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Cost Moving Tips

Budgeting for Your NJ Move

Budgeting for Your NJ Move

One of the biggest concerns many people have when hiring NJ movers is managing all the costs involved. When budgeting for a move, it can easily be overwhelming as there are so many different costs associated with it, from moving supplies to additional moving services. Plus, many NJ movers might not be upfront about additional fees you may need to pay when providing their quote. Even when working with reputable NJ moving companies, it can still be difficult to understand all the costs associated with a move. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Below are some tips and tricks on how to understand how much money to set aside for your NJ move.

Factors That Affect NJ Moving Costs

The cost of hiring NJ movers varies widely depending on what you need for your move. For example, a local move tends to be cheaper than a long-distance move, and they also tend to have different pricing structures. Most professional movers will charge you an hourly rate for local moves and a fixed rate based on a few factors for your long-distance move. In general, local moves range between $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of your move, versus $2,000 to $5,000 and above for long-distance distance.

So how do movers come up with these figures? It’s based on a few things, including:

  • Distance – the further away your new house is from your current home, the more expensive it will be. Speaking of distance, the clock starts on the move when they leave their warehouse and stops when their truck is back at their HQ, not when they finish unloading their truck!
  • Volume – The more you have, the larger the truck and the more time movers will need. This directly impacts cost, especially for fixed-rate moves, as costs are calculated by combining distance and volume.
  • Services – If you need anything else besides the basic loading and unloading, expect to pay more! Packing, unpacking, storage, etc., are all services moving companies provide at an additional cost.
  • Time of year – while most companies won’t charge you more when moving during the summer or holiday season, you likely won’t be able to find as many discounts or negotiate a better deal as you might be able to during off-peak season.
  • Accessibility – Does your home have stairs? Will the movers need to park far away from your old or new home? All of these could incur an extra charge.

And don’t forget about other moving expenses like buying moving supplies, getting a hotel if your home is not move-in ready, renting a car, etc. All of these things add up! 

Common Hidden Fees

Before you sign the contract for the movers, it’s important to understand any potential hidden or extra fees you can expect. Remember, the initial quote you get from the company is their best guess based on the information you provide. If you realize you need extra services or forget to mention something like stairs, the final bill will likely be higher than the initial estimate. That’s why it is important to give as much information as possible for an accurate quote. A few things that can add extra charges to your bill include:

  • Stairs – many moving companies will charge extra money for each flight of stairs. So if you are moving out of a third-floor walkup, expect to pay at least $30 more.
  • Long carry – not all companies utilize this charge, but you should always ask if you don’t think the company will be able to park directly in front of your house or apartment. These fees are charged for carrying items a long distance from your home to the truck. The distance varies between companies and could be as short as 100 feet from the doorstep to the truck.
  • Shuttle service – if you’re moving somewhere with narrow streets that can’t fit a full-size moving truck, the company may charge you a shuttle service fee that provides a smaller vehicle to move your belongings from the truck to your home.

 

Common Hidden Fees & Typical Cost Ranges

Hidden Fee Typical Cost Range Why It Happens Example (NJ Moves)
Long Carry Fee $75 – $150 Distance from truck to your door exceeds 75–100 ft Apartment buildings in Jersey City/Hoboken
Stair Fee (Per Flight) $50 – $100 per flight No elevator or narrow stairwells Walk-up buildings in Newark & Union City
Elevator Fee $75 – $150 Slow elevators or timed elevator reservations High-rises in Fort Lee & Edgewater
Shuttle Truck Fee $150 – $350 The main truck can’t access your street or parking area Narrow streets in Montclair or Princeton
Heavy Item Fee $80 – $300 per item Pianos, safes, gym equipment, oversized furniture Piano moves in Morristown or Clifton
Packing Material Charges $20 – $200+ Boxes, tape, shrink wrap, blankets Extra wrapping for fragile items in Bergen County
Storage Fees $50/day or $80–$250/month Delay in move-in or lack of space at the new home Last-minute storage in Linden or Jersey City
Same-Day / Last-Minute Fee $100 – $300 Booking within 24–48 hours of the move date Emergencies in Hoboken & Jersey City

 

  • Packing materials – you’ll be charged extra for packing supplies like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.
  • COI – if you are moving into an apartment that requires a certificate of insurance, some moving companies might tack on a fee to produce the COI for building management.
  • Travel time – in addition to the hourly rate for the move, many companies will also add a travel surcharge to your bill if your home is outside of a certain radius from their headquarters.

