Tag: NJ Move

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Moving Tips

How to Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

4 Tips to Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it’s also expensive. In addition to the money you spent securing your new home, moving comes with its own set of costs. Luckily, there are ways you can bring down the cost of moving, but it will take a bit more planning and effort on your side. Is it worth it? That’s up to you and how much time and energy you have. With that said, the money saved during the move might mean you can splurge on new decor or a nice dinner out once you’re settled in.

If you’re looking to save some money, try out the methods below for your next NJ move.

Declutter and Sell Your Less-Useful Old Items

Decluttering is one of the best ways to save money on your move, especially if you’re using professional NJ movers. After all, the fewer boxes and furniture you have, the less time it will take them to load and unload your belongings from the truck. It also means less time you need to spend packing and wrapping.

Of course, deciding what to get rid of can be difficult, especially if you have an emotional connection to certain items. However, moving is the perfect time to unburden yourself. Take some time to look at everything you own and think about the last time you used that item. If you haven’t used it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it, but there’s someone out there who might get great use out of it.

One of the best ways to make a little extra cash is to have a garage or yard sale. While you won’t recoup the original cost of the item, whatever money you do make from it, you can put towards your moving expenses. If you have items like camera lenses or vintage clothes, you might be able to put these up on eBay for a decent profit.

Of course, there will be items you might not be able to sell. If they’re still in decent condition, you can donate them to your local Goodwill store. While you won’t get any upfront payment, you can write off your donations on your taxes at the end of the year. So make sure you get an itemized receipt after donating! Otherwise, you can post on your local neighborhood Facebook group, letting people know they can take the items away for free. Either way, the goal is to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move.

Consider Self-Packing Everything to Save Money

Sure, hiring professional packers might make your job easier, but it comes at a pretty hefty cost, especially if you do full-service packing. While it might be a time-consuming task, it’s a lot cheaper to pack everything yourself. If the money you save isn’t enough motivation,  then consider this: you can pack your boxes in the way that makes sense to you.

 

Self-Packing vs Professional Packing: Time & Money Breakdown (NJ Rates)

Home size Average packing hours Pro packing cost (per hour / flat rate) DIY time required Total money saved Stress level rating (1–10)
Studio 6–8 hrs $60–$80/hr or $300 flat 10–12 hrs $120–$200 4
1 Bedroom 8–12 hrs $400–$600 flat 14–18 hrs $200–$300 5
2 Bedroom 12–16 hrs $600–$800 flat 20–24 hrs $300–$400 6
3 Bedroom 16–24 hrs $900–$1,200 flat 30–40 hrs $400–$600 7
4 Bedroom 24–32 hrs $1,200–$1,600 flat 45–55 hrs $600–$800 8

 

While professional packers will generally do a good job, sometimes they’ll group items together that don’t necessarily make sense. You have complete control over what item goes into which box. That will make it a lot easier when you need to unpack, as you’ll know exactly where everything is.

If you need extra help, instead of springing for the full-service packing, consider a partial packing option. This allows you to pack the majority of your items while leaving certain rooms to the pros. So maybe you don’t want to deal with packing all the fragile items in the kitchen.

Hire the pros! It’ll save you some time and, while more expensive than packing yourself, will still be cheaper than if they packed everything. Just make sure to ask the movers how much they charge and how long the packing services will take before you agree to this option.

Avoid Buying New Supplies Right Now

The cost of moving supplies adds up quickly – some tape here, bubble wrap there, and all of a sudden, you’ve spent a couple of hundred dollars, and you still need more for the rest of your stuff. While there might be times when you have to buy supplies, there are plenty of ways you can avoid it with a little planning.

Besides hiring movers, the biggest moving expense is the boxes. Thanks to online shopping, almost everyone likely has some empty boxes lying around. Consider asking neighbors, friends, and family members for any boxes they might have. You can also go to your local grocery store or liquor store and see if they have any.

If you work in an office, check with the mailroom to see if they have any empty boxes that they plan on tossing. Chances are, you’ll end up with more boxes than you need. If you don’t have any luck with friends and family, you might be able to find some options online via Facebook, Nextdoor, or Freecycle.

