Tag: NJ Great Movers

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Packing Hacks and Guides

DIY Packing or Hiring a Professional for your NJ Move Pros and Cons

DIY Packing or Hiring a Professional for your NJ Move Pros and Cons

If there’s one moving task that everyone hates, it’s packing. It is, of course, the most important and primary part of the moving process. Depending on a number of factors, it can affect how smoothly your relocation goes. A big decision you’ll need to consider, especially if you hire NJ movers, is whether you want to pack yourself or pay for the extra packing services to have a pro handle it for you. Below are some pros and cons of both options to help you decide which one works best for your needs and budget.

Different Packing Services

One of the reasons a lot of people forego the professional packing route is because of the costs. While it is certainly more expensive than going the DIY route, hiring professional NJ packers isn’t something only the rich can afford. In fact, many NJ moving companies offer two different packing service options: partial and full.

If you don’t have a huge moving budget, but still want a bit of help with packing, then partial packing might be your best bet. You can direct the movers to a specific room or area that you want them to pack while you do the rest. Since they will be packing it for you, consider using this service for packing fragile items to make sure they get to your new home in one piece. And the best part is that if the movers pack it themselves, they are liable for any damage to those fragile items. Also, many companies will also offer unpacking services if you have already hired them to pack your things. This can make settling in a lot easier.

On the other hand, if you don’t have the time and money is no issue, then full packing might be your best bet. In this case, the movers will do everything for you, including bringing their own packing supplies. All you need to do is be present and provide feedback if the moving crew has any questions.

Pros of Hiring Professional Packers

When you hire a professional moving company, adding on the packing service might seem like a great idea. After all, you are already spending money on a move, what’s another couple of hundred, depending on if you go with full or partial packing. Plus, entrusting professionals to handle the process means less stress and more free time for you. Besides that, some other benefits include:

  • Expertise – trained professionals use proper packing techniques, which will reduce the chances of your belongings getting damaged during the move. They also provide all of the packing materials so you don’t have to worry about it.
  • Efficiency – the professionals pack things on a daily basis so they know exactly where to place items and fit as much as possible in a box without overstuffing it.
  • Time savings – Packing is the most time-consuming task on the moving checklist. If you don’t have the time or perhaps have limited mobility, then adding a packing service to your move will allow you to focus your energy on other parts of the move, such as planning, paperwork, and more.
  • Insurance – all NJ moving companies carry insurance and offer liability should anything get lost or damaged during the move. You are automatically covered for $0.60 per pound per item, but you can always purchase a full protection valuation if you have items that are worth more than that amount.

Cons of Hiring Professional Packers

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to hiring professional packers. While it might save you time, it could potentially lead to more stress if you don’t know what to expect. When it comes to some concerns regarding having others do it, there are a few ,including:

  • Cost – whether you go for the full or partial service, it will add on more money to your moving budget. Before jumping on the service consider if you can really afford it or if the money could be better spent elsewhere.
  • Control – While you can direct the packers somewhat on moving day, you won’t be the one hand-packing every item. That means some items might be packed together that you personally wouldn’t have put together. This could make unpacking a bit more challenging.
  • Less flexibility – Sure, it might be faster than DIY, but the packers will only be available during their schedule and not yours. That might mean spending more time on moving day in your old home.

Benefits of DIY Packing

If you want to save money and have the time to spare, then your best bet might be to go the DIY route. Not only does packing yourself seem like a logical choice since you can also sort out your belongings at the same time, but you also don’t have to deal with strangers rifling through your stuff. Besides that, doing your own packing comes with other benefits such as:

  • Lower moving costs – self-packing is by far the cheapest option since the only thing you need to buy are boxes and other moving supplies. In many cases, you may even be able to find these for cheap and/or free. 
  • Flexibility – you can choose when you pack at your own pace based on your schedule. It also allows you to really figure out what you want to keep and what you don’t. You can start packing as early as you want! On top of that, you don’t have to pack everything into boxes. You can put some things into bags, hampers, and so on.
  • Control – you get to pack your things exactly how you want. That means you can organize each box in a way that makes sense to you once you start unpacking.