If you don’t see any of these fees listed out in the quote or contract, make sure to communicate potential issues clearly and ask questions about other additional charges.

Deposits and Cancellation/Rescheduling Fees

Once you have found the company for you, you will probably need to pay a deposit. This amount is usually $50-$100, depending on the cost of your move, and will be credited against your final bill. However, since you will have to put this payment a month or more in advance, you’ll want to make sure you have it available. This deposit will also be held if you end up canceling or rescheduling outside of the contracted rescheduling time frame, usually up to 2 days before moving day. Some companies will even charge you the full amount of the move for these last-minute changes, so make sure the moving date you provide works for you, and if anything changes, contact the movers as soon as possible so you don’t get hit with these fees.

Tipping

The biggest fee many people forget is the tip! While it isn’t a required part of your move, it is still customary to provide a tip to your NJ moving crew if they ticked all the boxes. The standard tip is around $15-20 per hour per person. So, for a 2-person crew that worked 4 hours, that would be $160 that you should set aside. Feel free to tip more if you felt the movers did an exceptional job and/or had to move a lot of bulky items. You can also provide the movers with some cold water during the summer or some hot coffee during the winter time. They’ll definitely appreciate it!

If the movers did not do a good job, don’t feel pressured to tip. Some red flags that warrant decreasing the tip amount include:

  • Arriving late with no communication
  • Poor attitude
  • Making excessive noise or using profanity around children and neighbors
  • Disregarding directions on your fragile, marked boxes
  • Damaging belongings
  • Demanding cash for each mover
  • Slow, lazy service

If the movers try to threaten or pressure you, call the office and let them know what happened. You do NOT need to provide a tip if the crew does not do a good job with your move or, at any point, make you feel unsafe.

Reducing Your Moving Costs

While some costs are fixed, there are ways you can save money on your move. The first thing you should do is declutter as much as possible. The less stuff you have, the less you need to move, which means fewer boxes and less time movers need to take loading and unloading your belongings. You can even make some money on the items you decluttered by hosting a garage or yard sale. While you’ll never recoup the original amount you paid for the items, you could earn back a couple of hundred dollars depending on what you’re selling, which can give you some extra wiggle room in your moving budget.

 

Cost-Saving Opportunities Checklist

# Cost-Saving Opportunity Estimated Savings
1 Decluttering Before the Move Save $100–$500
2 Packing Your Items Yourself Save $150–$600
3 Scheduling Your Move During Off-Peak Season Save 10–20%
4 Using Free or Recycled Moving Boxes Save $50–$120

 

Another great way to save money is to shop around. Don’t hire the first movers that show in your search. Take note of a few and call them up to compare services and quotes. If one company offers the services you need but is a little more expensive than a comparable company, try and negotiate the rates down. You can also ask if they have any deals or discounts available.

Finally, pack as much as you can yourself. It’s tedious, but it will save you money in the long run. If you still need some help, see if the moving company provides partial packing service. That way, you can have them focus on packing a certain room or area while you pack the rest. For the best value, have the movers pack your fragile items. While the movers do cover your belongings with the released valuation for free, it will usually only cover items the movers packed themselves. If you packed the items and they get damaged, it won’t be covered in released or full valuation unless it can be proved that the damage happened due to negligence by the movers and not poor packing on your part.

Ready to Make an NJ Move In Your Budget

At NJ Movers, we provide excellent service at affordable prices. Our company has become the mover NJ residents trust. So if you’re looking to make your NJ move, reach out to us and we’ll help create a customized moving plan that matches your needs and budget.

FAQ

How much will it cost if I need to store my belongings before or after a move?

