Tag: NJ moving companies

Categories
Commercial Move

What Services Do New Jersey Moving Companies Offer?

What Services Do New Jersey Moving Companies Offer A Complete Guide

When you hire a moving company, you’re getting more than just a truck and a few movers. In New Jersey, moving companies usually provide extra services in addition to standard loading and transport:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • Packing supplies
  • Plastic bin rentals
  • Specialty item handling
  • Valuation protection

Of course, all of these services will cost you extra money, so it’s up to you to figure out if you have the budget for them.

What Services Are Included In a Basic Moving Package In New Jersey?

Every New Jersey moving company is different, so you should always ask ahead of time before assuming anything. With that said, below are the most common services that are included free of charge with a basic move:

  • Loading and unloading – the movers will load and unload everything for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger
  • Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly – tables, desks, bed frames, bookcases. Most movers will not disassemble more complicated items like murphy beds, wardrobes, or other pieces of furniture that require specialized tools.
  • Wardrobe box rentals – generally two to three, which you can use for hanging clothes
  • Tools and supplies – dollies, padded blankets, lifting straps, protective runners for the floors
  • Dismounting of TVs and window air conditioner units – most movers will not mount them in your new apartment, though
  • Released valuation protection – by law, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all moving companies are required to offer released valuation for free to customers

So, most NJ movers include simple furniture assembly, wardrobe boxes, basic tools, and valuation protection at no extra cost

Do Moving Companies Provide Packing and Unpacking Services?

Short answer: yes! Most NJ companies do offer packing and unpacking to save you time and stress. Movers can pack everything, including: 

  • Fragile items (glassware, mirrors, artwork, etc.)
  • General household goods
  • Toiletries
  • Kitchen items
  • Electronics

After your move, professional NJ movers can also unpack your boxes and set up your items in your home so you don’t have to deal with it. Of course, including packing and unpacking as part of your move will cost you money. In general, you can expect to pay an extra $500-$1,000, depending on how much stuff you have. That means packing and unpacking services in NJ usually add 15–25% to your total moving cost.

Luckily, many companies also offer partial packing so you can have them pack certain objects or rooms to save on costs. More importantly, you should have the NJ movers pack your fragile items, as they will be held liable should anything get damaged during the move. According to the FMCSA, if you pack fragile items and they get damaged, the moving company can contest your claim.

What Storage Options Do NJ Movers Offer?

Unlike standard self-storage options, most NJ moving companies offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions that are directly tied to your move. Compared to big-chain self-storage companies, mover-provided storage is typically more convenient and secure, since only company employees are allowed on the premises. Prices depend on how much space you need and how long you plan to keep your belongings there.

Some movers provide weekly storage options for ultra short-term situations like if you’re waiting for new apartment keys. For longer needs, you can keep items in storage for months at a time, often in secure, climate-controlled facilities. In general, you can expect to pay around $50-$150 per month for long-term storage and about $10-$40 per week for short-term storage.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay in New Jersey:

 

Size Average Monthly Cost Average Weekly Costs
5 x 5 to 5×10 $40-$50/month $10-$20/week
10×10 to 10×15 $75-$150 $20-$40
10×20 and above $150+ $40+

 

While most New Jersey movers will offer pickup and delivery of stored items, you should always ask if these services are included or come with an extra fee.

Can Movers Supply Packing Materials?

Yes, absolutely. Most moving companies allow you to buy directly from them. The best part is that the packing materials you buy are the same ones they use for their packing service, so you are guaranteed high-quality supplies. On top of that, the movers will deliver these materials directly to your door! Need some supplies? Below is a general breakdown of the various prices for boxes and other materials. Most boxes cost between $5 and $25 each, depending on size and type:

 

Packing Material Average Cost
Small boxes $5-$8
Medium boxes $9-$12
Lamp boxes $9-$10
Framed picture boxes $9-$10
Large boxes $13-$25
Wardrobe boxes $18-$20
TV boxes $50

Can I Rent Plastic Bins From New Jersey Movers?

Not all New Jersey moving companies offer plastic bin rentals, so if this is a service you want, make sure to ask ahead of time. Rentals are typically available in weekly increments, with prices ranging from $50–$100 for 20 bins. You don’t have to rent 20 bins as most companies allow you to rent a single bin.

