Tag: Moving Supplies

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Packing Hacks and Guides

Top 5 Reasons to Hire Packers For Your NJ Move

Top 5 Reasons to Hire Packers For Your NJ Move

Whether you live in a studio apartment or a three-bedroom house, packing your belongings is a time-consuming process. The DIY route requires plenty of planning and prep. You need to purchase all of the packing materials ahead of time, create an inventory of what you are taking with you, and then pack everything. Sure, you could throw everything into some boxes, but then you’ll be faced with a huge mess when it comes time to unpack. More importantly, haphazard packing could lead to damaged items.

If you want to make sure your belongings get packed in an orderly manner, consider hiring professional NJ packers to help with your move. While it will cost you more money than a basic moving package, it’s well worth the money if you can spare it! Below are reasons why hiring a professional packing service might be the right move for you.

It Saves Time

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it’s also a lot of hard work. Regardless of whether you’re making a long-distance or local move, you need to organize the logistics of getting your family from your old place to your new one. Packing is one of the main tasks when it comes to moving, but it’s a time-consuming process. Many people leave it to the last minute, but that leads to more stress since you need to organize, declutter, create an inventory, and then pack everything. Even if you start a few weeks in advance, that’s weeks of having your home in a partially packed state.

 

Packing Time Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Packers

Home Size DIY Packing Time Professional Packing Time
Studio Apartment 10–15 hours 2–4 hours
1 Bedroom 15–25 hours 3–5 hours
2 Bedroom 25–40 hours 4–7 hours
3 Bedroom 40–60 hours 6–10 hours
4 Bedroom 60–80+ hours 8–14 hours

 

When you hire NJ packers, they can pack everything in your house in a day or less. After all, it’s what they do every day, so it’s no surprise that they’re efficient. Not only that, but they will bring their own supplies, so you don’t have to worry about buying boxes. They’ll handle everything for you and pack everything in an organized manner, and label each box. That way, when you have to unpack, you know exactly where everything is.

Less Stress

Packing for a move affects your schedule and can seriously affect your mental health. No one likes being in a half-packed house with partially filled boxes everywhere. It’s distracting and dangerous, as you could easily trip over a box or accidentally knock one over. But not everyone can dedicate hours to packing. Some people might just be able to spend an hour or less putting things away. 

Hiring packers can help reduce moving clutter and gives you the opportunity to focus on other moving-related tasks. And if you need to immediately get to work after your move, consider adding on an unpacking service so you can jump into your daily routine immediately.

Your Belongings are Protected

All professional movers and packers have to have the appropriate licenses and insurance. Believe it or not, professional NJ packers are very careful with your belongings. In fact, they might be more careful than you! On top of that, they all have the appropriate training and years of experience, so they know how to pack your things safely and efficiently. That leads to fewer mistakes and issues. 

In order to be a registered professional mover, all moving companies need to provide free partial valuation, which covers your belongings up to $0.60 per pound per item for free. They also need to offer full valuation coverage, though this is a paid service. The catch here is that you will only receive compensation if the damaged items were packed by the movers. Boxes packed by you will not be reimbursed unless you can prove that the damages were the fault of the movers. So if you have a lot of fragile and expensive items, definitely hire packers to handle them.

It Can Save Money

It might seem counterintuitive, but hiring packers can actually save you money. You might think that you can find enough free boxes from friends and family, but chances are you’ll still need to go out and buy them. Plus, old boxes aren’t sturdy enough to hold your valuable items either! And remember, if there’s an issue with your packing or if your boxes fall apart during the move, then the movers can contest any claims you might put in for the valuation, as they did not pack your items.