You can also reuse some of your own items for packing. Instead of using bubble wrap, why not wrap fragile items in t-shirts, towels, newspaper, or sheets? They’re an excellent option as they will still protect your valuables without costing any extra money. Just make sure that the movers are extra careful, as you don’t want to deal with broken glass in your clothes!

Hire the Most Affordable NJ Movers

Yes, you can go the DIY move, but doing everything yourself is not just stressful, but can be dangerous! Even if you’ve moved multiple times in your life, you won’t have as much experience as professional movers who move almost every day of the week.

The pros know exactly how to stack the boxes in a truck to avoid damage, navigate tight corridors and corners, and lift heavy items properly. Many people have injured themselves trying to move furniture or even heavy boxes, and there’s nothing worse than having to move with a strained back or ankle.

 

DIY vs Hiring Movers: Risk, Time & Cost Breakdown

Category DIY Cost Pro Movers Cost Injury Risk % Time Required Damage Likelihood %
1-Bedroom Move $120–$260 $350–$650 12–18% 6–10 hours 10–20%
2-Bedroom Move $180–$380 $600–$1,000 18–27% 8–14 hours 20–35%
3-Bedroom Move $250–$550 $900–$1,600 28–36% 12–20 hours 30–45%
Heavy Furniture Move $40–$100 (equipment rental) $150–$300 35–55% 1–3 hours 40–60%
Specialty Items (Piano, Safe, Art) $0–$200 (DIY attempt) $300–$1,200 60–80% 3–6 hours 50–80%

 

There are plenty of NJ movers to choose from, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equal. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, chances are they won’t be very professional and could end up damaging your belongings during transport. In the worst-case scenario, they might be a scam and hold your belongings for ransom until you pay a higher fee.

To avoid this, you’ll need to do plenty of research online and by directly calling each company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always look up their Department of Transportation number to make sure they are properly licensed. You should also look up online reviews to see what their customers think. Once you’ve done all that, you should be able to find movers NJ residents trust.

Once you’ve found the right movers, make sure to read the contract carefully. Are there any fees you weren’t expecting? Most local movers charge an hourly rate, which ends up being cheaper than volume pricing. However, if there’s inclement weather or you haven’t finished packing yet, your final price might end up higher than what you expected.

Also, don’t forget to check what kind of insurance and liability options they offer. If you own a lot of valuable items, you might want to get full liability coverage. If the company doesn’t offer it, you can always get a third-party option.

Easily Save Money on Your Next NJ Move

By following these tips, you should be able to save yourself a few hundred dollars. What you do with that money is up to you! These tips only work if you start planning your move at least a month in advance, so make sure to start as soon as possible. When it comes to finding reliable NJ movers, you can always give NJ Great Movers a call for a free quote.

FAQ

How do I get rid of bulky furniture/items?

You should contact your local sanitation department to see if they have specific days for bulk trash removal. Otherwise, you should reach out to junk removers to schedule a pick-up.

How much should I budget for a local move?

The answer varies based on the size of your move and extra services you’d like to add. However, a typical NJ local move costs between $200-$600

Do I need to hire a pro mover or can I DIY?

You should bring on pro movers if you have a lot of heavy furniture or bulky items you need to move. If you only need to move clothes and a few boxes, you can definitely opt for a DIY move.

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Moving Tips

How to Find the Best Reliable Movers in NJ

How to find Reliable Movers NJ

Moving requires a lot of planning and multitasking. You have to find the perfect home, consider your budget, potentially change schools for your kids, pack, and find the right professional movers in NJ. If you’re already dealing with all the other aspects of moving, searching for movers might be your last priority. After all, aren’t all movers the same? The answer to that is a resounding no!

While it might add one more item to your ever-increasing moving to-do list, it’s important to find reliable movers in NJ if you want to ensure all your items arrive at your new place intact. So, how can you find reliable movers in NJ? Check out the tips below.

First, Do Your Research

Thanks to the internet, you can easily do some vetting of companies before you even make a phone call. Your first line of defense is to do some research on your own on moving companies in your area. A quick search of ‘movers near me’ should provide you with a decent starting point. Narrow down to around 10-20 movers in the beginning and then look at reviews and complaints on places like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. While business owners can challenge negative reviews and potentially have them removed, it would be hard to get rid of all of them. If you notice inconsistent reviews on multiple sites, you should cross these movers off the list.