While more expensive than cardboard boxes, plastic bins are stackable, waterproof, and more durable, making them ideal for protecting your belongings. Plus, you don’t have to worry about disposal since the moving company will pick up the bins after your rental period ends. It’s a great option if you plan on unpacking immediately after your move.

Can Movers Handle Specialty Items Like Pianos or Artwork?

Professional New Jersey movers have handled just about everything you can imagine, from pianos and pool tables to jacuzzis and valuable artwork. That said, always let your movers know about these items in advance so they can bring the proper tools, materials, and truck size.

While most moving companies don’t charge a direct fee for moving specialty items, extra costs may appear in material charges for specialty boxes (for artwork) or an additional mover for bulky items like pianos or pool tables. This could add an additional $50-$150 to your final bill.

Do Movers Provide Insurance for Damaged or Lost Items?

While you cannot purchase moving insurance directly from your moving company, movers are required to assume liability for the household goods they transport. This comes in two forms:

  1. Full Value Protection
  • Provides the most comprehensive coverage for your belongings
  • Cost is based on the total weight of your shipment, usually $6 per pound, with a 1–2% fee of that total.
  • High-value items (worth more than $100 per pound) must be listed on your shipping document; otherwise, movers can limit their liability.
  1. Released Value Protection
  • Minimal coverage, but completely free.
  • Provides $0.60 per pound per item if something is damaged or lost.
  • Suitable if you don’t have high-value items.

There is always the option of purchasing third-party insurance, and that comes with several benefits, such as:

  • Offering full coverage of your entire inventory, including high-value items, even if they weren’t listed.
  • Protecting against normal damage, loss, and natural disasters.
  • Typically costs $300–$500, providing much greater protection than the mover’s valuation.

Should You Include Extra Services in Your Move?

Deciding whether to include extra services in your New Jersey move depends on your budget, timeline, and how much stress you want to avoid. Services like packing, unpacking, storage, specialty item handling, and insurance can add to your overall cost, but they also save time, protect your belongings, and make the moving process smoother. If you have fragile items, bulky furniture, or limited time, it’s often worth budgeting for these extras. Ultimately, including additional services is about balancing convenience and cost to ensure a safer, more efficient move.

FAQ

Do movers offer cleaning services?

No, most professional NJ movers do not provide cleaning services, but they can recommend local, affordable cleaning companies before or after your move.

Can movers help with junk removal or donation drop-offs?

Yes, movers can handle an extra stop for junk removal or donations, but you must notify them ahead of time.

How much does an average local NJ move cost?

The cost of a typical local NJ move is around $800, though it varies depending on the size of your home and the distance of the move.

When should I request the additional services during the moving process?

Request extra services as early as possible to avoid unexpected fees on your final bill

Will I be charged extra if everything isn’t packed the day of the move?

Yes, movers will charge for additional materials like boxes and for the extra time needed to complete the move.

Are extra services worth the additional cost for my move?

It depends on your budget, timeline, and stress level. For many, the convenience and peace of mind make it worth the cost.

 

Categories
Moving Tips

Useful Advice for an End of Year New Jersey Relocation

Useful Advice for an End of Year New Jersey Relocation

For many people, the end of the year can be exhausting with all of the family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and, of course, preparation for the new year. Planning a move during this time might feel overwhelming on top of everything else, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning, making an NJ move during the new year doesn’t have to be stressful. Below are some tips and steps you can take to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Know Your Budget

With the holidays, your budget is probably already stretched thin with all the gifts and travel you might need to do. Adding moving expenses on top of that can throw your budget for a loop. Before you start buying presents or moving supplies, sit down and break down exactly how much you can afford for both. Chances are, you’ll probably need to cut down your spending somewhere.

 

Holiday Season Moving Cost Breakdown in NJ

Category Average Cost (NJ – Holiday Season) Notes
Average Hourly Labor Costs $120 – $160 per hour (2–3 movers) Rates rise slightly due to limited crews.
Truck Fees $100 – $180 flat fee Includes fuel, equipment, & travel.
Packing Material Costs $120 – $300 total Boxes, tape, shrink wrap, protectors, etc.
Potential Savings (Weekday vs Weekend) Save $80 – $250 Weekdays are often cheaper due to lower demand.
Cost Difference (December vs January) January is usually 10–20% cheaper Demand drops after the holidays.