 

DIY Packing Costs vs. Professional Packing Costs

Item / Service Estimated DIY Cost Included With Professional Packers?
Small/Medium/Large Boxes (20–40 units) $60–$120 ✔ Included
Wardrobe Boxes (2–4 units) $30–$60 ✔ Included
Packing Tape (4–8 rolls) $12–$25 ✔ Included
Bubble Wrap (50–100 ft) $15–$30 ✔ Included
Packing Paper (5–10 lbs) $10–$20 ✔ Included
Furniture Pads & Wrap $20–$50 ✔ Included
Total Estimated DIY Cost $150–$300+ —
Average Cost of Professional Packers (Partial or Full) $200–$600+ ✔ Supplies Included

 

Besides boxes, you’ll also need to purchase other supplies like packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and so on. This can easily bump your budget up a few hundred dollars. While hiring professional packers might cost you more than a couple of hundred bucks, the amount of time and stress you’ll save yourself is well worth the money. And, again, your valuables are protected should anything happen during the move.

Partial Packing

If a full-service packing option is too much for your budget, then ask the moving company if they offer partial packing services. It’s a more affordable option that still takes a lot of the stress off your hands because you don’t have to pack everything yourself. Instead, you’ll be responsible only for the things you want to pack while the pros handle everything else. You can break the service down by room or area, or even items. Whatever you decide, let the movers know and they’ll provide you with a quote. Naturally, you’ll have to pack the rest yourself, so make sure you have all the necessary boxes and materials.

Hire Pro NJ Packers

Getting pros to pack your things doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many people are surprised at how affordable it can be, especially for the partial packing option. Plus, you get more time to relax and focus on other aspects of moving. Let NJ Great Movers take care of your next move. We offer full and partial packing services for both local and long-distance moves. Give us a call and let us know what you need.

FAQ

How much does full service packing cost?

It depends on how much you are bringing with you. For a 3-bedroom house you can expect to pay around $2,000 while a studio bedroom might cost you only $500.

What can I expect from a packing service?

When you hire professional packers you can expect only the fast and efficient packing, excellent customer service, and high quality packing materials.

Categories
Moving Tips

Sustainable Moving: 7 Tips for an Eco-Friendly NJ Relocation

Sustainable Moving 7 Tips for an Eco-Friendly NJ Relocation

Moving to your new NJ home might be exciting, but there’s also a lot of waste that goes into the process. You’ll often purchase one-time use items, and, considering the average American moves 11.7 times in their life, that ends up being a lot of waste. Even if you manage to recycle things like boxes or bubble wrap, it’s not always the best option for the environment. If you remember the three R’s initiative, recycle is the last R, with reduce and reuse before it.

Luckily, it’s fairly simple to reduce your carbon footprint for your next NJ move. Just follow the eco-friendly tips below!

Use Your Own Containers Instead of Buying New Ones

Sure, you’ll probably need to buy some boxes, but chances are you have plenty of potential containers you can use on hand. If you’re hiring professional NJ movers, you will have to properly pack everything you own, either in boxes or plastic bins. However, if you’re going the DIY route, you have more flexibility when it comes to types of containers. Some options include:

  • Plastic bins
  • Suitcases
  • Gym or duffel bags
  • Trash bags
  • Reusable grocery totes

And more. If you can fit multiple items inside of it, then use it! Of course, you don’t want to just throw any and everything into random containers. You should still keep your belongings organized and pack up items by room and use. So if you’re packing up your bathroom, you can use a small grocery bag or tote to store all the items under your sink. Have small containers for your food? Use these to hold small items like hair accessories, jewelry, makeup brushes, etc. The more of your own containers you can use, the more you can avoid purchasing boxes.

Don’t Buy New Cardboard Boxes

Online shopping has replaced in-person shopping for a lot of people. While it’s not the most sustainable shopping option, it’s perfect if you have an impending move. After all, your shipped items will likely come in boxes, which you can then reuse for your move. Of course, you don’t want to hold onto boxes forever, so only start collecting once you have firmed up your move date. One of the benefits of cardboard boxes over plastic bins is that you can easily break them down for easy storage around your house or apartment.

You don’t need to keep every box. Obviously, get rid of any that are ripped or in bad condition. From there, keep the ones that will hold a decent amount of items. Yes, you can keep the smaller boxes if you like, but it might be more trouble than it’s worth to properly pack everything and tape these up.