 

Top 5 Questions to Ask NJ Movers (With Purpose Score)

Question Purpose / Importance Score (1–10) Average Customer Savings from Asking Risk Prevented (% Chance of Issues Avoided)
1. Are you licensed and insured? 10/10 $500–$2,000 (avoids scam losses) 75% risk prevented
2. Do you provide a binding or written estimate? 9/10 $150–$600 (prevents surprise fees) 60% risk prevented
3. Are your movers in-house employees or subcontracted? 8/10 $100–$400 (avoids liability issues) 55% risk prevented
4. What extra fees should I expect? 9/10 $75–$300 (stairs, long carry, supplies) 50% risk prevented
5. What is your cancellation/reschedule policy? 7/10 $50–$150 (avoids late-change penalties) 35% risk prevented

 

After you’ve narrowed down your list, look at their site to see if they list their department of transportation number. Some states, like New Jersey, also require movers to register with the state’s DOT. Registered moving companies will list their number directly on their website. You can then use this to look them up on the corresponding DOT sites to make sure they are still in good standing and properly registered.

Prepare Questions You Want to Know in Advance

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to around 5 companies, it’s time to start calling. Before you call, make sure to write down a list of questions as well as a general idea of what kind of service you would like to utilize. When you come prepared, you’ll be more likely to spot potential red flags and keep your cool if the movers on the phone try some hard-sell tactics.

If you’re not sure what questions to ask, here are some options:

  • Is the company licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration? This government agency regulates commercial vehicle operations to guarantee safety for companies and consumers.
  • Is the company a broker or carrier? Brokers outsource their work to other companies, while carriers handle your moving services with in-house staff. In general, you want to hire carriers in case something gets lost or broken during a move.
  • Is the company insured? This is important in case the movers do any damage to your new or old building, as they will be held liable for the damage.
  • What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy? Life happens, so it’s important to know exactly what will happen if you have to cancel or reschedule, and the general timeframe. Most moving companies require around 2 days or so to cancel/reschedule without incurring a penalty.
  • Are there any hidden fees? Reputable moving companies will list out all the fees in the initial quote, so there are no surprises. However, you should always ask if there’s something you need to consider. For example, if the movers will be going up and down flights of stairs, they might charge a stair fee. Make sure to provide as much information as possible during the quote phase so you have an accurate picture of the total costs.
  • Does the company provide the services you need? Not all moving companies offer the same services. Some might have more options, while others only offer simple moving services. It’s important to know exactly what each company offers so you can make the most informed choice. Some services NJ moving companies might offer include:
    • Loading and unloading
    • Packing
    • Furniture disassembly/assembly
    • Specialty item transportation (piano, billiard table, etc.)
    • Storage
    • Moving supplies
    • Plastic bin rentals

Watch Out for Red Flags with Moving Companies

There are many horror stories of people using a moving company only to realize after moving that many of their precious items were broken during transit or, even worse, they aren’t able to even get their belongings because the moving company is holding them hostage. If you notice the representative on the phone is dodging your questions, seems unprofessional, or is pressuring you into other services you didn’t ask for, consider it a red flag. Reliable and reputable movers are more than happy to answer any questions and will do so in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. They also won’t pressure you with aggressive sales tactics.

 

Cost Red Flags: “Good vs Bad Movers” Price Comparison

Cost Factor Reliable Movers Red Flag / Scam Movers
Average NJ Moving Cost (per hour / per truck) $120 – $180/hr $60 – $90/hr (suspiciously low)
Normal Deposit Range $100 – $200 $500+ or 50% upfront
Typical Stair Fee Range $50 – $100 $150+ without explanation
Typical Long Carry Fee Range $75 – $150 $200+ or undisclosed fees added later
Lowball Quote Warning Threshold Within 10–20% of competitor quotes 30%+ cheaper than average (major red flag)

 

Speaking of red flags, a common one is asking for a large initial deposit. While most moving companies will ask for some form of a deposit in order to confirm your move date, it will generally be around $100-$200. If they ask for half of the quoted rate or more, it’s most likely a scam! Likewise, if a moving company quotes you a number significantly lower than that of other moving companies, it’s probably too good to be true, and they’ll tack on plenty of hidden fees at the end.