It depends on how much and for how long you need to store your things. If you’re only storing a few boxes for a month or so, you may only end up spending $100. However, if you need to store everything within a 3 bedroom house for a year, it could cost well over $1,000.

How far in advance should I start researching movers?

In general, you should research and book your movers at least a month in advance of your moving date, maybe even earlier if you’re moving during the summer months.

Categories
Moving Tips

Sustainable Moving: 7 Tips for an Eco-Friendly NJ Relocation

Sustainable Moving 7 Tips for an Eco-Friendly NJ Relocation

Moving to your new NJ home might be exciting, but there’s also a lot of waste that goes into the process. You’ll often purchase one-time use items, and, considering the average American moves 11.7 times in their life, that ends up being a lot of waste. Even if you manage to recycle things like boxes or bubble wrap, it’s not always the best option for the environment. If you remember the three R’s initiative, recycle is the last R, with reduce and reuse before it.

Luckily, it’s fairly simple to reduce your carbon footprint for your next NJ move. Just follow the eco-friendly tips below!

Use Your Own Containers Instead of Buying New Ones

Sure, you’ll probably need to buy some boxes, but chances are you have plenty of potential containers you can use on hand. If you’re hiring professional NJ movers, you will have to properly pack everything you own, either in boxes or plastic bins. However, if you’re going the DIY route, you have more flexibility when it comes to types of containers. Some options include:

  • Plastic bins
  • Suitcases
  • Gym or duffel bags
  • Trash bags
  • Reusable grocery totes

And more. If you can fit multiple items inside of it, then use it! Of course, you don’t want to just throw any and everything into random containers. You should still keep your belongings organized and pack up items by room and use. So if you’re packing up your bathroom, you can use a small grocery bag or tote to store all the items under your sink. Have small containers for your food? Use these to hold small items like hair accessories, jewelry, makeup brushes, etc. The more of your own containers you can use, the more you can avoid purchasing boxes.

Don’t Buy New Cardboard Boxes

Online shopping has replaced in-person shopping for a lot of people. While it’s not the most sustainable shopping option, it’s perfect if you have an impending move. After all, your shipped items will likely come in boxes, which you can then reuse for your move. Of course, you don’t want to hold onto boxes forever, so only start collecting once you have firmed up your move date. One of the benefits of cardboard boxes over plastic bins is that you can easily break them down for easy storage around your house or apartment.

You don’t need to keep every box. Obviously, get rid of any that are ripped or in bad condition. From there, keep the ones that will hold a decent amount of items. Yes, you can keep the smaller boxes if you like, but it might be more trouble than it’s worth to properly pack everything and tape these up.

If you’re not able to save enough boxes on your own, don’t buy new ones! Instead, look for used ones. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they saved any from previous moves or packages. Did any neighbors move in recently? See if they have any leftover boxes. The worst they can say is no! You should also reach out to your local grocery and liquor stores, as they will often have leftover boxes from their shipments. The best part is that those boxes are meant to handle heavy items, so they’re sturdier than your standard online shopping boxes.

Once your move is complete, pass the favor forward and see if there’s anywhere in your new neighborhood that needs boxes. If no one takes you up on the offer, make sure to recycle!

Use Plastic Bins That Are Reusable

Don’t want to deal with assembling and breaking down cardboard boxes? Then why not rent plastic bins? Ask your moving company if they offer this service. If they do, then consider renting some out to fill in the gaps for whatever items you might still need to pack. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is eco-friendly. After all, the plastic bins can be reused for many years to come, so long as they don’t get damaged. On top of that, the bins come with a hard plastic snap top, which means you don’t need to worry about tape. Plus, the plastic construction also means it is water and dust-proof!