If you’re not able to save enough boxes on your own, don’t buy new ones! Instead, look for used ones. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they saved any from previous moves or packages. Did any neighbors move in recently? See if they have any leftover boxes. The worst they can say is no! You should also reach out to your local grocery and liquor stores, as they will often have leftover boxes from their shipments. The best part is that those boxes are meant to handle heavy items, so they’re sturdier than your standard online shopping boxes.

Once your move is complete, pass the favor forward and see if there’s anywhere in your new neighborhood that needs boxes. If no one takes you up on the offer, make sure to recycle!

Use Plastic Bins That Are Reusable

Don’t want to deal with assembling and breaking down cardboard boxes? Then why not rent plastic bins? Ask your moving company if they offer this service. If they do, then consider renting some out to fill in the gaps for whatever items you might still need to pack. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is eco-friendly. After all, the plastic bins can be reused for many years to come, so long as they don’t get damaged. On top of that, the bins come with a hard plastic snap top, which means you don’t need to worry about tape. Plus, the plastic construction also means it is water and dust-proof!

 

Rental Plastic Bins: Cost, Environmental Impact & Timeline Comparison

Rental Company Cost per Week Number of Uses (Est.) Delivery Timeline (Days) Water/Dust Resistance Return Deadline (Days) Environmental Savings per Bin
BinGo Rentals $25–$40 200–400 uses 1–2 days High (Sealed lid) 7–10 days Reduces 5–10 cardboard boxes
EcoBox NJ $30–$45 300–500 uses Same-day or 24 hrs Very High (IP55 rated) 10–14 days Saves 7–12 cardboard boxes
GreenBins USA $20–$35 150–300 uses 2–3 days Medium (Snap-on lid) 5–7 days Saves 4–8 cardboard boxes
Rent-A-Tote $28–$42 250–350 uses 1–2 days High (Weather-resistant) 7–10 days Saves 6–10 cardboard boxes

 

Before you decide to pack everything into these rented plastic bins, you should consider the downsides:

  • It’s expensive – the price goes up the more bins you rent out and the longer you rent them
  • You can’t pack your items until the bins are delivered – most moving companies will deliver the bins 2-3 days before the day of the move, so you’ll have to rush to pack
  • You have to return the bins – it should go without saying, but renting a bin means you need to return them to the NJ moving company you used. While the movers will pick it up themselves, this means that you have to unpack your items ASAP, so you don’t get charged additional fees

Still, plastic bins are a great option if you only need a few boxes to fit your remaining belongings. And while they might be plastic, they can be reused hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

Take Only What You Need

The easiest way to make your NJ move greener is to move less stuff. Fewer belongings means less weight in the moving truck AND fewer moving supplies you need to get. Plus, why bring a bunch of stuff you don’t use to your new home? You’re starting in a new home, so why not get rid of items that no longer fit your needs?

Decluttering might sound simple, but it’s not always easy, especially if you’re someone who tends to hang onto things “just in case.” But ask yourself, how often do those situations actually happen? Put aside a few days a month or so before your move to go through every single item you own. That includes little things like pens, hair clips, etc. Separate into three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, Throw out. Your throw-out pile should be the easiest to start with, as you can get rid of broken and/or severely damaged items.

When it comes to deciding what to keep and what to donate, it’s a bit harder. Ideally, you should donate anything that you haven’t used in the past year that is still in good condition. Of course, things like holiday decorations or family heirlooms may fall into this column, but you’re better off leaving sentimental items for last. Instead, focus on things like clothes, shoes, appliances, and so on. Do you really need that many shoes and ties? If you’re able to whittle down your belongings by half, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and energy packing. Plus, you can sell any items that are in good condition at a garage sale for some quick and easy cash.

Find Out Creative and Interesting Ideas with Packing Materials

You don’t always want to skimp on packing materials, especially for things like tape and bubble wrap for expensive, delicate items. However, you can get away with using household items for almost everything else.