Disadvantages of DIY Packing

Going the DIY route might seem like the best route, but it comes with its downsides. Chances are, you’re familiar with all of them if you have packed yourself. These drawbacks include:

  • Lost time – no matter how you slice it, packing is time-consuming. Packing an entire three-bedroom house can take weeks when packing properly.
  • Greater chance of damaged belongings – While you will be careful when packing your stuff, you don’t have the experience or training that professional packers have. You may not know the optimal way to pack a box while reducing potential risks. 
  • No liability – if something gets damaged in a box you packed, it won’t be covered by the full or partial valuation coverage. It needs to be packed by the movers themselves.

DIY or Hire the Pros?

Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of both to decide what fits with your schedule, budget, and needs. Not everyone will need to hire professional packers for their move, and so if you have the time and want complete control over your packing, then a DIY move might be better suited for you. However, for a more stress-free experience, let the professionals like NJ Great Movers do it for you.

FAQ

What happens if my things are broken, but I packed the box myself?

If you can prove that the movers mishandled the box during transit, you might still be able to submit a claim for reimbursement.

How much can I direct the movers when they pack my things?

In general, the movers will work undirected and generally pack like things together. You can always give some direction, but only for a few things, not for every item in your house.

How much does a packing service cost?  

It depends on how long it takes. Packing services are charged by the hour so the more stuff you have to pack, the more expensive it will be.

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Uncategorized

How to Pack Fragile Items for Your NJ Move

How to Pack Fragile Items for Your NJ Move

Moving is already a stressful experience, but adding fragile items to the mix can make it even more nerve-wracking. No one wants to deal with a box full of broken glass or ceramic when moving into their place, but it might just seem inevitable. After all, even on the smoothest of roads, boxes tend to shift while in transit. Now imagine how much bumping and jostling your boxes will go through while driving through the New Jersey streets. 

Luckily, there are ways you can protect your fragile items so they have a greater chance of making it to your New NJ home in one piece. It may take you a bit longer, but it will be worth it. And if all else fails, you can ask NJ Great Movers to pack the fragile items for you.

Have the Right Materials

Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary items and have the right materials for each object. After all, packing a box of bowls is different from packing a TV. Some essential packing supplies you’ll need include:

  • Packing peanuts – This fills in the empty space in the box and can withstand shocks and vibrations. It’s pretty much perfect for almost every item
  • Bubble wrap – the bubbles come in different sizes, so make sure you choose accordingly. Use the small ones for things like cups or plates and the larger ones for your bigger items
  • Furniture pads – use these to protect oversized items like furniture or larger glassware like large vases, glass coffee tables, etc.
  • Packing paper – the most cost-effective method of packing glassware, cups, dishes, bowls, and so on. You might be tempted to use newspaper or magazine pages, but remember that the ink from these pages will transfer to your items, which means you’ll have wash everything again once you unpack

If you’re looking to save money, you can use items you have around the house, like pillows, socks, pillowcases, sheets, etc. to wrap up your fragile items. Just remember that these are not specifically made to absorb shock, so if you do go this route, there’s a higher chance your fragile items might end up breaking during transit. Still, if you’re just making a local move, it might not be a bad idea since you’ll be able to save money on materials while also saving yourself from messy cleanup.

Create an Inventory

Even if you don’t have any fragile items, you should still create an inventory of all your items. It will be a lot easier to keep track of all your belongings during your move. After all, you want to make sure everything arrives at your new place and doesn’t get left behind or left on the moving truck! 

When taking inventory of your fragile items, always make sure to take pictures of each item. You want to record its state before the move, so if something does get damaged or broken, you have evidence of what it looked like beforehand. This will be important if you need to file a claim against your moving company if anything gets damaged or broken while in transit.

