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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.

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Moving Tips

Handy Post-Move Guide Your First Week in Your New NJ Home

Handy Post-Move Guide Your First Week in Your New NJ Home

Whether it’s your first home or your third, moving into a new place is both exciting and stressful. All the tasks that lead up to moving day can be overwhelming, but the process doesn’t end when all of your boxes are brought into your new place. In fact, the settling in process can sometimes take just as long and be as stressful as the move itself if you don’t have a plan in place.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can simplify the process so long as you have a checklist and/or guide in place to help prioritize your tasks. It doesn’t matter if you’re downsizing or upgrading your home, these steps can make the week after a move more manageable.

Check All Your Boxes

Hopefully, you planned your move out and created a detailed inventory of all everything you’re bringing with you…right? If you didn’t, you should still have a general idea of how many boxes you packed and their contents. Of course, it’s better to have a full inventory of everything, especially if you hire professional movers. That way you can keep track of everything and immediately see if anything is missing or damaged. Ideally, everything should get from one place to another in one piece, but there’s always the chance that something happens along the way.

Your first order of business is to make sure all of the boxes are accounted for. If something is missing, notify the crew immediately and check the truck together to make sure it was unloaded. Once the movers leave, inspect the boxes for visual damage or other signs of mistreatment. Make sure you also check the contents of the box for broken or damaged goods and then note damage any you notice. You can then reach out to the NJ movers to resolve the situation. The best part is that even if you didn’t opt for moving insurance, you can still receive some compensation as your belongings are automatically insured $0.60 per item per pound. It’s not much, so if you’re moving a lot of high value it1ems, it’s worth it to pay extra for moving insurance.

Turn on Your Utilities

You really don’t want to be without water or electricity for any amount of time. The best time to have scheduled this task was before you moved into your new place. That way you would already have electricity and running water by the time you arrived. But if you haven’t done it, don’t delay. Call up your power and water providers as soon as possible and have it turned off. If you also have a gas connection, make sure to call your gas provider. In some cases, your electricity and gas provider might be the same company.

Once you have the main utilities turned on, you can then get your internet and/or cable provider up and running. You often cannot get these activated until you move into your new home since a tech has to do the installation. Make sure to set aside your whole day for the process as even when you receive a window of time, the tech might come earlier or later than expected.

Clean Your House (Or Hire a Cleaning Service)

Even if the previous owners of your NJ home cleaned before they moved out, it’s still a good idea to give your new place a deep cleaning. After all, you and the NJ movers will have tracked in a lot of dirt and debris while they’re unloading the truck. Before you unpack all your boxes, your first order of business is to find your cleaning supplies and give everything a good wipedown. 

If you don’t have the time or energy to clean yourself, hire a cleaning service! It is an extra cost, but they will have professional equipment and cleaning solutions to really get your new house squeaky clean. Make sure they pay special attention to things like the bathroom, cabinets, drawers, shelves, baseboards, etc. There’s nothing quite like a freshly cleaned house to improve your mood.

This is also a great opportunity to inspect your house for any issues like water damage, leaky pipes, pest infestations, doors that don’t close right, etc. Make a note of any issues you find and then do some research to find a great plumber, electrician, exterminator, or handyman to help you fix it as soon as possible.

Locate All the Shut-Off Valves

It’s fundamental that you know exactly where the shut-off valves are located now so that if you need to turn anything off, you’re not scrambling to find it in the future. Different houses will have different layouts and placements, but you should have shut-off valves for water and electricity. If you have a gas stove, there will also be a valve for your gas. 

Each line should have a few separate valves so locate them all. For example, your toilet will have a separate valve from your kitchen sink. On the other hand, you’ll have a circuit breaker for your electricity that should have multiple switches. Check each of the switches and label them once you figure out which room/area they cover. If your breaker trips in one room, you’ll know exactly which one to turn on to get the power back.