  • Glassware – fill the inside with paper and wrap the outside in clean socks
  • Plates and bowls – wrap these with old newspapers, pillowcases, or magazines
  • Knives – if you don’t have a knife block, you can use old newspapers or pieces of cardboard taped together to protect the blade. After that, you can wrap with an additional layer of a dishcloth or an old t-shirt
  • Beauty products – put them away in a small plastic container or plastic bag. For things like lotion, tape the lids shut so they don’t accidentally open during the move.

In order to pack your boxes properly, you will also need to fill in any gaps/empty spaces to prevent jostling during your move. So if you have half-filled boxes, fill up the space with dishrags, bedding, towels, etc.

Focus on Choosing Eco-Friendly Packing Supplies

As more people express concern for the environment, more companies are offering sustainable options, and that goes for the packaging industry. Obviously, cardboard boxes are recyclable, but did you know you can also get eco-friendly versions of almost every supply out there? The issue, of course, is cost. Sustainable options tend to be much more expensive than standard options. Still, if having an eco-friendly relocation is important to you, then the extra cost might be worth it for your own peace of mind.

Almost everything nowadays can be replaced by greener products, including:

  • Packing peanuts – you can look for biodegradable options made from corn, wheat, or potato starch. They dissolve in water, so you can even throw them into the compost pile after you are done, and they are non-toxic to pets and humans
  • Bubble wrap – opt for paper bubble wrap instead of plastic. Paper options are recyclable and biodegradable, making it a perfect option. There is also plastic bubble wrap made from recycled materials, and it is, of course, 100% recyclable.
  • Packing tape – your standard plastic tape is not only not recyclable, but you will also have to remove it from all of your boxes in order to recycle the boxes. There are luckily, paper-based tapes are available on the market that use a natural water-activated adhesive. Plus, it’s recyclable!

Find an Eco-Friendly New Jersey Moving Company

If you’re hiring professional movers to do the work for you, you can still make your move a green one. Even if they don’t have an electric fleet, professional movers are much more efficient than the average person. Not only can they quickly load and unload all of our belongings, but they also know the fastest route between your two homes, especially if you’re hiring local movers. That means less gas wasted in traffic or trying to find a parking spot. And if you hire them to pack your stuff, they also know how to pack more efficiently. After all, they do this on a daily basis and receive training! You can also ask potential moving companies during your research phase what their sustainable practices are, if any.

 

Carbon Footprint Comparison: Traditional Move vs Eco-Friendly Move (NJ)

Move Type Avg. CO₂ Emissions (lbs/hour) Miles Traveled (Local NJ) Fuel Consumption (Gallons Used) % Emissions Reduction Cost Difference (+/-)
Traditional Truck 40–70 lbs 10–40 miles 3–6 gallons 0% (Baseline) Base Rate
Fuel-Efficient Truck 25–40 lbs 10–40 miles 2–4 gallons 35–45% Reduction +$10 to +$30
EV Truck (Local Moves) 0 Tailpipe Emissions 10–30 miles (optimal range) 0 gallons (Electric only) 95–100% Reduction +$20 to +$60

 

If you plan on renting a truck or van, research its emissions rating. Some companies even rent out electric trucks and vans as part of their fleet. Obviously, the range of an EV vehicle will be limited, so it’s more suited to moves in the same neighborhood rather than 3-4 hours away.

Make Your NJ Move a Green One!

A sustainable move doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does require some planning and coordination. And being eco-friendly doesn’t stop at the move! If you’re trying to lead a more sustainable life, think of ways you can make your new house more eco-friendly. That might mean investing in energy-efficient appliances, installing LED lights, sealing any air cracks, getting curtains for your rooms, and more. All of these little things can help the environment and your wallet.

If you need some help finding the right materials or suggestions on packing, make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call. We’ll provide guidance every step of the way.

FAQ

How can I dispose of hazardous materials in an environmentally friendly way?

It depends on the type of materials you are disposing of. For cleaning products, your best bet is to either use them up or give them away. If you can’t do either, read the label, as that should provide proper instructions. For batteries, go to places like Home Depot or Best Buy to drop them off. If you are recycling electronics with lithium ion batteries, you can also drop these off at Best Buy, but you can also contact your local sanitation department as they often have tech disposal days.