 

Rental Plastic Bins: Cost, Environmental Impact & Timeline Comparison

Rental Company Cost per Week Number of Uses (Est.) Delivery Timeline (Days) Water/Dust Resistance Return Deadline (Days) Environmental Savings per Bin
BinGo Rentals $25–$40 200–400 uses 1–2 days High (Sealed lid) 7–10 days Reduces 5–10 cardboard boxes
EcoBox NJ $30–$45 300–500 uses Same-day or 24 hrs Very High (IP55 rated) 10–14 days Saves 7–12 cardboard boxes
GreenBins USA $20–$35 150–300 uses 2–3 days Medium (Snap-on lid) 5–7 days Saves 4–8 cardboard boxes
Rent-A-Tote $28–$42 250–350 uses 1–2 days High (Weather-resistant) 7–10 days Saves 6–10 cardboard boxes

 

Before you decide to pack everything into these rented plastic bins, you should consider the downsides:

  • It’s expensive – the price goes up the more bins you rent out and the longer you rent them
  • You can’t pack your items until the bins are delivered – most moving companies will deliver the bins 2-3 days before the day of the move, so you’ll have to rush to pack
  • You have to return the bins – it should go without saying, but renting a bin means you need to return them to the NJ moving company you used. While the movers will pick it up themselves, this means that you have to unpack your items ASAP, so you don’t get charged additional fees

Still, plastic bins are a great option if you only need a few boxes to fit your remaining belongings. And while they might be plastic, they can be reused hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

Take Only What You Need

The easiest way to make your NJ move greener is to move less stuff. Fewer belongings means less weight in the moving truck AND fewer moving supplies you need to get. Plus, why bring a bunch of stuff you don’t use to your new home? You’re starting in a new home, so why not get rid of items that no longer fit your needs?

Decluttering might sound simple, but it’s not always easy, especially if you’re someone who tends to hang onto things “just in case.” But ask yourself, how often do those situations actually happen? Put aside a few days a month or so before your move to go through every single item you own. That includes little things like pens, hair clips, etc. Separate into three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, Throw out. Your throw-out pile should be the easiest to start with, as you can get rid of broken and/or severely damaged items.

When it comes to deciding what to keep and what to donate, it’s a bit harder. Ideally, you should donate anything that you haven’t used in the past year that is still in good condition. Of course, things like holiday decorations or family heirlooms may fall into this column, but you’re better off leaving sentimental items for last. Instead, focus on things like clothes, shoes, appliances, and so on. Do you really need that many shoes and ties? If you’re able to whittle down your belongings by half, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and energy packing. Plus, you can sell any items that are in good condition at a garage sale for some quick and easy cash.

Find Out Creative and Interesting Ideas with Packing Materials

You don’t always want to skimp on packing materials, especially for things like tape and bubble wrap for expensive, delicate items. However, you can get away with using household items for almost everything else.

  • Glassware – fill the inside with paper and wrap the outside in clean socks
  • Plates and bowls – wrap these with old newspapers, pillowcases, or magazines
  • Knives – if you don’t have a knife block, you can use old newspapers or pieces of cardboard taped together to protect the blade. After that, you can wrap with an additional layer of a dishcloth or an old t-shirt
  • Beauty products – put them away in a small plastic container or plastic bag. For things like lotion, tape the lids shut so they don’t accidentally open during the move.

In order to pack your boxes properly, you will also need to fill in any gaps/empty spaces to prevent jostling during your move. So if you have half-filled boxes, fill up the space with dishrags, bedding, towels, etc.

Focus on Choosing Eco-Friendly Packing Supplies

As more people express concern for the environment, more companies are offering sustainable options, and that goes for the packaging industry. Obviously, cardboard boxes are recyclable, but did you know you can also get eco-friendly versions of almost every supply out there? The issue, of course, is cost. Sustainable options tend to be much more expensive than standard options. Still, if having an eco-friendly relocation is important to you, then the extra cost might be worth it for your own peace of mind.

Almost everything nowadays can be replaced by greener products, including:

  • Packing peanuts – you can look for biodegradable options made from corn, wheat, or potato starch. They dissolve in water, so you can even throw them into the compost pile after you are done, and they are non-toxic to pets and humans
  • Bubble wrap – opt for paper bubble wrap instead of plastic. Paper options are recyclable and biodegradable, making it a perfect option. There is also plastic bubble wrap made from recycled materials, and it is, of course, 100% recyclable.
  • Packing tape – your standard plastic tape is not only not recyclable, but you will also have to remove it from all of your boxes in order to recycle the boxes. There are luckily, paper-based tapes are available on the market that use a natural water-activated adhesive. Plus, it’s recyclable!