Finally, a good rule of thumb is to check the website for information on their address, company name, and how many years they have been in business. Not all new moving companies are bad, but many scam companies change their name often to avoid a trail of negative reviews and legal issues. While you’re at it, verify their address by looking it up online. Make sure the moving company’s address is properly listed and registered under the company name. Avoid any address listed under a residential name.

Prepare for an Easy NJ Move

Finding reliable movers in NJ takes some planning, time, and research, but it will be worth it at the end. Yes, it might be more expensive than using a ‘man with a van.’ However, when you hire professional movers, you can rest easy knowing that they will treat your belongings with the care they deserve. If you’re still in the research phase, why not give NJ Great Movers a call, and we can answer any of your questions.

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General

Best Places to Live in New Jersey in 2025

Best Places to Live in New Jersey 2024

The new year brings with it new opportunities, including a chance to find a new home. While many New Yorkers like to make fun of New Jersey, the state itself has a lot to offer, from national parks to amazing beaches. If you’re in the market for a new home this year, moving to New Jersey might be in the cards. Not only can you get more space for the money you would spend on apartments in New York City, but you also aren’t too far away from the city life.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in New Jersey. You’re also dealing with high taxes, expensive homes, insane traffic, lots of landfills, and a lot of people (NJ is actually the most densely populated state with 9.3 million residents residing within the 7,354 square miles that make up the state). However, if you know where to look, you can find some amazing places where you can experience all of the benefits with very few negatives. Below are some of the best places to live in New Jersey.

Princeton – A Popular University City

As the name suggests, this town is home to the prestigious Ivy League university of the same name. However, it boasts more than just an amazing university. The town is home to 31,000 residents, including many young families and professionals. Thanks to the presence of the university, the town boasts a more urban feel and has a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, local retail shops, and cultural attractions. There’s also plenty of green spaces for you to enjoy during those warm summer days, either at Morven Museum & Garden or Princeton Battlefield State Park.

While Princeton might be most known for the university, the emphasis on education is apparent at all levels. In fact, Princeton has some of the best public schools in the entire state. You can easily start a family, living in Princeton, and have them attend excellent schools from kindergarten to college. Besides offering world-class education, Princeton University also has some excellent college lacrosse and basketball teams. So don the school colors (orange and black) and cheer with your neighbors.

Chatham: A Great Location for Families and Professionals

Located less than 25 miles away from Manhattan, Chatham offers all the charm of a quiet neighborhood while still being close enough to the bustle of a large city. It’s a great location for families and professionals, as downtown offers a great selection of restaurants and local stores to shop from. It’s also commuter-friendly, and you can easily get around the town without a car. Of course, if you do want to travel outside of the town, you have access to well-maintained roads and public transportation thanks to the NJ Transit.

 

Commute Time & Transportation Scoreboard

Town Primary Commute Destination Train Time (min) Driving Time (min) Transit Availability Score (1–10) Traffic Difficulty Score (1–10) Overall Transportation Score (1–100)
Princeton NYC 70–80 65–75 7 6 74
Chatham NYC 45–50 35–45 9 5 82
Elizabeth NYC 25–30 20–30 10 7 88
Ho-Ho-Kus NYC 50–60 40–55 8 6 78
Springdale (Cherry Hill) Philadelphia 30–40 25–35 7 5 72

 

Chatham is a great place for families. It’s safe and has plenty of family-friendly recreational locations to choose from. It’s located close to the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, which preserves Thomas Edison’s lab and residence, where you can check out his inventions and tour the grounds. There’s also Liberty Hall Museum and Arboretum, where you and your children can explore the mansion that hosted many distinguished guests such as George Washington, William Howard Taft, and Benjamin Franklin. Chatham is also home to some amazing public schools that are rated among the best in New Jersey.

Elizabeth: One of the Largest Cities in New Jersey

If you’re still working in New York City, then Elizabeth might be a great option for you, as it has two train stations and is close to both the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. With a population of 128,000, Elizabeth is the fourth-largest city in New Jersey. While housing prices aren’t low, you could potentially find a decent place for around $400,000. When compared to places like Princeton or Chatham, that price tag doesn’t look so bad!

