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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

5 Ways to Deal With Your NJ Relocation Depression

5 Ways to Deal With Your NJ Relocation Depression

Even if you’re excited for your upcoming relocation to New Jersey, a move can leave you feeling dispirited, especially if you’re moving to a completely new city. After all, you’ll be leaving behind your old friends and, if you’re moving away from home, your family members. So if you’re feeling depressed because of all these changes, you’re not alone. 

Almost every major life event, no matter how positive, can lead to a period of upheaval. What matters are the steps you take to ensure these negative emotions don’t affect your overall mental health and wellness. That’s why we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep you on track and feeling good.

What is Relocation Depression

While it’s not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 manual, relocation depression, also known as adjustment disorder, is very real, and its effects vary greatly between people. For many, the disruption to their routine, as well as the anxiety associated with a move, can lead to temporary sadness. Depending on how far you’re moving, it can mean losing your support network, feelings of isolation, and dealing with culture shock. Other causes of relocation depression include:

  • Physical and mental exhaustion from the move
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Increased financial burden
  • New job or career
  • Underlying mental health issues

These emotions are felt even strongly in children who thrive on routine and familiarity. While many children thrive in their new environment, others might have difficulty fitting in or making friends. Studies show that frequent moves during childhood can lead to poor mental health later in life.

Suffering from relocation depression isn’t limited to younger people. Many senior citizens experience the same effects, especially when they are moved into senior care facilities. After all, they are being moved out of their home, which they might have lived in for decades, with many requiring some kind of aid from complete strangers. 

Symptoms of Relocation Depression

Not everyone experiences relocation depression the same way, but there are a few things you should look out for, including:

  • Changes in your sleep, whether that’s sleeping more or less than usual
  • Feeling irritable
  • Change in appetite
  • Lack of interest in your regular activities
  • Overall sadness
  • Difficulty completing tasks
  • Loss of interest in socializing
  • Difficulty concentrating

Common Symptoms of Relocation Depression

Symptom Description Common Signs
Sleep Changes Stress during relocation can disrupt your sleep, leading to sleeping too much or too little. Trouble falling asleep
Oversleeping
Waking up frequently
Appetite Changes Emotional stress can increase or decrease appetite during the adjustment period. Skipping meals
Emotional eating
Reduced interest in food
Irritability Major life changes can make it easier to become irritated or overwhelmed. Short temper
Easily annoyed
Low tolerance for stress
Lack of Motivation You may struggle to start tasks or lose interest in normal activities. Avoiding chores
Difficulty starting routines
Low productivity
Social Withdrawal You may begin distancing yourself from others while coping with the move. Avoiding calls
Not meeting neighbors
Declining invitations

 

Unsurprisingly, these are similar to clinical depression. The difference is that adjustment disorder is temporary and should go away as you get settled. Still, the symptoms can persist long after your move if you don’t find ways to address them. It is especially easy to let these feelings persist if you have feelings of regret or start doubting your ability to adapt. 

Coping with Relocation Depression

Over time, you should find it easier to get used to your new life in New Jersey, but adjusting to these changes can still be challenging. You might even feel pressured to put on a brave face for your children, and especially at your new job. However, your best bet is to confront the issue and find ways to handle these changes. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make the transition to your NJ home easier.

Familiarize Yourself With Your New Neighborhood

If you’ve moved to a new city in New Jersey or are coming from out of state, take some time after your move to explore your surroundings. Look up local tourist attractions or events happening in your town or in the surrounding areas. You should also find ways to meet new friends, whether through activity groups or even volunteering.

Make Your Home Comfortable

Don’t take too long unpacking your things. While you might want to procrastinate for a few days, try to unpack as much as possible in the first week. The very act of cleaning and organizing your things can help reduce your anxiety and increase your overall comfort levels. Plus, unpacking can also help make you feel more productive, which can then carry over to other parts of your life.

While you should unpack the essential boxes first, don’t neglect decorating your new place. Take some time to go to a local hardware or paint store with your family and choose some colors for a few of the communal rooms. If you have kids, let them choose what color they want their room to be and maybe even pick a few stencils. Of course, you don’t have to paint if you don’t want to. However, you should take some time to add a few decorations around the house to make it feel more lived in. If you don’t have many, consider purchasing a few items such as:

  • Candles
  • Wall art
  • Throw pillows
  • Curtains
  • Photos of friends and family

Don’t forget to set up a space in your house where you can relax. It might be a reading nook or even just a cushy sofa. Whatever the case, you want a place where you can enjoy some quiet time.