Find an Eco-Friendly New Jersey Moving Company

If you’re hiring professional movers to do the work for you, you can still make your move a green one. Even if they don’t have an electric fleet, professional movers are much more efficient than the average person. Not only can they quickly load and unload all of our belongings, but they also know the fastest route between your two homes, especially if you’re hiring local movers. That means less gas wasted in traffic or trying to find a parking spot. And if you hire them to pack your stuff, they also know how to pack more efficiently. After all, they do this on a daily basis and receive training! You can also ask potential moving companies during your research phase what their sustainable practices are, if any.

 

Carbon Footprint Comparison: Traditional Move vs Eco-Friendly Move (NJ)

Move Type Avg. CO₂ Emissions (lbs/hour) Miles Traveled (Local NJ) Fuel Consumption (Gallons Used) % Emissions Reduction Cost Difference (+/-)
Traditional Truck 40–70 lbs 10–40 miles 3–6 gallons 0% (Baseline) Base Rate
Fuel-Efficient Truck 25–40 lbs 10–40 miles 2–4 gallons 35–45% Reduction +$10 to +$30
EV Truck (Local Moves) 0 Tailpipe Emissions 10–30 miles (optimal range) 0 gallons (Electric only) 95–100% Reduction +$20 to +$60

 

If you plan on renting a truck or van, research its emissions rating. Some companies even rent out electric trucks and vans as part of their fleet. Obviously, the range of an EV vehicle will be limited, so it’s more suited to moves in the same neighborhood rather than 3-4 hours away.

Make Your NJ Move a Green One!

A sustainable move doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does require some planning and coordination. And being eco-friendly doesn’t stop at the move! If you’re trying to lead a more sustainable life, think of ways you can make your new house more eco-friendly. That might mean investing in energy-efficient appliances, installing LED lights, sealing any air cracks, getting curtains for your rooms, and more. All of these little things can help the environment and your wallet.

If you need some help finding the right materials or suggestions on packing, make sure to give NJ Great Movers a call. We’ll provide guidance every step of the way.

FAQ

How can I dispose of hazardous materials in an environmentally friendly way?

It depends on the type of materials you are disposing of. For cleaning products, your best bet is to either use them up or give them away. If you can’t do either, read the label, as that should provide proper instructions. For batteries, go to places like Home Depot or Best Buy to drop them off. If you are recycling electronics with lithium ion batteries, you can also drop these off at Best Buy, but you can also contact your local sanitation department as they often have tech disposal days.

What should I do with furniture I don’t plan on bringing with me?

If the furniture is in good shape consider selling or donating it. You can also let the movers know that they can take it, and they might either bring it home with them or fix it up and flip it. Otherwise, contact the local sanitation department and let them know you have a bulk disposal.

Are there places where I can recycle damaged/ripped clothes?

It depends on where you live. If you live close to larger cities, there are some services that will take your old clothes and recycle them for you. Do a Google search for textile recycling near you to see if there’s anything similar.

Categories
General

Useful Strategies for Packing Your Home Library for Your Next Move

Useful Strategies for Packing Your Home Library for Your Next Move

Moving books might seem simple, after all, you just toss them into a box, right? You’re not completely wrong, but there are exceptions to the rule. More importantly, if you pack your books incorrectly, it could lead to broken boxes, damaged books, and injured backs. Even if you hire professional movers to haul the boxes for you, you’ll still need to do the packing, which isn’t quite as simple as you might think. For best results, read the strategies below on how to pack and move your home library.

Declutter Your Library

If you’re a bibliophile, the thought of getting rid of some of your precious books can be heart-wrenching. However, it’s in your best interest to lighten the load. After all, the less stuff you have, the cheaper the move will be, whether you’re making a local or cross-country move. And who doesn’t want to save money?