What should I do with furniture I don’t plan on bringing with me?

If the furniture is in good shape consider selling or donating it. You can also let the movers know that they can take it, and they might either bring it home with them or fix it up and flip it. Otherwise, contact the local sanitation department and let them know you have a bulk disposal.

Are there places where I can recycle damaged/ripped clothes?

It depends on where you live. If you live close to larger cities, there are some services that will take your old clothes and recycle them for you. Do a Google search for textile recycling near you to see if there’s anything similar.

Categories
Moving Tips

Quick Survival Tips for Moving Over the Holidays

Survival Tips for Moving Over the Holidays

The last thing you want to do during the holidays is move house, but sometimes it’s inevitable. What should be the most wonderful time of the year quickly becomes the most stressful time of the year. While it’s not ideal, there are tips for moving you can follow to make your move easier over the holiday season.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Prepare

If there’s one thing you don’t want to do, it’s wait until the last minute to move. That’s true whether you’re moving during the holidays or not. However, the stress ramps up even more when you’re dealing with the holiday season. Not only do you have to worry about all the intricacies of moving, but you also have to deal with holiday events and planning.

 

Holiday Move Preparation Timeline

Task Recommended Start Date (Weeks Before Move) Recommended Completion Date Estimated Hours to Complete Priority Level
Decluttering 6 weeks 4 weeks 10–20 hrs High
Hiring Movers 6 weeks 5 weeks 2–5 hrs High
Packing Non-Essentials 5 weeks 2 weeks 15–25 hrs Medium
Holiday Cards (with Change of Address) 4 weeks 3 weeks 3–6 hrs Medium
School Transfers (Kids) 4–5 weeks Before holiday break 5–10 hrs High
Packing Holiday Decorations 3 weeks 1 week 2–4 hrs Low
Packing Essentials 1 week 2–3 days before move 4–8 hrs High
Utility Setup (New Home) 2 weeks 1 week 1–2 hrs High
Weather Prep (Car + Gear) 2–3 weeks 1 week 2–3 hrs Medium
Final Cleaning & Trash Removal 1 week Moving day 3–6 hrs Medium

 

Normally, you would want to give yourself at least a month to organize your move, but you might want to bump that up to six weeks or more. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to declutter, pack, and find professional NJ movers.

Include a Change of Address on All Your Cards

Whether you’re sending out digital or physical holiday cards, you can use the cards to serve a dual purpose by also announcing your address change. Of course, that all depends on whether you know your new address or not! If you don’t have one yet, it’s still a good idea to mention that you’ll be in a new place over the holiday season. That way, your friends and family members can wait to send out their own holiday greeting cards.

Speaking of holiday cards, make sure to let friends and family know to save the gifts until after you have moved! That way, you’ll have less stuff to move. If you do end up getting presents before then, keep everything in its original packaging until you’re in your new home.

Plan an Amazing Outdoor Gathering Before the Move

There’s no reason to skip the holidays entirely. You’ll need some time to relax and celebrate with friends and family. With that said, you might need to scale back a bit or, at the very least, reconsider the venue. It might not be possible to have your entire family over to your home since you’ll probably be in the middle of packing. Try to get someone else in your family to host for this year, and then host the next one at your new place.

Even if you don’t have a big family gathering, you should still set expectations for your partner and/or children. Let them know that you’re going to pack most of the holiday decorations and that they can pick one or two ornaments to keep out to put on the tree. Even with minimal decor, you can still make your house festive with a few simple items like a wreath, some lights, and a small tree. When packing your holiday decorations, make sure to pack them separately from the rest of your belongings and label them accordingly.

Take Advantage of Holiday Sales to Buy Moving Essentials

While there are a lot of benefits to moving during the holidays, one of the few advantages you can get is the amazing post-holiday sales. You can save quite a bit of money by scouring online and in-person at stores for some amazing deals. Sure, it might not be as fun as scoring a $50 flatscreen TV, but it’s better than spending full price on boxes and packing tape! Not all stores will have discounts on these items, so do your research ahead of time. Or, if you don’t want to deal with the lines and throngs of people, go online. You’ll have several opportunities to save money. If nothing else, there will be a lot of shipping boxes you can pick up from friends and family for free!