One of the greatest strengths of Elizabeth is its diversity, as it is home to 37 different languages and residents from 50 different countries. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to find cuisine from around the world, whether you’re looking for Colombian, Indian, Japanese, or Portuguese. There’s definitely something for everyone, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Of course, if you want to, Elizabeth is very pedestrian-friendly, and thanks to the two train stations, you probably don’t need a car unless you plan on visiting other areas of New Jersey.

Thanks to its large size, it’s also relatively easy to find a job in Elizabeth, and the city even offers incentives to business owners to bring commerce to the community. If you’re an entrepreneur, this could be a great place to start.

Ho-Ho-Kus: A Small Community for Peaceful Living

If you’re looking for a more small-town feel, then Ho-Ho-Kus might be the place you’re looking for. This quaint town is home to around 4,000 people and, as you would imagine, is a very tight-knit community. Despite that, the residents are welcoming, so you don’t have to worry about feeling iced out by your neighbors when you move in. While many of the residents have spent their entire lives in the area, many are still transplants who wanted a quieter lifestyle with more nature.

Despite its small population, Ho-Ho-Kus offers a cute downtown lined with shops and restaurants as well as a commercial center and train station. If you’re looking for a bit more nature, you just need to travel a short distance, and you’ll find yourself walking along Saddle River or Brewster Pond. The area does have an elementary and middle school, though kids will have to go outside the town for high school. Due to its attractive amenities and picturesque scenery, houses are not cheap in Ho-Ho-Kus, but if you can afford it, it’s a wonderful place to live.

Springdale: The Best Suburb in New Jersey

If you prefer being closer to Philadelphia than New York City, then Springdale might be the perfect option. Located just over 45 miles from Philadelphia, Springdale is a neighborhood of Cherry Hill, NJ, and offers quiet suburban living with city life just under an hour away, so you get to enjoy both the quiet and peaceful streets and small-town vibe without sacrificing the delights of a big city. Compared to some of the places on this list, Springdale is on the more affordable end when it comes to home prices.

 

Cost of Living Comparison: Top NJ Towns Mentioned in This Guide (2025)

Town Median Home Price ($) Median Rent (1BR / 2BR) Grocery Index (NYC = 100) Transportation Index Utilities Index Overall Cost of Living Score (1–100)
Princeton $1,150,000 $2,250 / $3,100 92 85 98 78
Chatham $1,050,000 $2,100 / $2,950 89 83 95 80
Elizabeth $420,000 $1,450 / $1,950 84 72 90 68
Ho-Ho-Kus $1,250,000 $2,400 / $3,250 94 88 97 76
Springdale (Cherry Hill) $525,000 $1,700 / $2,300 87 78 92 72

 

With a population of under 14,000, Springdale offers a sparse suburban feel. While there is a downtown, you’ll mostly find big-box retailers and chain stores. If you want an active nightlife scene, this might not be the best option, as Springdale is home mainly to families and retirees. With that said, the restaurants are quite good, and there are other amenities such as local gyms, pools, and close proximity to some green areas such as Pennypacker Park and Wharton State Park. As it is a neighborhood in Cherry Hill, you also have access to top-tier public and private schools. In 2021, Springdale was ranked in the top ten of the best suburbs to live in New Jersey.

Moving to NJ

Once you’re ready to make your NJ move, why not give trusted professional movers a call to help make your transition smoother? NJ Great Movers offers plenty of moving services, and we can cater to your needs and budget. We also know New Jersey like the back of our hand and can get you moved into your new place with no issues. As a trusted NJ moving company, our goal is to make your move as stress-free and hassle-free as possible. So give us a call, and we’ll get you started on the moving process.

Categories
Moving Tips

How to Get Financially Ready for Your NJ Move

How to Get Financially Ready for Your NJ Move

You probably already know that moving isn’t cheap, even in New Jersey. Simply finding a new apartment requires you to take time off work and travel to different locations. On top of that, once you do find your new place, you’ll have to put down the first month’s rent, security, and potentially a broker’s fee, all of which can cost you thousands of dollars. This doesn’t even cover the cost of hiring professional NJ movers!