Pack Properly

Packing is an art, one that everyone can be good at so long as you follow a few simple rules:

  • Always place the heaviest item at the bottom. You don’t want to crush your smaller items, right? 
  • Use smaller boxes for your fragile items. The less stuff you have in a box, the fewer opportunities there are for them to knock into each other. Plus, smaller boxes are easier to handle.
  • Consider buying specialty boxes. You can find boxes for glassware, dishware, and much more. These boxes have little holders for your glasses and vertical holders for your dishes. 
  • Fill in any extra space with lots of padding. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, paper, whatever you have on hand, to prevent the items from getting jostled
  • Don’t overpack your boxes! Not only do you want to avoid items from knocking into each other, but you also don’t want to overload your boxes to hold more weight than necessary

Label Your Boxes

You don’t want to go through all the trouble of packing everything properly and then not label the boxes properly. Take your time and make sure to clearly label every box that has fragile items. That means writing the word fragile on the boxes and also indicating which side of the box is up. 

Don’t stop there. Put all fragile boxes in a separate area and instruct the NJ movers that they should be handled with care. One of the benefits of using a professional NJ moving company is that your belongings will be covered with partial valuation protection. So if something does break or get damaged, you’ll be compensated $0.60/per pound per item. If your fragile items cost more than that, you might want to consider purchasing full valuation protection or going with a third-party moving insurance to make sure you can recoup the current market value of said items.

Oh, and speaking of valuation coverage and insurance, in general, your claim won’t be accepted if you packed the boxes yourself unless you’re able to show that the moving company was negligent in their handling of your boxes. That’s why it’s a good idea to let the professionals pack your fragile items, as then they will be held liable.

Protect Your Fragile Items

Hopefully, the tips above can help you pack your fragile belongings with ease. And if you’re short on time or feel overwhelmed, let NJ Great Movers do the work for you. We offer full and partial packing services, so if you want help with specific items or areas, we can do that. Our goal is to provide you with a move that suits your needs and budget.

FAQ

Do I need to wrap every fragile item?

Yes, wrap every single fragile item separately! If there are any loose pieces like lids, remove them and wrap them separately. Finer items like China should be wrapped in bubble wrap.

Can I purchase separate inserts for my boxes for glassware and/or dishes?

Yes, you can buy inserts for both glassware and dishware. Make sure you measure your boxes properly so you purchase the right size.

Should I load the bottom of my box with packing material?

While not necessary, it’s not a bad idea especially for glassware. Use soft packing material like styrofoam or even towels.

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How To

How to Plan a Successful Small Move in New Jersey

How to Make a Small NJ Move

While most people might hire professional NJ movers to handle a full house relocation, that doesn’t mean you can’t hire them if you only have a few boxes and some furniture. Sure, you could rent a truck and go the DIY route, but that means you have to deal with everything that comes with it, including lifting and carrying heavy items and driving a large truck through New Jersey traffic. It might save you money, but you could end up hurting yourself or even getting in an accident because you’re not used to driving a large vehicle.

Luckily, plenty of NJ moving companies do provide small move services. So before you decide to rent a van or truck, consider hiring a reliable NJ moving company to do the work for you. Whether you’re making a local or long-distance move, working with an experienced moving company will definitely make things a lot easier for you.

What Qualifies A Small Move

Generally speaking, a small move means you’re relocating fewer household items than what you might typically associate with a full house move. Typically, it means you’re moving less than 2,000 pounds or the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Of course, a small move can also mean that you’re moving a few pieces of furniture or appliances. Either way, you will probably only need one trip in a moving truck to relocate all of your things.

A small move isn’t just for local relocation. It can still be labeled one even for a long-distance move or cross-country move since the term is based on the amount that you’re moving, not necessarily the distance. Regardless of how small your move is, you should still perform due diligence on the NJ movers you hire to make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Make sure you also get a quote beforehand to ensure the price is within your budget.