 

Decluttering Value Chart

Number of Books Decluttered Estimated Resale Value ($) Donation Tax-Deduction Value ($) Weight Reduction (lbs) Moving Cost Savings ($)
10 Books $15 – $40 $5 – $15 5 – 15 lbs $3 – $8
25 Books $40 – $100 $10 – $35 12 – 35 lbs $8 – $20
50 Books $80 – $200 $20 – $75 25 – 70 lbs $15 – $45
100+ Books $150 – $400+ $40 – $150+ 50 – 150+ lbs $30 – $90+

 

Don’t rush this process. Try to start at least a month before your move. That way, you will have the time to consider each book carefully. Instead of throwing your books in the trash, consider the following options:

  • Donate to charity – most charities will gladly accept your books so long as they are in good condition. You can also donate directly to libraries, schools, orphanages, etc.
  • Sell them – there’s a fairly large second-hand market for books, so why not make a little extra cash from them? Offer your books at yard sales or sell them online through Amazon or through various online booksellers.
  • Pass them along to friends and/or family members – Ask people you know if they want to take some books off your hands. Chances are, there are probably a few you’re getting rid of that someone would be interested in.
  • Recycle – if your books are heavily damaged, your only option would be to recycle them. Avoid throwing your books in the trash if possible! Your old books can enjoy a new life as wrapping paper or paper bags if you recycle.

Organize Your Books the Properly Way

Once you’ve narrowed down your books, it’s time to organize them. Before you move anything, though, make sure to take a picture of your current library setup so you can replicate it in your new home. Of course, you might decide you want to try a different organization method later on!

Separate your books into hardcover and paperbacks. If you don’t, the hardcover books could damage your paperbacks. From there, group the books by size. That way, you can maximize the amount of space the books take in the box. You can go further with your organization and organize your book by genre, author, etc. Whatever is easiest for you to remember and unpack when you get to your new place. After all, there’s nothing quite like relaxing with your favorite book after a stressful moving day!

Choosing the Right Packing Materials

It might be tempting to put all of your books into one or two large boxes, but that’s ultimately an injury waiting to happen. Books are heavy. You might not think about the weight often in your day-to-day life. After all, you’re likely only holding one book at a time. An average hardcover weighs between 1 to 3 pounds, while a paperback can weigh between 0.5 to 1 pound. Even if you’re hiring professional NJ movers to help with moving, you still want to keep your boxes to a max of 30 pounds, since you might still need to move the boxes yourself from one room to another. More importantly, if you put your box full of heavy books, it can compromise the structural integrity of the box. This could lead to broken boxes and, at worst, a serious injury.

Your best bet is to choose smaller boxes. Sure, it might be tedious to pack dozens of smaller boxes, but it will ultimately be easier to move several small boxes versus one heavy box. Plus, smaller boxes mean better organization, so you’re not putting your mystery novels with your romance.

Besides the box, you want to make sure you have other packing materials such as tape, packing paper, and permanent markers. Make sure to label the packed books as heavy so the movers know what to expect.

Need to Pack Your Books Properly

Sure, you can just dump your books into boxes willy-nilly, but it will be easier for you and the movers if you are intentional with your packing. Besides organizing and getting the right materials for the job, the actual packing part can ensure your books arrive in good condition. Before you start packing, line the boxes you plan on using with packing paper. If you have delicate and/or rare books, consider packing these separately or placing cardboard sheets between the books to prevent damage.

 

Book Arrangement Efficiency Chart

Arrangement Method Space Efficiency (%) Packing Speed (mins/box) Box Stability Rating (1–10) Damage Risk (%)
Spine Down (Recommended) 85–95% 8–12 mins 9/10 2–5%
Stacked Flat (Same Size Books) 80–90% 10–15 mins 8/10 3–8%
Standing Upright (Like a Bookshelf) 60–75% 12–18 mins 6/10 10–18%
Mixed Orientation (Not Recommended) 50–65% 15–20 mins 4/10 20–35%
Loose-Fill / Random Placement 35–50% 5–8 mins 2/10 30–45%

 

When stacking your books, pack them with the spine down. If you’re stacking the books, pack the lighter books on top of the heavier ones. Try not to squeeze too much into the box. You don’t want the sides or top bulging! Leave a little space on the sides and top, and stuff the empty space with packing paper to prevent any shifting during the move. You might also want to get some desiccant to keep your books nice and dry. After all, moisture can ruin books and warp the book’s shape. Not to mention it can lead to mold and rot.