The process of moving requires a lot of steps, from packing to moving over your utilities and health information to your new location. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget a few things. If you’re overseeing the moving budget, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the high cost of hiring New Jersey movers or, if you’re doing it yourself, getting a moving truck. However, there are a lot of small details that might fall through the cracks and could end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars! Below are some of the most common costs of moving to consider.

Create a Full Plan for Moving Costs

In order to financially prepare for your local move, you’ll first need to take into account all the costs associated with the move. This includes things that might seem obvious, but many people often forget to include, such as:

  • Moving Supplies – If you purchase all of your moving supplies, you might be in for a surprise as the total can add up quickly. Think about it, you have to get boxes, packing tape, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and more for all of your belongings. Luckily, you can mitigate these costs by getting free boxes from friends, family, stores, and even browsing your local Facebook groups.
  • Cost of travel – Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, you’ll need to factor in how much it will cost to get from your current home to your new one. A train might seem reasonable, especially if that’s how you normally commute. However, during a move, you’ll probably carry a few important documents and fragile items with you, so you may end up having to take a taxi or rent a car.

Complete NJ Moving Cost Breakdown (Estimated Ranges)

Expense Category Estimated Cost Range (NJ) What This Covers Money-Saving Tip
First Month’s Rent $1,500 – $3,500+ Rent due at lease signing Negotiate move-in date or incentives
Security Deposit 1–1.5× Monthly Rent Refundable deposit required by the landlord Document the apartment’s condition thoroughly
Broker Fee (If Applicable) $1,000 – $4,000+ Agent commission for finding an apartment Look for no-fee listings
Professional Movers (Local) $800 – $2,500 Labor, truck, fuel for in-state move Move mid-week or off-season
Long-Distance Moving $3,000 – $7,000+ Mileage, labor, transportation Downsize before moving
Packing Supplies $100 – $500 Boxes, tape, wrap, padding Collect free boxes locally
Storage Unit (Monthly) $75 – $300+ Temporary or long-term storage Choose the smallest unit possible
Moving Insurance Upgrade $100 – $500+ Full-value protection for belongings Insure only high-value items
Utility Deposits & Setup $100 – $400 Electric, gas, and internet setup Transfer services early
Furniture & Grocery Replacement $300 – $2,000+ Items tossed or replaced after the move Buy used or delay upgrades
Pet Boarding (If Needed) $40 – $60 per day Temporary care during move Ask friends or family for help
Mover Tips $50 – $200+ Gratuity for moving crew Budget this ahead of time

 

  • Storage – If you can’t move into your new place immediately or if you just overestimated the size of your new apartment, you’ll need to look into potential storage options. NJ Great Movers offers secure and affordable storage, but you can also opt for other companies! The smaller the storage lockers you need, the cheaper they will be.
  • Moving Insurance – Yes, professional movers offer basic insurance, but this only covers $0.60/pound for any damaged or lost items. If you own a lot of expensive electronics, artwork, or fine china, you’ll want to splurge for full insurance from third party vendors so you can get the full cost back to you if something happens.
  • Rebuying furniture and/or groceries – Chances are, you probably threw out some old pieces of furniture and whatever groceries you weren’t able to eat or pack. In addition to the standard moving costs, you’ll also have to factor in how much you’ll need to spend to replace the old food and furniture that you tossed.
  • Utilities – You may end up paying double for utilities because you didn’t shut off your utility services in time. Make sure to check your billing cycle and cancel what you don’t need beforehand. While it might not be doable with your electricity bills, you can definitely turn off your cable and internet before you move to your new place. Speaking of utilities, some companies might also require a deposit when you first move into your new apartment in order to turn on your service.
  • Pet boarding – if you have pets, it might be a good idea to find a place to board your pets so that they’re not dealing with all the stress of moving day. Depending on where you live, this can run you up to $40-60 a day!

Create a Better Budget Before Your Move

Many people ask whether they should hire professional movers or rent a truck and do everything themselves. The answer to that question depends on your budget. In general, the DIY route will be cheaper, but it will also take more time, and you could damage your belongings or yourself during the move. While hiring professionals does cost more, it also means you are not at risk of injuring yourself, and your fragile items are less likely to break.

