Tag: Moving Checklist

Categories
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 firsthand 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 backward 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!

 

Recommended Moving Timeline

Timeline Tasks Notes
6–8 Weeks Before Move Research moving companies, request quotes, and book your mover Early booking ensures availability, especially in peak season
4–6 Weeks Before Move Start decluttering, selling, or donating unwanted items Reduces moving load and overall cost
3–4 Weeks Before Move Gather packing supplies and begin packing non-essential items Label boxes by room and contents
2 Weeks Before Move Notify utility companies, update the address, and confirm the moving date Ensures smooth transition of services
1 Week Before Move Pack essentials bag, finalize inventory, and review moving plan with movers The essentials bag includes toiletries, clothes, and important documents
Moving Day Supervise movers, check inventory, and ensure all items are loaded Keep important documents and valuables with you
1–2 Days After Move Unpack essentials, set up utilities, and check for any missing or damaged items Report issues to movers immediately if necessary

 

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 fixed 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 lifting 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!

 

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Movers

Cost Component DIY Move Professional Movers Notes
Truck / Rental $100 – $500 Included DIY requires renting a truck; pros include vehicle
Labor Free (self/friends) $500 – $2,500 Pros handle all loading/unloading
Packing Materials $100 – $300 $150 – $500 Pros often include boxes, tape, and padding
Fuel / Gas $50 – $300 Included DIY requires paying for gas; pros cover this
Insurance / Liability Optional: $50 – $200 Included / Optional Upgrades Pros offer coverage for damaged items
Total Estimated Cost $300 – $1,300 $4,000 – $6,500 Professional movers save time and reduce risk of injury

 

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, and 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 you 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, but 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 them 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.

 

Packing Supplies Checklist

Item Quantity Notes
Moving Boxes 10 Various sizes for clothes, kitchen, and fragile items
Packing Tape 5 rolls Strong tape for sealing boxes securely
Bubble Wrap 3 rolls Protect fragile items like glassware and electronics
Moving Blanket 1 per large furniture piece Prevent scratches and damage during transport

 

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 of 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.

FAQ

Should I move my furniture with me?

Ultimately the decision is up to you. However, the more stuff you bring, the more expensive your bill. Focus on keeping pieces that are in good shape and will last you for many more years to come.

Can I track my moving truck?

Many professional moving companies have a GPS tracker on their trucks. If you’re curious how far away your truck is, call up the company and they can provide accurate location information.

When will my moving truck arrive?

Depending on how far you are moving, your trucks can take between 1-2 weeks to arrive at your new location. If you opted for the consolidated shipping, your items will arrive during a one-week delivery window. For express shipping, you get to choose drop off day so you know exactly when your items will arrive.

Categories
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 of 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.

 

Inventory Checklist by Category

Category Avg. # of Items in a Typical Home Items that Must Be Photographed (#) Items Requiring Serial Numbers (#)
Electronics 25–40 15–25 10–20
Furniture 20–35 10–20 0–2
Clothing & Accessories 150–250 5–10 0
Appliances (Small & Large) 20–30 8–12 5–8
Kitchenware 100–200 10–15 0
Decor & Artwork 30–50 20–30 0
Tools, Outdoor & Garage Items 40–60 10–15 2–5
Personal Documents & Valuables 20–30 20–30 0

 

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 it is 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 buy 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.

 

Moving Insurance Comparison (Cost, Value Limits & Coverage)

Insurance Type Estimated Cost Value Limits Coverage Details
Basic Carrier Liability Included (no extra cost) $0.60 per pound per item Weight-based reimbursement; minimal protection.
Full Value Protection (FVP) $150–$600+ depending on shipment value Coverage for repair, replacement, or cash value Most comprehensive; requires declared item value.
Third-Party Moving Insurance $200–$1,000+ depending on total value $10,000–$50,000+ typical tiers Covers high-value items & exclusions movers don’t cover.

 

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 they get 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. Including 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 houses 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 the 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 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 homes, just in case someone needs to use them.

 

Tipping Guide for Movers (Based on Hours & Crew Size)

Crew Size 2–4 Hour Move 5–8 Hour Move Full-Day Move (8+ Hours)
2 Movers $20–$40 per mover $40–$60 per mover $60–$100+ per mover
3 Movers $15–$30 per mover $30–$50 per mover $50–$80+ per mover
4 Movers $10–$25 per mover $25–$40 per mover $40–$70+ per mover
Large Crews (5+ Movers) $10–$20 per mover $20–$35 per mover $35–$60+ per mover

 

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.