Ship Your Books Using Media Mail

If you decide to go the DIY route, you might want to consider shipping your books via media mail. That way, you don’t have to worry about lugging the heavy boxes on and off a truck! Even if you’re using professional movers, shipping the books might end up being cheaper, especially if you’re making a long-distance move. You can ship giant boxes of books for around $0.45 a pound! You can even schedule a pickup with the USPS so you don’t have to lug the boxes down to the post office.

So, what’s the catch? The USPS reserves the right to open and search the packages to ensure the contents adhere to the service’s standards. That means you can’t sneak other items into these boxes. You will need to check the media mail website to see what does count. Be forewarned that media mail packages cannot contain advertising, and things like comic books do not count. While the USPS won’t check every box, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Move Your Home Library Safely

If you want to make sure you have your favorite books on hand when you move into your new place, then hire professional movers to relocate your home library. Reputable NJ movers have years of experience and have moved pretty much everything you can imagine. And if you need, they can put any extra boxes in storage for you. Just make sure they know you will need a storage solution ahead of time!

FAQ

Should I stack books or spine down?

Stacking books is great if you have books that are all the same size and fit into a box. Spines down ensures your pages are less likely to be damaged.

Where can I get small, sturdy boxes?

There are many places where you can get small boxes. You can contact the moving company you are using, as they will have a variety of box sizes available. You can also ask local stores that tend to receive heavy items (liquor stores, local bookstores, etc). Finally, you can check at work, though the boxes that you get from here will likely be more lightweight.

What happens if a box falls apart during a move?

Sometimes you’re just unlucky. Maybe the box got wet, or it was just too heavy. If you use professional movers, they will re-pack the books for you, but you will be charged a packing and material fee for the new box. For DIY moves, you’ll either have to put the boxes in the trunk or back seat of your car (if it fits) or find another bo,x as you don’t want loose books flying around in the back of a moving truck.

Categories
Local Moving Long-Distance Moving

What’s the Difference Between Local and Long Distance Moves?

What's the Difference Between Local and Long-Distance Moves

One of the first questions you’ll get when you call professional movers is whether you are making a local or long-distance move. While it’s obvious there are differences between the moves, it might be hard to understand the intricacies from a customer standpoint. Knowing what kind of move you’re going to need will help you save time, effort, and money in the long run. So what are the differences?

Local vs. Long Distance Move

It might be obvious that a move down the street would be considered a local move, but what if you’re moving 5+ hours away in the same state? Generally, a local move is defined as moving either within the same city or within a 50-70 mile radius of your current home.

On the flip-side, a long distance move is one that is more than 70 miles away and generally requires crossing state lines. Long distance moves require careful planning to ensure that the delivery arrives at the right place at the right time. Long distance moves might be calculated in days versus hours depending on how far you’re going. More importantly, crossing state lines means the movers will need additional insurance and licenses to cover different locations and policies.

So what happens if you’re moving 50-70 miles away but it’s in a different state? Well that depends on the movers and your location. For example, many NYC moving companies consider bordering cities in New Jersey and Connecticut to be a local move. Don’t assume that’s the case with all movers, though. You should always give your new address and ask questions!

Price Calculation Local vs. Long Distance

Understanding quotes and estimates from local movers should be straightforward so long as you are working with a reputable company. When talking to the company, give as much information as possible. The more detailed you are, the more accurate the quote will be. The most obvious information is how big your house is, your current address, and your new address. However, don’t forget to note:

  • If the movers will need to go up/down stairs at either of your houses
  • What extra services you’ll need (packing, storage, unpacking, packing materials)
  • Whether you’re moving any bulky items like pianos, pool tables, etc.

Based on the information you give them, they will calculate how many hours it will take them to move, how many movers you’ll need, and any extra services you add on. You can usually get away with  having an extra box or two on moving day as that won’t increase the total amount of hours it takes for your move. Just don’t expect to not get charged extra if you end up with 10 extra boxes!

