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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’ve moving during peak season which is from May through September. 

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 its members their opinion on various moving companies. When checking online reviews, take it 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 matches 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 like if you need them to navigate stairs or other things like dealing with building management. These could add to the estimate.

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 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.

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How To

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

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.