total price.

 

On the other hand, if you are making a long-distance move, you will be charged based on the volume and weight of what you are moving. So when you get the actual estimate, it means that the price is exactly what you should be paying at the end. There tends to be a bit of wiggle room when it comes to weight differences, so you can always have a little more or less than without changing the cost. It’s only if you add several boxes or a piece of furniture that the price will change.

Besides that, additional services will increase the cost of your move. That means if you want packing, unpacking, storage, or anything else, you will incur an extra fee on top of the standard move price. It’s a great option if it’s something you can afford and/or need, as you can go through the moving company for everything.

Hire Professional NJ Movers for Your Small Move

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Reach out to NJ Great Movers for all your small moving needs. Our team of dedicated movers provides excellent service at affordable rates. No job is too small for us! When you work with us, you can be sure your belongings will reach their destination with no issues.

FAQ

Do I need to pack everything in boxes for a small move?

Any loose items should be placed in boxes. However, you can get creative and avoid using boxes for everything. For example, leave your clothes in a dresser and use plastic wrap to prevent the drawers from opening during a move. You can do the same for anything with drawers, like cabinets, desks, and entertainment centers.

Is a small move a special service I need to request?

No, a small move is not a special service; it is just a descriptor for the type of move and will largely inform the movers on how many people need to help and the size of the truck they need to bring.

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
Moving Tips

How to Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

4 Tips to Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it’s also expensive. In addition to the money you spent securing your new home, moving comes with its own set of costs. Luckily, there are ways you can bring down the cost of moving, but it will take a bit more planning and effort on your side. Is it worth it? That’s up to you and how much time and energy you have. With that said, the money saved during the move might mean you can splurge on new decor or a nice dinner out once you’re settled in.

If you’re looking to save some money, try out the methods below for your next NJ move.

Declutter and Sell Your Less-Useful Old Items

Decluttering is one of the best ways to save money on your move, especially if you’re using professional NJ movers. After all, the fewer boxes and furniture you have, the less time it will take them to load and unload your belongings from the truck. It also means less time you need to spend packing and wrapping.

Of course, deciding what to get rid of can be difficult, especially if you have an emotional connection to certain items. However, moving is the perfect time to unburden yourself. Take some time to look at everything you own and think about the last time you used that item. If you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it, but there’s someone out there who might get great use out of it.

One of the best ways to make a little extra cash is to have a garage or yard sale. While you won’t recoup the original cost of the item, whatever money you do make from it, you can put towards your moving expenses. If you have items like camera lenses or vintage clothes, you might be able to put these up on eBay for a decent profit.

Of course, there will be items you might not be able to sell. If they’re still in decent condition, you can donate them to your local Goodwill store. While you won’t get any upfront payment, you can write off your donations on your taxes at the end of the year. So make sure you get an itemized receipt after donating! Otherwise, you can post on your local neighborhood Facebook group, letting people know they can take the items away for free. Either way, the goal is to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move.

Consider Self-Packing Everything to Save Money

Sure, hiring professional packers might make your job easier, but it comes at a pretty hefty cost, especially if you do full-service packing. While it might be a time-consuming task, it’s a lot cheaper to pack everything yourself. If the money you save isn’t enough motivation,  then consider this: you can pack your boxes in the way that makes sense to you.

 

Self-Packing vs Professional Packing: Time & Money Breakdown (NJ Rates)

Home size Average packing hours Pro packing cost (per hour / flat rate) DIY time required Total money saved Stress level rating (1–10)
Studio 6–8 hrs $60–$80/hr or $300 flat 10–12 hrs $120–$200 4
1 Bedroom 8–12 hrs $400–$600 flat 14–18 hrs $200–$300 5
2 Bedroom 12–16 hrs $600–$800 flat 20–24 hrs $300–$400 6
3 Bedroom 16–24 hrs $900–$1,200 flat 30–40 hrs $400–$600 7
4 Bedroom 24–32 hrs $1,200–$1,600 flat 45–55 hrs $600–$800 8

 

While professional packers will generally do a good job, sometimes they’ll group items together that don’t necessarily make sense. You have complete control over what item goes into which box. That will make it a lot easier when you need to unpack, as you’ll know exactly where everything is.

If you need extra help, instead of springing for the full-service packing, consider a partial packing option. This allows you to pack the majority of your items while leaving certain rooms to the pros. So maybe you don’t want to deal with packing all the fragile items in the kitchen.