FAQ

Do I need to be present on moving day if I hire professional NJ movers?

Yes, you should be present so you can oversee the process and provide directions, information, and other assistance.

Are there certain items that cannot be put on moving trucks?

Every company is different, so make sure to ask for a list of all items that your movers will not ship. This usually includes things like explosives, perishables, pets and plants, etc.

What happens if I run out supplies in the middle of a move?

When you hire professional movers, every item needs to be boxed up. If there are some items that aren’t in boxes, the movers will generally box them for you. Just know that you will be charged a materials fee for any boxes the crew needs to provide.

Categories
Moving Tips

How to Create a Couple’s Moving Checklist

Moving in Together Checklist

You’ve found ‘the one,’ and now you’re both ready to take it to the next level and move in together. Moving in with your significant other can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many, the benefit of living together means more affordable home costs as they are now splitting rent and utilities. With that said, moving in together can feel overwhelming as you both need to figure out how to merge your belongings together.

One of the best ways to reduce stress during your move is to create a move-in checklist together. This will help streamline your to-dos and prioritize responsibilities. It will also help you assess if you’re making the right decision to move in together.

Figure Out Your Why and Discuss with Your Partner

Before you decide to take the plunge, the first thing you should figure out is the real reason why you’re moving in with your partner. You should ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your lease up, and does moving in together make financial sense?
  • Do you look at moving in together as a prelude to marriage?
  • Are you spending a lot of time at your or your SO’s homes, so it makes sense to downsize?
  • Is this the next logical step to move your relationship forward?

Once you’ve figured out your reason, make sure to discuss this with your partner. Be as open as possible and make sure you’re both on the same page. If you’re the one who wants to move in, make sure you’re not pressuring your partner to accept the terms, especially if they are hesitant. Sure, it might make sense to you, but if they’re not on board with the idea, forcing the issue could lead to resentment.

Once you and your partner have decided to move in together, you’ll want to move on to the next step.

Make a List of Your Belongings for an Easier Move

Living together might sound great on paper, but it can lead to complications, especially when it comes to your belongings. Before you decide to pack everything up and move, you should do the following:

  • Take an inventory of your belongings.
  • Choose items that will stay and what items will be donated, thrown out, or sold. This step might require you or your partner to make some tough choices depending on the moving situation. If you are planning to get an apartment together, both of you will need to get rid of some stuff. However, if you are moving in with your SO or vice versa, the person moving might need to get rid of more than the other person.
  • Declutter your apartments
  • If necessary, get storage for items that won’t fit in your apartment

One of the most important steps that many couples forget to do is carving out personal space for themselves in a shared apartment. If you are moving into your partner’s apartment or vice versa, make sure that you both talk about your personal space requirements and needs. This way, you can make sure you don’t immediately get on each other’s nerves. Living together with someone is completely different from simply dating them, as you will see them 24/7. So those cute quirks could turn into annoying habits when you have to deal with them every day. That’s why it’s so important to have your own space.

 

Belongings Merge Decision Matrix for Couples

Item Category Partner A Items
(Count)		 Partner B Items
(Count)		 Keep / Donate / Sell / Store
(Numeric Code)		 Space Required
(sq ft)		 Emotional Value
(1–10)
Sofas & Seating 1 2 1 (Keep) 35 6
Beds & Mattresses 1 1 3 (Sell) 45 7
Dressers & Storage 2 1 4 (Store) 25 5
Kitchen Appliances 6 8 2 (Donate) 15 4
Home Office Furniture 1 1 1 (Keep) 30 8
Decor & Artwork 12 15 4 (Store) 10 9
Clothing & Shoes 40 55 1 (Keep) 60 7

 

Make sure to communicate often about your wants and needs as well. This is especially important when the two of you have different living habits. Perhaps they are cleaner, while you are more laid-back on that front. This can lead to serious arguments down the line, so make sure to talk about chores and how you can both match each other’s expectations. While chores aren’t fun, it’s important you divide the work as equally as possible so that no one feels like they are doing the bulk of the work. Even if your partner enjoys cooking or cleaning, you should take the initiative and take over these chores at least twice a week.