 

Luckily, there are ways you can save on your end-of-year move. First, try to schedule a midweek move if possible and avoid moving on an actual holiday, as most moving companies will be short-staffed. On top of that, try to negotiate a lower price. While there, NJ moving companies may have fewer people on staff, that’s because there aren’t as many people moving during the winter months. As such, you have more room for negotiation than if you tried to move during the summer. Some may even have active deals available, so don’t forget to ask!

On top of that, you can save money by decluttering your house. After all, the less you move, the less time it will take the movers to load and unload your boxes at your new home. Start this process as soon as possible. Not only will it prevent any mix-ups between the items you are gifting and what you want to get rid of, but it also gives you time to sell your stuff. You can host a garage sale for more common items, and for more expensive things like brand-name clothes, cameras, etc., you can sell those online for a better price. Whatever money you make from these sales, you can put towards your move or your holiday gifts.

Pack Early

The last thing you probably want to do is pack during the holidays. Even if you live in an apartment, you should have some advance notice before you need to move. Use that time to your advantage! It might be tempting to put it off, but commit yourself to packing one room a week. Start with rooms that don’t see a lot of use, like a guest room or attic, and then go from there. The last places you should pack are your bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.

 

Quick Guide to Packing Early

Task Recommended Timing Notes
Start Packing (Low-Use Rooms) Week 1 Begin with the attic, guest room, and storage areas.
Pack Medium-Use Rooms Week 2 Organize items by category for easier unpacking.
Pack High-Use Rooms Last 3–5 Days Kitchen, bathroom & bedroom packed last.
Fragile Items Throughout Use extra padding & eliminate air gaps.
Holiday Decorations Final Week Keep minimal décor; save 1 box for quick packing.

 

Take your time when packing. The last thing you want to do is throw everything into a box without a plan. Remember, you also need to unpack once you’re in your new home! The more organized you are when packing, the easier it will be to unpack. Besides packing by room, try to pack like items together so they are easy to find. For fragile items, make sure you not only add enough protection in the box, but make sure there are no air gaps to prevent the objects from shifting during transit.

You don’t have to forego decorations just because you’ll be packing. With that said, you should try to minimize the amount you’ll need to pack away afterwards, so choose a few favorites and put them up. And don’t forget to save a big box so you can quickly pack the decorations once you’re ready to move.

Plan For the Weather

Since you’re moving during the winter, you need to be aware of the weather during your move. While winters recently have been relatively mild, you never know when you might get hit with icy roads or a blizzard. While you can’t control the weather, there are ways you can mitigate potential issues. For example, you should prepare moving supplies that will stand up to wet and soggy conditions. Make sure to have your snow shovels and or snow blower ready to go to keep your driveway clear.

When it comes to preparing yourself, have some winter gear ready. That includes jackets, gloves, boots, and hats. More importantly, make sure your electricity and heat are turned on in your new house before you arrive. You don’t want to deal with freezing cold temperatures on a moving day. Also, have a mop and cleaning supplies ready for your old and new houses. NJ moving companies may put down plastic runners to reduce how much dirt they track, but with snowy conditions, chances are you and they will track plenty of mud inside.

Finally, be careful when it comes to stairs and sidewalks, especially during the winter. It’s all too easy to injure yourself by slipping on a patch of ice.

Consider Temporary Storage

If your move conflicts with holiday plans, it might be worth your while to use temporary storage for some of your things. You can easily store some or all of your items somewhere safe while you’re traveling to visit family. That might mean you have to start your moving plans earlier, but it might be worth it if you don’t have to deal with all the half-packed boxes in your own home. Plus, if you know you’re not going to be around for most of December, you can potentially save some money on utilities by canceling them before you’re hit for another month. Don’t forget to turn them on a day or so before moving into your new house, though!