NJ Relocation Coping Tips

Coping Strategy How It Helps Examples
Familiarize Yourself with Your New Neighborhood Reduces uncertainty and helps you feel more connected and confident in your new environment. Explore attractions • Attend events • Join activity groups • Volunteer
Make Your Home Comfortable Creates stability, reduces anxiety, and makes your new home feel safe and familiar. Unpack essentials • Add décor • Set up a relaxation space
Practice Self-Care Supports mental health, boosts mood, and prevents emotional burnout during the adjustment period. Journaling • Yoga • Meditation • Exercise • Music • Showers • Hobbies
Throw a Housewarming Party Helps build social connections, reduces loneliness, and celebrates your fresh start. Invite neighbors & friends • Keep it casual • Ask guests to bring food or drinks
Fall Back into Your Routine Adds normalcy, reduces overwhelm, and helps adults, kids, and pets adjust smoothly. Morning walks • Gym/yoga • Kids’ bedtime & dinner schedule • Family traditions

 

Practice Self-Care

With all the excitement of moving, it’s easy to focus on the tasks at hand and push your own needs to the side. However, that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, carve out some time in your calendar for some self-care activities that you know will put you in a better mood. Some potential ideas include:

  • Journaling
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Taking a shower
  • Enjoying a hobby
  • Exercising
  • Listening to music
  • Enjoying your favorite snack or meal

Some of these activities only take a few minutes, so you won’t fall too far behind schedule. Plus, a happier and relaxed will make you even more productive!

Throw a Party

After a big move, it’s common for folks to throw a housewarming party. Not only is it a great way to get to know your neighbors, but it’s also a way for you to celebrate a new beginning in your life! Invite over any friends or family who live in the area, as well as your neighbors. You don’t need to throw a huge party. In fact, you should try to keep it as low-key as possible to reduce stress. Ask folks to bring something to the party, whether it’s food or drinks. After that, spend a few hours chatting and relaxing.

Another benefit of a housewarming party is that it motivates you to finish unpacking and cleaning. It’s also a great excuse to decorate and use your new kitchen!

Fall Back into Your Routine

It’s important to have a routine, especially in the midst of a life-changing event like a big move! This is true of you as an adult, your kids, and even your pets. A routine helps add normalcy to your life and allows you to get back in a comfortable groove. With that said, moving means even your old routines get a makeover since you’ll be in a new location. That 30-minute morning walk with your dog is now an adventure to explore different parts of your neighborhood. The same with going to the gym or a yoga studio. Plus, you’ll also get to meet other people who might end up becoming your friends.

As for the kids, make sure you keep them on the same schedule of dinner and bedtime. For the first few weeks, cook family favorites. If you have young children, make sure to read their favorite bedtime stories. School-aged children might need to make some adjustments when it comes to what time they wake up, especially if the school is further away. Still, you should bring over as many traditions/schedules as possible so the move isn’t too jarring for them.

Make Your Move Easier!

If you’ve already found your dream home, you can make the next chapter in your life a lot easier by hiring professional NJ movers like us! At NJ Great Movers, we can help with packing and unpacking in addition to our standard moving services. Just let us know what you need, and we’ll provide more information!

FAQ

Should I take medication for my relocation depression?

It’s normal to feel a bit depressed after a big move, so you shouldn’t need medication to handle it. Following the tips above should help with the transition. Still, if you are finding yourself still depressed months after a move, you should find a therapist and discuss some options with them.

How long should relocation depression last?

There’s no set time for how long relocation depression lasts, but you’ll feel the most depressed in the first week or so. After that, symptoms should decrease.

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General

What You Need to Know Before Moving to NJ from New York

What You Need to Know Before Moving to NJ from New York

There’s a certain excitement to New York City that many other cities simply can’t replicate. There’s always something happening regardless of the time of day, and regardless of what niche interests you might have, chances are you’ll find your people. NYC’s diversity is what often draws people to it. Still, while 150,000 people move to the city every year, around 100,000 people move out for a variety of reasons.

If you’re considering a New Jersey move, there are a few things you should consider before taking the plunge. You’ll want to set some expectations beforehand so you’re not disappointed after moving to NJ. Once you have all the information and are ready, make sure to give us a call!