Unpack Essentials

You might want to just relax once you’ve made it to your new home, but you should absolutely start unpacking essential items as soon as possible. Focus on the bedroom and bathroom if you only want to do the bare minimum. For your bedroom, assemble your bed if necessary and unpack your bedding so you can prepare your bed for the night ahead. You should also take out your clothes for the next day so you don’t have to rifle through your overnight bag.

After that, unpack your bathroom box and take out the shower curtain, towels, and any toiletries you might need. There’s nothing quite like a warm shower after a hard day’s work to wash away your stress. Of course, you also want to have a roll of toilet paper ready, some hand soap, and a plunger, just in case.

If you have more energy, unpack your kitchen boxes. You don’t have to cook on moving day, but it is nice to have a home cooked meal the first week in your new New Jersey home. There’s no need to unpack everything, but you should take out a pan, a pot, some dishes, silverware, and a chef’s knife. You might also want to unpack a few of your favorite snacks and drinks (especially your favorite coffee).

Childproof Your Home

Babies and toddlers love to get into everything and they don’t really know what items are dangerous and what are not. To prevent them from potentially hurting themselves you will need to go through and childproof your new home. This is a series of steps to identify typical household hazards and eliminate the potential threats.

Start your child proofing process in the room your child will spend most of their time. This will likely be the nursery. Leave two items in the crib – your baby and a fitted mattress sheet. From there, secure the changing table so it doesn’t accidentally tip over, cover up any electrical outlets, and add cordless blinds and window guards.

After that, move on to the other rooms and make sure all electrical outlets within their reach are covered and have childproof locks on cabinets or closets that might contain cleaning supplies or other chemicals. If your child likes putting everything into their mouth, block off areas that have small items like nails, screws, plastic bits, etc.

Finish Unpacking

Once you have all the pressing tasks completed, take your time and finish unpacking. Much like packing, unpacking can be done in stages so take your time. Go by room and unpack boxes that have somewhat important items in them and work your way to least important/decorative. 

You can get the job done quickly by hiring professional unpackers , but it will cost you money. Your next best bet is to invite friends and family over for an unpacking party. That way you can chat, share memories, enjoy some food and drink, all while getting the job done. Of course, the second way will take longer, but it will be a lot more fun for you and your family!

Recycle Your Packing Materials

Unpacking will leave you with plenty of materials you won’t need. Many boxes will be in such bad shape that you won’t be able to reuse them. Regardless of the shape these boxes are in, you will need to break them all down so they are flat either for recycling or storage. You should only keep boxes that are in good shape and only if you believe you will be using them in the near future. Otherwise, consider reselling them on sites like Facebook or Nextdoor or, if you notice someone moving in your neighborhood, offer your boxes to them. 

Besides boxes, you’ll also have a glut of other supplies like bubble wrap, packing paper, newspapers, and so on. These can come in handy in the future, so hold on to the ones that are still in good condition. You can hang on to these for the next time you move or even have them on hand if you have plans on buying fragile items from a local store.

Greet Your Neighbors

You’re the new kid on the block so once you’ve settled in, you should take some time to get to know your neighbors. Not only is it good manners, it can also help you start your relationship with your neighbors on the right foot. Make sure to bring everyone in your family if you can. Even if your kids are a bit shy, it’s good for people to know what to expect. These first introductions don’t have to be long!

Once you have done the initial introduction, consider having a housewarming party and inviting your neighbors. That way, you can get to speak with them in a more relaxed environment. And if they have children that are similar in age to your own, invite them over as well so your kids can potentially make some new friends.

Enjoy Your New Home

Finally, make sure to enjoy settling into your new home! Take advantage of whatever features it has that you might not have had at your old place whether that’s a beautiful backyard, a larger kitchen, more space, whatever! And don’t forget to decorate your new place to fit your style. Paint your walls, pick some nice curtains or throw pillows for the living room, and choose some artwork!

Are you making a move to a new place in New Jersey? Then give NJ Great Movers a call! We can help with every aspect of the move including unpacking. Just let us know what you need and we’ll walk you through the process.