When Would You Make a Small Move

Outside of moving from a small apartment, there may be other reasons you would need to make a small move. This includes:

  • Moving temporarily due to business or personal requirements
  • Moving from or to a dorm room
  • Relocating large items like furniture or appliances
  • Transferring items from a storage unit to your new home
  • Leaving a shared house situation

If you don’t feel like packing, you can always ask the moving company you hire if they provide that service. It will cost extra money so be prepared to increase your budget if that’s something you need help with.

Planning Your Small Move

Just because you’re not moving a lot of stuff doesn’t mean you can skimp on the preparation. Sure, you might not be dealing with as many items, but you’ll still need to complete all of the tasks like packing, researching NJ moving companies, transferring your utilities, and so on. Like regular moves, you should try to start the process at least a month before your move-out date so you’re not scrambling a few days before. Nothing is more stressful than having to do a last-minute move, even if it’s small.

When planning your move, take into consideration the distance as well. Local moves require less planning and fewer resources than longer ones. You’ll also want to pack your boxes a bit differently to make sure they will survive long transit times. 

To make your small NJ move easier, make sure to follow the steps below:

  1. Declutter – before packing, sort through everything you own and determine if you want to bring it with you to your new home. The less you have the faster and cheaper your move will be
  2. Pack – pack room by room and category to make unpacking easier. Use good-quality boxes and other materials to ensure the boxes don’t collapse while being loaded and unloaded
  3. Hire professionals – hiring a moving company will make everything a lot easier as you won’t have to deal with the logistics of driving, parking, figuring out traffic, loading and unloading the truck, and so on.
  4. Transfer all necessary information, which includes things like utilities, credit card billing, pet information, child’s transcripts, etc.

Cost of a Small Move

How much a move costs depends on a few factors, but the important ones are distance and how much you are moving. You are typically charged an hourly rate for local moves, and many companies will have at least a two-hour minimum. Naturally, the more stuff you need to move, the longer it will take to load and unload the truck. Still, if you have a couple of extra boxes, it won’t affect your final bill.

On the other hand, if you are making a long-distance move, you will be charged based on the volume and weight of what you are moving. So when you get the actual estimate, it means that the price is exactly what you should be paying at the end. There tends to be a bit of wiggle room when it comes to weight differences, so you can always have a little more or less than without changing the cost. It’s only if you add several boxes or a piece of furniture that the price will change.

Besides that, additional services will increase the cost of your move. That means if you want packing, unpacking, storage, or anything else, you will incur an extra fee on top of the standard move price. It’s a great option if it’s something you can afford and/or need, as you can go through the moving company for everything.

Hire Professional NJ Movers for Your Small Move

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Reach out to NJ Great Movers for all your small moving needs. Our team of dedicated movers provides excellent service at affordable rates. No job is too small for us! When you work with us, you can be sure your belongings will reach their destination with no issues.

FAQ

Do I need to pack everything in boxes for a small move?

Any loose items should be placed in boxes. However, you can get creative and avoid using boxes for everything. For example, leave your clothes in a dresser and use plastic wrap to prevent the drawers from opening during a move. You can do the same for anything with drawers, like cabinets, desks, and entertainment centers.

Is a small move a special service I need to request?

No, a small move is not a special service; it is just a descriptor for the type of move and will largely inform the movers on how many people need to help and the size of the truck they need to bring.

 

 

Categories
Moving Tips

5 Important Steps to Take When Relocating for a Job

5 Important Steps to Take When Relocating for a Job

Moving for a new job can be both exciting and terrifying. After all, it might mean moving to a new neighborhood or state! On top of that, you might not have much time between when you move to when you start your new job. Understanding the steps required for your relocation can simplify the process, which can make it easier for you and your family to adjust. So if you’re planning to move for your job, below are some important steps you need to take.

Seriously Consider the Effects of a Move

Whether your company is asking you to transfer to a new location or you’re looking for new opportunities, it’s important to create a list of considerations before deciding to relocate. While an increase in salary or benefits may sound like a great opportunity, there’s a lot more to think about before you make the move such as:

  • Relocation expenses – do you have enough to actually purchase a new home and hire professional movers? 
  • Cost of living – a decent salary in a more affordable neighborhood might not go as far is you end up moving to a large city
  • Impact on your family – will your kids have to start in a new school?
  • Back up plan – what happens if the relocation doesn’t work out?