Ask for a Holiday Discount

Not too many move during the holiday season for a variety of reasons, so most moving companies will be more open to giving some discounts. With that said, most won’t give you one automatically. In order to get this discount, make sure to book your moving company early on and also ask for a discount. You’ll probably be able to shave off a couple of hundred dollars from the total. Plus, since there aren’t as many people moving during this time, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to choosing your move date.

Consider the Weather

Unfortunately, you can’t control the weather on moving day. If you’re relocating to or from colder parts of the US, you should be prepared for cold temperatures as well as icy roads, snow, and more. The holiday season can usher in some very dangerous weather conditions, which can make it challenging to move. While reliable movers should have experience working in a variety of weather conditions, you should take steps to protect your belongings. That means:

  • Placing electronics in weather-sealed bags and/or weather-proof plastic bins
  • Using sturdy moving boxes
  • Wrapping furniture in plastic wrap
  • Placing your mattress inside a mattress protector

Don’t forget that you need to prepare yourself for inclement weather. Make sure to wear warm clothes during the move, as well as a pair of waterproof boots and gloves. While you’re at it, winterize your car by changing to snow tires, changing your oil and antifreeze, fixing your heater, and replacing your battery if necessary. It might cost you some money upfront, but you’ll be glad you spent it once the colder weather comes.

 

Weather Impact on Holiday Moves

Weather Condition Risk Level Recommended Precautions Probability of Delays (%) Additional Cost Estimate ($)
Snow High Weatherproof boxes, wrap furniture, insulated clothing, check tires 35–55% $40–$120
Ice High Use salt/grit, plastic bins, winter boots, and winterize the vehicle 50–70% $60–$150
Rain Medium Waterproof covers, seal electronics, wear water-resistant clothing 20–40% $20–$75
Cold Temperatures Medium Protect electronics, use thermal blankets, gloves/boots, and a warm vehicle 10–20% $10–$50
Blizzards Very High Delay move, secure sensitive items, wear full winter gear, emergency kit 70–95% $80–$200+

 

And don’t forget to turn on the utilities in your new home! You don’t want to be freezing when you move, so make sure to call to get these turned on the day of your move. On the same note, turn off your utilities at your old place, so you’re not wasting any extra money.

Transfer Your Kids to a New School

If you have kids, then moving with kids during the holiday season means you’re uprooting them in the middle of the school year. Before you move, make sure all of the important documents and school records are transferred to the new school before they start. That means transcripts, report cards, immunization records, any academic testing, and other files and records. Try to get this done before the holidays, as the administration department will likely be on holiday for the last week of December. Call the new school to make sure they have received everything, and if anything else is required.

While moving in the middle of the school year isn’t ideal, there are some benefits. In many cases, the teacher might give your child more attention to make sure they’re caught up or understand the current material. If your child was struggling at their previous school, this is a great opportunity to get them up to speed. As well, it’s a fresh start for children who might not have liked the kids at their old school to make new friends.

Don’t Stress During Your Holiday Move

Which one is more stressful: moving or spending time with family during the holidays? While we can’t do anything about your family, we can make your move a lot easier! Once you’re ready to move into your new place, give us a call, and we can walk you through the process. After that, sit back and enjoy the holidays in your new home!

FAQ

Do moving companies work on holidays?

You should definitely ask the moving company you choose, but most places work 24/7!

What happens to my move if there’s a bad blizzard or ice storm?

It depends on how bad the storm is, but if you’re worried about it, call and confirm with the moving company. Unless it’s a very serious storm, chances are they will move you.

What happens if the moving truck gets in an accident?

The movers should call you directly and let you know about the accident as well as the new estimated time of arrival. If it’s a bad accident, you might have to wait another day or two for your things to arrive. When you do get your things, make sure to check that everything is there and in one piece before signing off on the bill of lading!