Hire the pros! It’ll save you some time and, while more expensive than packing yourself, will still be cheaper than if they packed everything. Just make sure to ask the movers how much they charge and how long the packing services will take before you agree to this option.

Avoid Buying New Supplies Right Now

The cost of moving supplies adds up quickly – some tape here, bubble wrap there, and all of a sudden, you’ve spent a couple of hundred dollars, and you still need more for the rest of your stuff. While there might be times when you have to buy supplies, there are plenty of ways you can avoid it with a little planning.

Besides hiring movers, the biggest moving expense is the boxes. Thanks to online shopping, almost everyone likely has some empty boxes lying around. Consider asking neighbors, friends, and family members for any boxes they might have. You can also go to your local grocery store or liquor store and see if they have any.

If you work in an office, check with the mailroom to see if they have any empty boxes that they plan on tossing. Chances are, you’ll end up with more boxes than you need. If you don’t have any luck with friends and family, you might be able to find some options online via Facebook, Nextdoor, or Freecycle.

You can also reuse some of your own items for packing. Instead of using bubble wrap, why not wrap fragile items in t-shirts, towels, newspaper, or sheets? They’re an excellent option as they will still protect your valuables without costing any extra money. Just make sure that the movers are extra careful, as you don’t want to deal with broken glass in your clothes!

Hire the Most Affordable NJ Movers

Yes, you can go the DIY move, but doing everything yourself is not just stressful, but can be dangerous! Even if you’ve moved multiple times in your life, you won’t have as much experience as professional movers who move almost every day of the week.

The pros know exactly how to stack the boxes in a truck to avoid damage, navigate tight corridors and corners, and lift heavy items properly. Many people have injured themselves trying to move furniture or even heavy boxes, and there’s nothing worse than having to move with a strained back or ankle.

 

DIY vs Hiring Movers: Risk, Time & Cost Breakdown

Category DIY Cost Pro Movers Cost Injury Risk % Time Required Damage Likelihood %
1-Bedroom Move $120–$260 $350–$650 12–18% 6–10 hours 10–20%
2-Bedroom Move $180–$380 $600–$1,000 18–27% 8–14 hours 20–35%
3-Bedroom Move $250–$550 $900–$1,600 28–36% 12–20 hours 30–45%
Heavy Furniture Move $40–$100 (equipment rental) $150–$300 35–55% 1–3 hours 40–60%
Specialty Items (Piano, Safe, Art) $0–$200 (DIY attempt) $300–$1,200 60–80% 3–6 hours 50–80%

 

There are plenty of NJ movers to choose from, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, chances are they won’t be very professional and could end up damaging your belongings during transport. In the worst-case scenario, they might be a scam and hold your belongings for ransom until you pay a higher fee.

To avoid this, you’ll need to do plenty of research online and by directly calling each company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always look up their Department of Transportation number to make sure they are properly licensed. You should also look up online reviews to see what their customers think. Once you’ve done all that, you should be able to find movers NJ residents trust.

Once you’ve found the right movers, make sure to read the contract carefully. Are there any fees you weren’t expecting? Most local movers charge an hourly rate, which ends up being cheaper than volume pricing. However, if there’s inclement weather or you haven’t finished packing yet, your final price might end up higher than what you expected.

Also, don’t forget to check what kind of insurance and liability options they offer. If you own a lot of valuable items, you might want to get full liability coverage. If the company doesn’t offer it, you can always get a third-party option.

Easily Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

By following these tips, you should be able to save yourself a few hundred dollars. What you do with that money is up to you! These tips only work if you start planning your move at least a month in advance, so make sure to start as soon as possible. When it comes to finding reliable NJ movers, you can always give NJ Great Movers a call for a free quote.

FAQ

How do I get rid of bulky furniture/items?

You should contact your local sanitation department to see if they have specific days for bulk trash removal. Otherwise, you should reach out to junk removers to schedule a pick-up.

How much should I budget for a local move?

The answer varies based on the size of your move and extra services you’d like to add. However, a typical NJ local move costs between $200-$600

Do I need to hire a pro mover or can I DIY?

You should bring on pro movers if you have a lot of heavy furniture or bulky items you need to move. If you only need to move clothes and a few boxes, you can definitely opt for a DIY move.