Tax Differences Between Two Cities

One of the biggest differences between New York City and New Jersey is the taxes. New York might have the highest state and local taxes combined at 12.7%, but New Jersey isn’t too far behind at 12.2%. More importantly, you’re not making the extra New York City tax even if you end up living in New Jersey but working in the city. Depending on your salary, you could be saving thousands of dollars at the end of the year. Yes, you’ll have to file in both states, but New Jersey lets you take the tax you already paid as a credit against your New Jersey tax liability.

 

NYC vs. New Jersey Tax Differences

Tax Category NYC Rate (%) New Jersey Rate (%) Difference (%) Notes
State + Local Income Tax 12.7% 12.2% 0.5% higher in NYC NJ residents avoid NYC city income tax.
Sales Tax (General) 8.875% 6.625% 2.25% higher in NYC NJ has a lower statewide sales tax.
Sales Tax (Enterprise Zones) 8.875% 3.5% (Jersey City) 5.375% higher in NYC Big savings when shopping in NJ EZ zones.
Property Tax Up to 1.925% 2.4% 0.475% higher in NJ NJ has the highest property taxes in the U.S.

 

Shopping is also less expensive in New Jersey. Regardless of what borough you live in, you will have to pay an extra 8.875% in sales tax. In comparison, New Jersey’s statewide sales tax is 6.625%. Some areas are even lower if they are in designated enterprise zones. For example, if you shop in Jersey City, the sales tax is only 3.5%!

The one area where New Jersey beats New York when it comes to taxes is property taxes. In fact, New Jersey has the highest property tax in the country at 2.4%. Even in New York City, property tax reaches a max of around 1.925%. Still, considering how much you’re saving in other areas, it might be worth it to pay higher property taxes since you’ll be bringing more money home.

Commuting System: Which Is Better?

While NYC has excellent public transportation options, New Jersey isn’t too shabby either. The state has a low rate of car ownership at 29 cars per 100 people, and you really don’t need a car as you can get pretty much anywhere via the PATH train, Amtrak, and NJ Transit. You can easily access NYC and Philadelphia with no issues.

If you live in Jersey City or Hoboken, NYC is a short 15 to 20-minute train ride away on the PATH. Cost-wise, you pay the same amount of money as you would for a one-way Metro Card. However, you do not get free transfers like you would if you were riding the subway. If you plan on taking the subway anywhere else, you’ll have to pay the cost of another ride.

When it comes to taking the NJ Transit or Amtrak, prices increase drastically as they are directly tied to the distance you travel. You’ll need to plan out your trip carefully as well as the trains don’t come as often as the PATH, with some arriving once an hour.

As good as NJ public transportation is, it’s hard to stack it up against NYC since the subways run 24/7, and if one of the train lines goes down, you have other options to choose from. Of course, you’re comparing the transit system for a city versus an entire state, so there are going to be differences when it comes to convenience and reliability. If you want to get around the state easily, your best bet is to get a car. Just remember that owning a car means extra costs such as gas, insurance, tolls, etc.

Affordable Housing Comparison Between Two Cities

Even in expensive cities like Hoboken and Jersey City, apartment costs are significantly lower when compared to NYC. The prices might look similar, but instead of only paying for a one-bedroom for $3,000/month, you’re getting a two-bedroom. The extra space is one of the major reasons many people move to New Jersey despite working in NYC.

If you’re looking to expand your family, buying a house is much more affordable than trying to buy an apartment in NYC. Sure, some locations aren’t cheap, but you’re getting an entire house versus an apartment in a building. You’ll have more space to work with and, depending on the area you choose, some nice yardage where you can relax and enjoy the weather. Plus, you’re building equity. Unlike apartments, where your monthly rent doesn’t pay for anything, your mortgage payments go towards paying off your home. Eventually, you’ll own the house completely and can pass it on to your children. Even better, you’re able to deduct the interest you paid on your mortgage up to $1 million in mortgage debt.