 

Temporary Storage Options Comparison

Storage Feature Typical Range in NJ Details / Notes
Available Unit Sizes 25 – 300 sq. ft. Options range from small locker units to large room-sized spaces.
Climate Control Temperature Range 55°F – 80°F Protects furniture, electronics, and seasonal items from winter temperatures.
Monthly Cost $75 – $350+ Depends on size, location, and whether climate control is included.
Access Hours 8 – 24 hours per day Some facilities offer 24/7 access; others have limited business-hour entry.
Security Features 4 – 10+ layers of protection Includes cameras, keypad entry, on-site staff, alarms, and gated access.
Short-Term Rental Minimum 1–30 days NJ Great Movers offers flexible rentals perfect for the holiday season moves.
Long-Term Rental Options 3–12+ months Ideal for downsizing, renovations, or extended travel.

 

There are plenty of self-storage solutions available, but many NJ moving companies also offer short and long-term storage rentals. The benefit of going through movers is that they will move everything to and from your storage unit. If you use NJ Great Movers for storage, our facilities are 100% climate-controlled and secure with 24/7 surveillance.

Prepare for Your New Year’s Move in NJ

Moving under normal circumstances can be stressful. Add in the holiday period and the winter weather, and you have a recipe for exponential stress growth. Luckily, the steps above can help you keep your NJ move on track. To make it even easier on yourself, make sure to hire professional movers like NJ Great Movers. Not only can we help with a basic move, but we also offer other add-ons like packing, unpacking, and more. Reach out and we’ll help you through the process.

FAQ

Does it cost more to move during the holiday season?

It depends on who you use. Some companies may charge more while others will offer the same price. Ask beforehand and make sure you’re upfront about your move date!

Are movers closed on the holidays?

Since 2020, movers have been considered an essential service so moving companies are usually open even on national holidays like New Year’s and Christmas. With that said, they will often be operating with a skeleton crew, and you probably will have to deal with rerouted traffic and other issues, so it’s best to move a few days after the holidays if possible.

Categories
How To

How to Spot Real vs. Fake NJ Moving Reviews

How to Spot Real vs. Fake NJ Moving Reviews

When planning a move, you’ll probably do some research on the professional moving companies before you hire them. After all, you don’t want to get stuck with unlicensed or uninsured movers. Or, worse, a scam. For many people, reading online reviews can help them decide whether to choose one company over another. Even a few bad reviews can turn people away from an otherwise great company. The problem is that while online reviews are useful, they should always be taken with a grain of salt. After all, you can’t verify the legitimacy of said review. A NJ moving company with nothing but glowing reviews might not always be the best one for you, and in some cases, these reviews might not even be real!

That doesn’t mean reading reviews is a waste of time. Instead, you need to critically evaluate the comments in order to distinguish real reviews from the fake ones. Once you understand what to look for and how to evaluate these comments properly, you can apply this knowledge to other areas, like when you’re researching a large purchase like a car, computer, or home!

Why Online Reviews

Before we get into how to evaluate customer comments, it’s important to understand the power and influence of online reviews. Since its introduction, there has been a way for people to figure out whether the service or product they are considering is right for them and if there are any deal-breaker issues. In the past, reviews were relegated to the domain of subject matter experts, but the popularization of online shopping has allowed everyone to share their experiences. And since these comments are from normal people, many trust them more than reviews from experts who might have received some kickbacks or payment, leading to them being less trustworthy. In a way, it’s a different form of word-of-mouth recommendation.

 

Top 12 Questions to Ask Yourself When Reading a Review

# Question Why This Matters
1 Does the review include specific details? Specifics about timing, crew behavior, or challenges suggest a genuine experience.
2 Is the tone balanced or overly emotional? Reviews with extreme praise or anger can indicate bias or fabrication.
3 Does the reviewer mention the service they used? Real customers identify if they used moving, packing, or storage services.
4 Is the review posted shortly after the move? Most authentic reviews appear soon after the job, not months later.
5 Does the reviewer have a history of other reviews? One-time accounts or profiles with only 1–2 reviews may be fake.
6 Does the review mention crew members or specific moments? Mentions of movers, the truck, or challenges add authenticity.
7 Is the review consistent with others? A single unusual review amidst many similar ones may be misleading.
8 Is the review overly short? One-liners like “Good job” lack substance and may be fake.
9 Does the reviewer mention price or quotes? Unrealistic pricing or vague costs can point to dishonest reviews.
10 Does the review make strange comparisons? Fake reviews may attack competitors or include unnatural comparisons.
11 Does the review describe the full process? Real customers often mention booking, moving day, and delivery.
12 Does the review sound natural or scripted? Robotic or overly polished writing may indicate AI or paid reviews.