Long distance moves are calculated differently. There are several factors they take into account to determine the total cost including:

  • How much you’re moving
  • The distance between the origin and destination
  • The total weight of items

Moving companies are required by law to charge by the pound. They must also follow the interstate tariff set by the United States Department of Transportation and might provide discounts. Long distance movers will set their charges in one of two ways:

  • Binding estimate – the movers will estimate the weight before providing the price
  • Weight – you get a price per pound and the moving company will weigh everything after

When you’re deciding which movers to use, try to find one that provides a binding estimate. As the name suggests, whatever price the movers give you will become a fixed cost. If you agree to the estimate, you will pay that price, nothing higher and nothing lower. Make sure to obtain quotes from several different places before you agree to the estimate as some moving companies might overcharge you. Also, you won’t be able to sneak an extra box or piece of furniture even if you have a binding estimate. After all, the estimate was only for the items you told them about. If you add anything new, you and the movers will have to renegotiate so it behooves you to be as upfront as possible.

Tips for a Local Move

Even if you’re moving down the street, you’ll want to stay organized when it comes to your local move. There might be no way to get rid of stress completely, but the following tips can make the transition much easier:

  • Find a daycare for your kids AND pets – depending on how old your kids are they might be helpful, but young children can easily become a distraction and might even find themselves in dangerous situations. The same is true for pets. If possible, entrust your kids and pets to friends or family members.
  • Choose your moving day wisely – there are a lot of things to consider when choosing when you will actually move. If you live in an apartment, you might not have that luxury since you have to be out by a certain date. However, think about the time you want the movers to show up as well as the day of the week. Weekends are usually busier, but more people might be available to help out. Weekends might be quieter, but you’ll need to take time off of work. Weigh the pros and cons beforehand so you’re not leaving the decision to the last minute.
  • Ask for help – there’s no shame in asking for help. Moving is a long and tedious process so the more help you can get the better. Your best bet is to call in professional movers to help load and unload your truck, but for everything else you should rely on friends and family. Bribe them with some treats if necessary to help spread the work.
  • Prepare your new home – depending on how much time you have, how far away your new home is, and whether or not someone is still occupying your new home, you might be able to prepare your new home before moving day. Take advantage of that time if you can! Do some light cleaning, look for trouble areas and patch them up, paint the walls, etc. Heck, you can even set up your small play area for your kids and pets so they have somewhere to hang out the first day/night.

Tips for a Long Distance Move

Long distance moves require a lot more planning and consideration especially if you’re moving cross-country. You will need to figure out when you will be available to receive the movers at your new place and whether you’re going to storage in transit. That means planning out your route, planned stops, and leaving plenty of room for traffic problems. Some other tips to make your long distance move go a bit smoother include:

  • Updating important documents – changing your address means you’ll also need to update your information in a lot of different places. If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to get a new driver’s license and registration. Don’t forget that you’ll need to update your address at your bank and online ordering sites!
  • Label your boxes with your name – during a long distance move your boxes will most likely be on a moving truck that is shared with other families. In order to prevent any mix ups, label every box with your name and phone number just in case it gets dropped off at the wrong house.
  • Triple-check your inventory – You will need to provide a detailed inventory to the movers before they load up the truck. Don’t lose this list! When the movers arrive at your new place, triple-check to make sure everything has arrived before the movers leave. That way, you can figure out if anything is missing.
  • Take extra care when packing – While you should always pack your items with care, you should be especially diligent when moving long distances. There’s more opportunities for your belongings to get damaged the longer they are on the road. Wrap your fragile items with bubble wrap, paper, and old t-shirts to prevent vibrations. Tape the sides of all your boxes for added sturdiness.

Make Your Local or Long Distance Move

Now that you know the two different types of moves, you’ll need to find a reputable moving company to help you! Great Movers can help you with every move and will walk you through every step of the way. We’ll do our best to create a customized moving plan to suit your budget and needs. Simply contact us and we’ll provide a free quote.