In general, professional movers range in price depending on how much you will move. In general, the average cost of an in-state move is about $2,300, while the average cost of an interstate move is about $4,300. The farther you travel, the more expensive the move as professional movers charge hourly for their travel costs. And don’t forget the tip for the movers!

With that baseline number in mind, look up the cost of packing supplies, furniture, and anything else you will need during your move. Depending on the size of your move and whether you need storage or not, you could be looking at a budget of almost $10,000. When coming up with the final budget, it helps to spreadsheet and write out each line item. This way, you can see where you might be able to slash costs. One easy way to save money when using professional movers is to pack and disassemble everything yourself. Since most movers charge an hourly rate, the less they have to do, the cheaper it will be for you!

Make the Best Plan to Save, Save, and Save Money

Sometimes you might need to move out of your apartment immediately, so you can’t really make any plans. In cases like these, you might need to take out a personal loan or ask friends and family to help out with the costs, whether by pitching in some money or enlisting them to help with the manual labor of packing and moving. However, if you do have some time to consider your move, you should do your best to save. Again, moving isn’t cheap, so you’ll need to set aside some money to make sure you can cover all the necessary costs.

Moving out of an apartment isn’t quite the same as moving out of a house. In general, renters don’t start looking for an apartment until a month before their lease runs out. After all, most brokers want to rent empty apartments as soon as possible and won’t hold an apartment for you, unless you plan on paying two rents.

 

Monthly Saving Plan Before Moving Day

Home Type Estimated Total Moving Budget Save 3 Months Before Save 2 Months Before Save 1 Month Before
Studio Apartment $2,500 – $4,000 $800 – $1,300 $800 – $1,300 $900 – $1,400
1-Bedroom Apartment $3,500 – $5,500 $1,100 – $1,800 $1,100 – $1,800 $1,300 – $1,900
2-Bedroom Apartment $5,000 – $7,500 $1,600 – $2,500 $1,600 – $2,500 $1,800 – $2,500
3-Bedroom Apartment $6,500 – $9,500 $2,100 – $3,100 $2,100 – $3,100 $2,300 – $3,300
Small House $8,000 – $12,000 $2,600 – $4,000 $2,600 – $4,000 $2,800 – $4,000
Large House $10,000 – $15,000+ $3,300 – $5,000 $3,300 – $5,000 $3,400 – $5,000+

 

With that said, if you already know you won’t renew your lease a couple of months before it expires, you should start setting aside some money. Maybe that means being super frugal for three or four months and cancelling whatever memberships you don’t need. Or it could mean selling off some items that are no longer used on eBay or Craigslist. You can also start collecting boxes from friends, family members, or local stores to cut down on your moving supply line items. If you have extra time and a talent such as writing, art, etc., see if you can make a few extra bucks on the side. You can also save money after moving by buying used instead of new. There are plenty of people trying to get rid of old furniture and even clothes. Just make sure that they’re in good shape before you buy, and give everything you purchase a good wash and sterilization before you bring it into your home. Essentially, you need to do whatever you can to make sure you have all the money you need before you move, so you don’t have to put everything on a credit card.

Taking Out a Personal Loan Is Better Than Using a Credit Card

If you end up short of your budget a month before your moving day, consider taking out a personal loan instead of charging your credit card. Credit cards have obscenely high interest rates, with some as high as 36%. Personal loans offer much lower rates depending on your credit history, with some as low as 3%.

Of course, you’ll need to do your research. You should try to avoid peer lending companies, as you will end up with variable rates depending on who chooses to give you the money. Other lending companies might not be available in your state or might have to charge additional fees due to your location. Still, it’s worth it to look up every option available, as you will save a significant amount of money over time with this option.

If you can’t get a personal loan, consider opening up a new line of credit. Many credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR for the first year. This is a great option if you know you are able to pay off the balance in one year. Depending on your credit card score, your credit card limit could be between $2,000-$10,000.

Hire Professional NJ Movers

Moving might not be cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. So long as you spend some time planning and saving up money for your move, you should be able to find a way to finance your NJ move.

One of the best ways to save yourself time and money is to hire an NJ moving company like us to help you! We provide excellent service at affordable rates and can save you a lot of time and reduce the stress of moving. Make sure to contact us today!