Figure Out and Compare Where to Live

When deciding where to live, ask yourself one question: Do you want to move into a new apartment? Some couples prefer this option as it feels like a fresh start, and you both have input on important factors such as location, neighborhood, layout, etc. And since a new apartment is a blank slate, you can also choose decor, paint colors, and so on to match both of your aesthetics. It’s also a great way to make sure you both can carve out some space just for yourself.

If you do decide to go for a new apartment, you should talk with your partner and think about your requirements:

  • What neighborhood do you want to live in?
  • What is the maximum time you want to spend on your commute?
  • How much can you both afford when it comes to rent? Also consider what one of you can afford in case you or your partner becomes unemployed
  • What public transportation is nearby?
  • How much space do you both need? Is a one-bedroom large enough, or do you need a two-bedroom so you can have a home office?

When you go apartment hunting, make sure you’re taking both of your requirements into consideration. It might take longer to find something, but it will be worth the wait! Once you find a new place, make sure to include both your names on the lease. If you do break up, it’s better to have both individuals, as the person moving out can show the next landlord that they are responsible renters.

Once you have found your new place, avoid moving drama by hiring trustworthy movers. Moving is stressful as is, so why not make it easier on yourselves by having professionals load and unload your belongings? This way, you can avoid a potential argument on your first day of living together.

Discuss Important Financial Matters Before Your Move

No one likes to talk about money. For many couples, finances are one of the biggest issues in a relationship. Sure, living together doesn’t mean you have to combine your finances, but it does mean you should talk about how to split bills. Unlike a roommate situation, you’re not necessarily splitting things 50/50. While this might be a difficult conversation, it’s important to:

  • Discuss who pays for what
  • Decide how much you’ll each pay for rent and utilities. This might be dependent on your salary. If you are the higher earner in the relationship, you might end up paying more.
  • Figure out which utilities go in whose name
  • Discuss who will pay for day-to-day expenses such as groceries, household supplies, etc.
  • See if it makes sense to create a joint account for household expenses or keep everything separate. Even if you create a joint account, you can still have separate bank accounts, so you each have your own spending cash. The joint account could be used only for household expenses, utilities, and rent.

You should have this discussion before you move in together. That way, you both will know what to expect and have an arrangement in place. It might be uncomfortable, but it’s an important and responsible step to take, as it can prevent resentment in the future.

 

Professional Movers vs DIY Moving Comparison for Couples

Comparison Factor Professional Movers DIY Moving Impact Level
(1–10)
Average Cost ($) $800–$2,500 $300–$900 7
Time Required (Hours) 4–8 10–20 8
Physical Effort Level (1–10) 2 9 9
Risk of Injury or Damage Low High 8
Argument Risk for Couples (1–10) 2 8 9
Convenience Level (1–10) 9 4 8
Best For Large moves, busy couples, stress-free experience Small moves, tight budgets, short distances —

 

Consider the Worst-Case Scenario

The last thing you want to do once you decide to live together is talk about breaking up. However, it’s a conversation that you shouldn’t skip. While it would be great if things go smoothly and you and your partner never split, it’s just as likely that things don’t work out. In fact, around 40 percent of couples split up about five years after they move in together.

It might not be the most romantic topic, but it’s always good to have a plan in place. This plan can include details about handling the expense of breaking the lease, splitting belongings, sublease options, and so on. You might want to think about drafting a cohabitation agreement, which is a legal document that both partners sign to clarify things such as the division of assets and other logistics. Of course, not everything works out perfectly. If the breakup is sudden, you or your partner might not have enough time or money to move out immediately. In these cases, you should consider how much time you will give each other to find a new place, as well as more personal details, such as inviting new partners over when your ex is still living with you.

Hire Professional Movers for a Happy Move

Moving in together is an exciting moment. While it might seem overwhelming, by following these steps, you should be able to make it a bit more manageable. With that said, things don’t always go as planned, but as long as you communicate what you feel and encourage your partner to do the same, you should be able to solve whatever issues come your way. Just be patient with each other and work together.

Whether you plan on moving to a new apartment together or moving into your partner’s place, you can make the actual moving process a lot easier by hiring professional movers. Make sure to get in contact with us for a quote, and we can get you both on your way to your new life together.