It’s no surprise then that around 84 percent of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations and that an overall positive online review makes folks trust a business more. Naturally, with something as important as moving, people will always veer towards companies that have positive comments since they want to make sure the people they hire are professional and won’t break their belongings! 

Why Businesses Create Fake Reviews

Considering how much of an impact reviews can make on customer decisions, it’s no surprise that some companies will drum up fake reviews. There are usually two reasons companies craft these comments:

  1. To boost their ratings so they can look more reliable and attract customers
  2. To leave negative reviews on their competitor’s page to damage their reputation

While some movers will create a fake account and post reviews that way, others will hire people to leave reviews for them, so it looks more natural. Ultimately, the impact of fake reviews has a huge impact on both the customers and businesses. For the customer, fake reviews can lead to confusion and poor choices. They might think they are hiring reputable NJ movers, but instead, they end up hiring either a bad company or getting scammed.

For actual moving companies, especially those targeted with negative comments, the consequences can lead to loss of revenue and damage to reputation. Depending on the platform, they might be able to remove these fake reviews, but in many cases, it can take days or even weeks to get them removed. In the meantime, hundreds of customers will avoid them because of these fake negative reviews. This can have an especially big impact on smaller local movers. 

But what about the companies that get fake positive reviews? They might see an uptick in customers in the short term, but customers will quickly find out the truth once they hire them. Depending on how bad the movers were, they could face legal repercussions.

How to Spot Fake Reviews

With so much competition in the NJ moving scene, many companies will utilize fake reviews to hopefully catch your attention. So how can you spot fake reviews? It can be difficult, but once you develop an eye for it, you should be able to root them out on almost every site.

 

10 Red Flags That a Moving Review Is Fake

# Red Flag Why It Matters
1 Overly positive or marketing-like language Often written by paid reviewers or bots and lacks a real customer tone.
2 No specific moving details Real reviews mention stairs, distance, crew names—fakes stay vague.
3 Many reviews were posted on the same day A sign of coordinated review boosting or review bombing.
4 The reviewer has a new or empty profile Fake accounts are often freshly created with no review history.
5 Unrealistically low pricing is mentioned Scams and bait-and-switch movers use fake reviews to lure customers.
6 Identical or repeated wording across reviews Copy-paste reviews indicate bulk-purchased fake comments.
7 Only 5-star ratings with zero criticism Real customers usually include at least one minor flaw.
8 Reviewer location doesn’t match the service area Reviews from other countries or random states are suspicious.
9 No mention of the moving crew, truck, or service details Fake reviews avoid specifics that real customers naturally mention.
10 Aggressive comparisons to competitors Often part of a negative review attack or paid smear campaign.

 

  • Overly positive language – if a review sounds like an ad for the company, chances are it was written by the movers or someone they hired. Look for phrases like perfect experience or flawless service as these often lack authenticity.
  • Generic – while not everyone wants to write paragraphs about their moving experience, many will at least explain some parts of their move, like where they moved to, if the movers went up flights of stairs, etc. If the review has zero details, you might want to take it with a grain of salt.
  • Timing of reviews – Yes, lots of people move on the 1st of the month, especially if you live in a place with a lot of renters. But not everyone writes reviews at the same time. If you notice multiple reviews posted on the same day that read similarly, chances are they are fake.
  • Low pricing – if a reviewer specifically mentions an exceptionally low price, beware. Most professional movers are priced similarly, with maybe a $10-30 difference. If something is $50 or more cheaper, it’s probably a scam, or there are a lot of hidden fees.
  • Comparisons – reviews claiming that one company is a lot cheaper or better than another without any clear reasons are suspicious. 

Analyzing Reviews

Not all reviews are super obvious. Sometimes you’ll need to take a little more time to determine whether it is real or not. The biggest indicator of a genuine review is that it often provides a story or personal experience. Many times, they will name the movers or an aspect of the move that stood out to them. These are very rare in fake reviews! Another good tell is if the reviews portray the company in a consistent manner. Don’t mistake consistency of service with consistency of the actual words in the review. If you see a lot of comments that use the same phrase or wording, they’re probably fake!