 

NYC vs. NJ Housing Affordability Breakdown

Category NYC Avg Cost NJ Avg Cost Difference Notes
1-Bedroom Rent $3,000–$3,800 $2,200–$2,800 NYC is ~30% higher NJ often gives larger layouts for similar costs.
2-Bedroom Rent $4,500–$6,000 $3,000–$4,200 NYC is ~40% higher Many NJ cities offer 2BR for the price of a 1BR in NYC.
Median Condo Price $900,000–$1.3M $450,000–$750,000 NYC is ~60% higher Condos in NJ offer more space and lower HOA fees.
Median Single-Family Home Price $1.2M–$1.8M $550,000–$850,000 NYC is ~70% higher Buyers get entire homes + yards instead of apartments.
Avg Monthly Homeownership Costs (Utilities + Maintenance) $450–$700 $350–$600 Slightly cheaper in NJ Homeowners cover all repairs; renters have maintenance included.
Avg Property Size (Rental) 450–700 sq ft 750–1,100 sq ft NJ offers ~50% more space Extra space is a major reason NYC workers move to NJ.
Mortgage Interest Deduction Up to $750K Up to $1M NJ allows a higher deduction NJ homeowners enjoy higher tax-deductible mortgage limits.

 

Of course, being a homeowner also means you are responsible for everything. If something doesn’t work in your NYC apartment or the roof leaks, you just need to call the super or building manager, and they will send someone to fix it. You don’t have to worry about paying for it since maintenance is included in your rent. When it comes to a home, you’re responsible for everything. That also means paying all the bills, including heating, water, taxes, and even trash collection in some places. And that’s on top of potential repairs and maintenance. It can definitely add up, so make sure you factor in these monthly costs to see if you’re truly ready for homeownership.

Check the Weather in Both Cities

While NYC has its fair share of extreme weather events, New Jersey hasn’t escaped unscathed either. In many cases, New Jersey often fared worse than NYC when it came to catastrophic weather due to its geography. Being located along the ocean means there are great beaches, but also extreme weather patterns you’ll need to contend with. You’ll be in the range of hurricanes and nor’easters. If you’re thinking about moving to Hoboken, consider finding a place on higher ground, as Hoboken has a habit of flooding.

When you’re not dealing with storms or blizzards, you get to experience the full gamut of seasons and experience the beautiful and colorful display during the fall and spring seasons. Winters tend to be cold but bearable, and the average summers tend to be hot and humid. Still, New Jersey has 130 miles of coastline to enjoy during the summer months.

Hire Professional NJ Movers for Your Move

It’s important to understand to pros and cons of moving to New Jersey before committing to an apartment or home. You want to be as prepared as possible before taking the plunge. Once you’ve done your research and made your decision, reach out to trusted NJ movers to help you with your relocation. We at NJ Great Movers have been working in New Jersey for over 10 years, so we can help you get organized and situated. You have enough on your plate, so let us take the moving part out of the equation!

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General

Certificate of Insurance for Moving (COI)

Certificate of Insurance for Moving (COI)

If you’re moving to a new apartment or condo, you might hear from your new building management that you need to provide a certificate of insurance before you can move in. In fact, many luxury buildings require you to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) for moving, which means you’ll need to hire professional NJ movers. NJ Great Movers provides our COI directly to the management team, but we also send it to you so you can keep it in your files. Even though you don’t have to worry about the COI, it’s still a good idea to understand the form.

What is a COI and Why Do You Need It?

A certificate of insurance (COI) essentially is proof that the movers you are using have insurance and are able to cover issues should something go wrong. It will list out the insurance the movers have, along with the liability and loss coverage. This way, if anything happens to the building, such as damage or injury, the mover’s insurance covers the cost of repairs or accidents.

Most reputable moving companies, like NJ Great Movers, can easily procure and provide a COI to your building management company. Although there is no standard for what a certificate of insurance should look like, most businesses use the form created by the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD). A COI generally includes the following information:

  • Date of issue
  • Information about the certification of insurance
  • An insurance agent or broker who produced/issued the certificate
  • Name and address of the business covered by the policy
  • Liability insurance coverage (general, commercial auto, umbrella, and workers’ compensation)
  • List of insurers
  • Coverage in dollars each policy provides
  • Description of operations, locations, and vehicles
  • Expiration date of insurance
  • Signature of agent, broker, or authorized representatives

While not all buildings will require a COI, if you live somewhere with a doorman or hands-on super, chances are your move won’t happen if you don’t provide one. That means you’ll have to scramble for last-minute storage space for your belongings and reschedule your movers. That’s extra money you probably don’t have! Even if your building says they don’t need one, it’s still a good idea to provide a COI just in case. Why? Because a COI also protects you!

As an example, let’s say you move into a building that doesn’t require a COI. You then move your stuff in, but damage the walls and maybe even the elevators! Maybe you even get a parking ticket during the move. You will be held liable for these damages and have to pay for any repairs and tickets out of pocket. This could cost you thousands of dollars! There’s also the matter of your belongings. If it gets damaged during your own DIY move, you will have to cover the entire cost of replacement or repair. This can get costly if you own a lot of high-value items.