You should also write up a list of pros and cons of moving and then discuss the plan with your family. See how everyone feels and explain why you are considering a move.

Calculate Costs

While some companies offer relocation reimbursement, many do not. Before you sign the offer letter, always ask if the company can cover some relocation expenses. For example, some might pay for house-hunting trips before you move while others will provide a lump sum to encompass all moving related expenses. Not all companies offer help, but it never hurts to ask if there’s room for negotiation.

Your best bet is to research and calculate costs associated with your move and create a budget. That means reaching out to several different moving companies and getting a quote, complete with any add-on services you might need like storage, packing, unpacking, and so on. You can then present this amount to your company for help with reimbursement or, at the very least, as a starting point for your moving budget. Don’t forget to include other costs such as packing materials and new furniture.

Research Locations

Before deciding to move to a new neighborhood, take some time to actually check it out. What might seem good on paper might not be a great option in real life. Try to spend a few days if possible with your family and really get to know the area. Figure out how far away important places are such as your new job, your kid’s school, and the grocery store. You should also check for other amenities like parks, libraries, and museums.

If you can’t visit, do as much online research as possible. Check out the city government website or community forums to learn more about the nearby attractions. You can also check out the city’s social media page to see what happens daily. As well, check Google Maps and do a search for places of interest. 

While you’re doing research on the city, don’t forget to look up the cost of living of the area. After all, an average salary in the midwest might not get you very far in a larger city in the northeast. You can generally find average costs for almost every location in New Jersey to see if your salary will be enough for the area you want to live. If you’re being transferred to a more expensive location, make sure to see if you can get an adjustment to your salary to match the cost of living.

Create a Budget

Whether your company helps with your NJ relocation or not, a budget is always a good idea to ensure you don’t overspend. When creating your budget, make sure to include everything including the cost of your closing fees, any repairs to your old house to make it more attractive in the real estate market, repairs to your new house, packing materials, new furniture, and more. While seeing such a large number might be daunting, it’s best not to leave anything out. Drill down as much as possible so you’re not blindsided by surprise costs.

Once you have a relatively accurate budget, find ways to offset the costs. Maybe you can host a garage or yard sale to sell some of the items you don’t plan on bringing with you. Or you can also find ways to get boxes for free. The more you can reduce your costs, the better!

Get Organized

Organization is important if you want to keep the moving process on schedule. Of course, there are the main tasks like selling your current place, finding a new home, packing, and so on. However, there are dozens of smaller things you’ll need to do like forwarding your mail, transferring your child’s school records if you’re moving to a new district, getting your utilities turned on at your new home, and more. Make a list of every task you need to do and put them in your calendar so you don’t forget them!

Besides creating a to-do list, make sure you also go through everything you’re keeping and create a detailed inventory. That includes jotting down a general description, total quantity, and a picture showing their condition. Most moving companies will require an inventory, but even if they don’t it’s good for you to have. That way, if anything gets lost or damaged, you have proof.

Choose a Moving Date

Obviously, you’ll want to choose a date before you start at your new job. If you plan it out just right, you should hopefully have a window of time between leaving your old job and starting your new one. Give yourself at least a few days or maybe even a week so you have time to unwind, unpack, and get used to your new home. 

When choosing a moving date, consider the current season and how it might affect your schedule. Moving during the winter or early spring could mean you might have to deal with heavy snow, which can affect your move. This is especially important for long distance moves as inclement weather could add a day or two to the estimated delivery.

Move With NJ Great Movers

If you’re ready to relocate for a new job, let NJ Great Movers help you with all the moving related tasks. Besides loading and unloading the truck, we also offer other services like packing, unpacking, and storage. All you need to do is reach out to us and we’ll get in touch for more information.