Finally, if you’re unsure about a review, many sites allow you to click on the name to see their posting habits. A new profile with minimal activity or only activity on specific services or products could potentially be a red flag. If the user has made several posts, check them out and look for things like overuse of marketing jargon words, the same exact words used across multiple reviews, and strange posting patterns.

How to Find Reliable Reviews

It’s hard to find quality online reviews, but there are a few places to look. Google Reviews allows users to provide an array of customer feedback on a variety of services. On the other hand, Yelp allows users to provide detailed reviews and to filter these by location and service quality. Both sites utilize algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews, although they can’t always catch all of them.

There is also the Better Business Bureau, which lists accredited moving companies in addition to complaints, resolutions, and a general overview of the company’s performance over time. All companies listed on the site have to go through a strict process in order to be listed.

Finally, professional movers must all register with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), which requires them to provide proof of insurance, incorporation, etc. Once they receive all of this, the movers will receive a USDOT number, which customers can look up to ensure all of the information is up-to-date and they can check any complaints.

Hire Reliable NJ Movers

Finding a good moving company takes time, which is why you should start looking for one at least a month before your move date. You want to take your time doing your research so you don’t accidentally fall for a scam. If you’re in the market for an NJ moving company, give NJ Great Movers a call. We are licensed and insured and have been in business long enough to rack up hundreds of positive reviews. Reach out to us, and we’ll work with you to make your next move seamless.

FAQ

Can I report fake reviews?

Yes, if you notice a fake review or reviewer, you can usually flag it and report it to Google Reviews or Yelp. You can also give the review a thumbs down, which will hide the review if it receives enough negative feedback.

What if there are only a few online reviews for a moving company?

No or few reviews don’t mean the business is bad, but you should dig deeper. Make sure you always check the quality of the review and consider when they were posted, as older ones might not reflect the current company. You should take the search offline if possible and ask friends or family members if they are familiar with the company.

Categories
General Moving Tips

What to Expect from Full Service NJ Movers

What to Expect from Full Service NJ Movers

Moving to a new home is both an exciting and stressful experience. There are so many steps involved in the moving process that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re planning a long-distance or local NJ move, professional moving companies can help you with almost every step of the process. If you want to save yourself some time and potential heartache, consider a full-service move.

What Does a Full-Service Move Entail?

As the name suggests, full-service NJ movers will do everything associated with a move. That includes:

    • Providing all packing materials and supplies – no need to save up boxes or purchase packing tape, bubble wrap, or anything else. The movers will provide everything your move needs, which includes things like furniture blankets and additional padding to keep your belongings and walls safe!
    • Packing everything – no one enjoys packing, and it is generally the most time-consuming part of a move. With a full-service move, the packers will pack everything for you in a fraction of the time it would take you. The highly trained crew knows exactly how to pack boxes in an efficient and safe manner for transport and, of course, knows how to handle fragile and valuable items. Plus, if the movers pack items themselves, your belongings are protected should anything get damaged.

 

Full-Service vs. Self-Service Moves

Feature Full-Service Move Self-Service Move
Packing Movers provide all materials and do the packing for you You buy supplies and pack everything yourself
Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly Included for most items You handle it yourself or hire extra help
Loading & Unloading Movers handle all heavy lifting You load and unload the truck yourself
Transport The movers’ truck included You rent a truck or trailer
Unpacking Movers unpack boxes and place items in rooms You unpack everything yourself
Time Required Often completed in hours (depending on home size) It can take days or weeks
Effort Level Low – mostly supervision High – physically demanding
Cost Higher upfront cost, but saves time and stress Lower upfront cost, but more labor-intensive and time-consuming

 

  • Furniture disassembly – while many movers provide basic disassembly service of your furniture, full-service movers will provide more thorough disassembly and, in many cases, reassembly upon reaching the destination.
  • Truck loading and unloading  +- there’s no need for you to carry anything except your essentials bag and whatever items the movers cannot put inside their truck. Otherwise, leave the rest to the professionals.
  • Transport – This should go without saying, but included in all moving packages (even the basic one), the movers will use their own truck to transport your belongings from one location to another. They’ll even manage things like parking.
  • Unpacking – Full-service NJ movers don’t just pack your house; they also unpack. While the movers will have labeled the boxes according to the room they were in, make sure to provide some direction on where items should go so you don’t have to do too much redecorating.
  • Disposal of packing materials – say goodbye to cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. Full-service movers will remove all packing materials and supplies once they have unpacked and unloaded everything. That means you don’t have to spend time breaking down boxes and separating recycling.

