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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, the 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.

 

NJ Movers: Trusted Recommendation Sources

Recommendation Source Tips / Notes
Friends, Neighbors, Coworkers Trusted advice with zero hidden motives
Online Reviews (Google, Yelp, Social Media) Check multiple platforms and watch for fake reviews
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Look for complaints and company responsiveness
Department of Transportation (DOT) Check licensing, complaints, and registration status

 

If no one you know has moved recently, then your next best bet is to go online 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 numbers 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. 

 

NJ Movers: Services & Location Comparison

Company Name Services Included Additional Free Services Location/Distance Impact Estimated Cost Impact
NJ Quick Movers Transport, Loading/Unloading None Local (within 20 miles) Low – hourly rates apply
Reliable Movers NJ Full packing & unpacking, Transport Wardrobe boxes, Furniture disassembly Local (within 15 miles) Moderate – includes extras
Budget NJ Movers Transport only None Within 30 miles Low to Moderate – depends on travel time
Full Service Movers NJ Packing, Unpacking, Transport Wardrobe boxes, Disassembly/Reassembly, Bubble wrap Local or short-distance Higher – premium full-service
Express Movers NJ Transport, Partial packing Boxes for fragile items Within 25 miles Moderate – depends on services used

 

If you’re moving locally, make sure to find a moving company that is close to your old and new homes. 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 time to the move. Plus, many companies won’t disassemble more complex furniture like Murphy beds.

 

DIY vs Professional Moving Costs

Move Type Avg Cost DIY Avg Cost Pro Pros Cons
Studio Apartment Local Move $50 – $150 $300 – $500 Cheapest option, full control Time-consuming, physically demanding
1-Bedroom Apartment Local Move $80 – $200 $400 – $700 Save money, flexible schedule Risk of injury, need for help loading/unloading
2-Bedroom Apartment Local Move $120 – $300 $600 – $1,000 Budget-friendly Heavy lifting, multiple trips possible
3-Bedroom House Local Move $200 – $400 $900 – $1,500 Affordable for a small budget Requires a large truck, lots of labor
Studio/1-Bedroom Long-Distance Move $300 – $600 $1,200 – $2,000 Lower cost if you pack/load yourself Stressful, travel logistics, higher risk of damage
2-Bedroom Long-Distance Move $500 – $1,000 $1,800 – $3,000 Cost-effective if moving minimal items Can take multiple days, heavy lifting, and need insurance
3-Bedroom Long-Distance Move $800 – $1,500 $2,500 – $4,500 Significant savings if DIY Very time-consuming, high physical effort, risk of damage

 

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 them on your own. Instead, find ways to procure the supplies for free or at least cheaply. 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. 

FAQ

What if I have no money saved up?

You can’t hire professional movers for free, but you might be able to find some grants or other opportunities if you match certain state criteria. Look up your local state moving grants to see if you qualify. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a way to raise money! That might mean selling a lot of your things in a yard/garage sale, taking on some gig work for a few weeks, or drastically cutting your budget.

Do I need to tip movers?

While it’s not required, it’s always a good idea to tip movers who do a good job. In general, you should tip 15-20% of the total bill.

Would a DIY move be cheaper?

For the most part, yes, a DIY move would be cheaper, and it’s a great option if you only have a handful of boxes to move. Renting a truck can be as cheap as $50 versus the $200 for a professional moving company. However, a DIY move might not be a great option if you’re moving a lot of heavy items, since you could injure yourself trying to get them in and out of the truck. But, the choice is always yours!

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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 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.

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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 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.