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about any of that if you hire professional movers. They will shoulder the responsibility for any damages done to the building and, of course, take care of any parking tickets that were for their vehicles. Your items are also automatically protected by something called released value protection, which will cover up to $0.60 per pound per item for free. If you want, you can spring for the more expensive full value protection. If something gets damaged, the movers will either try to fix, replace, or eventually reimburse you for the damaged items. Ideally, the professional NJ movers wouldn’t damage anything since they are highly experienced and know how to maneuver tight corners and narrow hallways.

 

Types of Insurance Covered in a COI

Insurance Type Purpose / Coverage Typical Coverage Limit (USD) Notes / Example
General Liability Covers property damage or bodily injury caused by the movers during the move (e.g., wall damage, elevator scratches, visitor injury) $1,000,000 Protects both the building and you from lawsuits or repair costs
Auto Liability Covers damages or accidents caused by moving company vehicles while transporting your items $1,000,000 Includes parking tickets or damage caused during loading/unloading
Umbrella Liability Provides extra coverage beyond general and auto liability for catastrophic events or large claims $5,000,000 Acts as a safety net for rare but costly incidents
Workers Compensation Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a moving company employee is injured while handling your belongings $1,000,000 Ensures you are not held liable for worker injuries during the move

 

Even if you don’t think your building needs a COI, call up your super or building management company and ask. They will probably appreciate the heads up, and most prefer their tenants to use moving companies anyway, as it reduces the chance of potential issues in the future.

There’s also another hidden benefit of asking for a COI. It shows whether the company you chose is reputable or not. All legitimate moving companies are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. The best moving companies provide more than that. For example, NJ Great Movers has the following insurance:

  • $1 million limit for commercial general liability
  • $1 million limit for automobile liability
  • $5 million for umbrella liability
  • $1 million for workers’ compensation

Asking for a COI early on in the moving process is a good litmus test to see how trustworthy the movers are. If they aren’t able to provide one or they only provide the bare minimum when it comes to insurance coverage, you’ll have enough time to look for other movers.

When requesting a COI, always ask for a copy. That way, you can also check the information. While most movers are legitimate, there’s always the chance you could run into a scam company. So even if they do provide a COI, it could be fake or not up-to-date. When looking at the COI check to make sure the name and address match what is listed on the company’s website. Also, check the expiration date of the insurance to make sure the company is still covered. You should also make sure the COI is filled out exactly like the sample. Otherwise, the building will reject it! While most buildings will find these errors immediately, you can save yourself a lot of back and forth and potential stress by catching these things early.

NJ Great Movers Simple COI Process and Steps

If you work with NJ Great Movers, we make the process of requesting a COI as seamless as possible. With that said, you’ll still need to do a little legwork. Naturally, your first step is confirming with both your buildings whether you need a COI to move in and/or out. While you’re on the phone, see if a COI is needed to reserve the freight elevator. If that’s the case, let us know so we can expedite the process. You’ll want to reserve a time as soon as possible to avoid conflicts with other people. After all, you don’t want to waste an hour or two waiting for the freight elevator! After that, get in touch with your property manager(s) and get a sample of the COI, and then send it over to us.

We’ll take over from there. We’ll send the sample COI over to our insurance company so that they can fill out the forms properly. Our team will also check to make sure all of our insurance has expiration dates after your move date and provide the appropriate insurance and coverage amount. Once we’ve double-checked everything, we’ll send a copy to your management company and to you. That way, if they somehow miss the email, you will have a copy on file. We do ask that at least a week before your move date, you confirm with the property managers that they received the COI and that everything is in working order. Just in case, we’ll also bring a hard copy of the COI with us on the move date, as there have been a few occasions where the security guard and/or doorman on duty did not have the COI we had sent on file. This way, we can prevent any delays in your move!

Our goal as professional and trusted NJ movers is to make your move as smooth and easy as possible. That’s why we triple-check everything to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Thanks to our decades of experience, we can cover even the most complex building management requirements. Just let us know as soon as possible so we can get the process started!

Conclusion

Getting a certificate of insurance might sound daunting at first, but if you work with trustworthy moving companies like NJ Great Movers, we make the process as easy as possible. You can rest assured knowing that we will take care of everything come moving day and that if anything should happen, you won’t have to worry about paying.