Of course, you shouldn’t assume all of these are included in a full-service move. Always ask beforehand to make sure they are offering you what you need.

How Much Does it Cost?

As you might expect, a full-service move will cost you significantly more than a basic move where you do the packing and disassembling yourself. Costs vary based on the size of your move, the distance they need to travel, the time of year, and more. Always get an estimate from several full-service moving companies so you can compare prices and make an informed decision. Don’t forget to ask if they have any promotional sales going on at the moment or if discounts if you belong to a certain group, like a student, senior citizen, or veteran.

How Long Will it Take?

Packing and moving yourself can take days or sometimes even weeks. When you hire a full-service mover, they can finish in a few hours, depending on the size of your move. In order to provide you with an accurate time frame, the movers will need to do an in-person or virtual tour of your home to take stock of your belongings. Unless you have a lot to move, most full-service movers can pack everything up in a three-bedroom home in under 4 hours. 

Time Saved with Full-Service Moves

Home Size Packing Time (DIY) Packing Time (Full-Service) Estimated Hours Saved
Studio / 1-Bedroom 6–8 hours 1–2 hours 4–6 hours
2-Bedroom 12–16 hours 2–3 hours 10–13 hours
3-Bedroom 18–24 hours 3–4 hours 15–20 hours
4-Bedroom / Larger 30+ hours 4–6 hours 24+ hours

 

After that, the rest of the time will be spent loading and unloading the truck and unpacking. And, of course, don’t forget the time it will take to get to your new home. For local moves, a full-service move might take 8-10 hours. The less you move, the quicker the move will be so make sure to declutter beforehand. Even if you’re not doing the hard work, there’s always something nice about having a few hours to relax after a move.

If you’re not able to move into your new house immediately, you might need to request short-term storage solutions. Many NJ movers have their own secure storage units, but renting one is an additional cost on top of the full-service move. Make sure you know how long you will need to rent out the unit and incorporate the cost into your moving budget. While you can find self-storage solutions, the benefit of using storage directly from the movers is that they will handle all the loading and unloading and travel to and from your home.

How to Find a Reputable Full-Service NJ Mover?

There are plenty of NJ movers to choose from, and while most of them are legitimate, not all of them have your best interests in mind. When looking for an NJ mover, make sure to check that they are licensed and insured by looking for the Department of Transportation (DOT) number on their website. You can then go to the DOT website and enter the number to make sure they are up to date on their licenses and check for any complaints or accidents. 

You should also ask friends and family for suggestions or feedback if you know they have moved recently. Otherwise, look up online reviews on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (if they are listed). You want to look for any negative reviews that have the same or similar complaints.

After that, listen to how the movers talk on the phone. Are they professional? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? If you notice that the movers are evading questions and/or trying to pressure you into signing a contract with them, thank them for their time and move on to another company. You should also avoid movers who have estimates that are wildly cheaper than others or who ask for a large upfront deposit. These are all signs of a scam.

Ready to Move?

If you want to make your next NJ move easy, make sure to reach out to NJ Great Movers. We have years of experience and can provide you with a comprehensive, full-service move tailored to your budget and needs. Of course, we also provide other services like storage, last-minute moves, and more! 

FAQ

What is not included in a full service move?

It varies by company, but a full service move generally only includes tasks associated with the move itself. Anything outside of that will be extra including storage, car transport, additional insurance, and so on.

Do I need to be present during a full service move?

Yes, you or someone who you have appointed must be present to oversee the move, answer questions, and sign the final bill of lading.

How much should I tip after a full service move?

Ideally, you should tip around 15-20% of the final bill if you think the movers did a good job.