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Cost

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost in New Jersey?

How Much Do Professional Movers Cost in New Jersey?

On average, movers in New Jersey cost anywhere from $90 to $150 per hour for local moves, with most NJ moves landing between $600 and $2,500 total, depending on the size of your home, distance, and services needed, according to Forbes. That range can go higher for long-distance moves, larger homes, or jobs that require packing, storage, or specialty handling. While New Jersey tends to be more affordable than NYC, costs can still add up quickly once you factor in stairs, long carries, or multiple stops. The key to managing your moving costs in NJ is understanding what drives pricing, budgeting early, and choosing a moving company that’s transparent about fees and expectations.

What Increases Moving Costs in New Jersey?

The biggest factors are the size of your move, how far you’re moving, and whether you need extra services like packing or specialty item handling. Accessibility issues also play a big role. Things like stairs, long carry distances, and tight parking can add time to the move and increase your total cost. Once you understand how these factors work together, it becomes much easier to budget realistically and avoid surprise charges on moving day.

Size of Move

One of the biggest factors for the cost of your New Jersey move is how much stuff you plan on moving. In general, the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be. According to This Old House, when movers provide an initial estimate, they usually do so based on how many bedrooms you have and provide an educated guess based on their years of experience. That’s why it is so important for the movers to do a live or virtual walkthrough of your home so they can provide a more accurate estimate. That way, neither of you will be surprised on moving day.

 

Common NJ Moving Fees & Their Average Costs

Additional Moving Fee What It Covers Average Cost in New Jersey
Stairs (per flight) Carrying items up or down a full flight of stairs when no elevator is available $50 – $100 per flight
Long Carry Distance (per 50 ft) Distance from the truck to the entrance exceeds standard allowance (typically 50–75 ft) $75 – $150 per 50 ft
Elevator Usage Extra time waiting for or sharing an elevator in apartments or high-rise buildings $75 – $200 flat fee
Appliance Disconnect / Reconnect Safely disconnecting and reconnecting washers, dryers, refrigerators, or similar appliances $50 – $150 per appliance
Bulky or Specialty Items Handling oversized or high-value items like pianos, safes, pool tables, or gym equipment $150 – $600+ per item

 

While each moving company will offer slightly different pricing, below is an average cost for a local move:

  • 1 Bedroom – $1,000
  • 2 Bedroom – $1,200
  • 3 Bedroom – $1,500
  • 4 Bedroom + – $2,800

Distance of Move

How far you’re moving also has a huge impact on the final bill, as well as how the movers charge you. For local moves – 100 miles or less – movers tend to charge an hourly rate. Out-of-state, and over 100 miles from the point of origin and movers will bill by distance and volume. According to Forbes, you can expect the following averages for both local and long-distance moves.

  • Short distance moves (<100 miles) – $1,200-$3,800
  • Long distance moves (>100 miles) – $5,200-$8,900
  • Out-of-state moves – $4,200-$10,500

Extra Services

The above averages are for basic moving services. If you require additional services like packing, unpacking, storage, and so on, it will add to your final bill. The cost of these services varies per company, so it’s always best to ask the movers if they offer these services and how much they would cost. Be as specific as possible on what you need to avoid any surprises. Some common services include:

  • Packing – generally, you will get charged by the hour for packing and unpacking services. The more stuff you have packed, the higher the cost. If you’re on a tight budget, you can hire movers to pack specific rooms or items to ensure they are covered by the valuation protection
  • Storage – many moving companies offer short- and long-term storage options. Costs vary by length and size of the unit. You can rent a unit on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Packing Materials – purchase boxes and other packing supplies directly from the mover. These tend to be more expensive than if you buy them yourself.

On top of extra services, don’t forget to ask about extra accessibility fees. Many movers will charge you for things like stairs, appliance services, specialty item handling, and more. Make sure to mention any and all of these beforehand so it’s baked into your quote.

How Can You Save Money for Your NJ Move?

While the cost of a move can seem daunting, the good news is that there are a lot of ways you can bring down the costs without sacrificing quality. Some of your best options are to declutter and sell off some of your belongings, book early and compare quotes, pack yourself, and find free packing supplies.

Declutter

As noted above, one of the main contributors to cost is how much you’re moving, so the more you can reduce, the better. When decluttering, be ruthless and only keep items that you use on a consistent basis. If you’re moving long-distance, consider getting rid of heavy items like furniture. You can always find some new or used options once you move to your new place. Besides reducing the amount of stuff you’re bringing with you, you can also sell items that are in good condition at a garage or yard sale. While you won’t be able to recoup the cost of the original value, whatever you end up getting can be put towards your moving budget.

Book early and compare quotes

When hiring an NJ moving company, you want to start looking at least 8-10 weeks before your move, especially if you plan on moving during the spring and summer or at the end of the month. Not only does it give you enough time to do your research and find reputable companies that offer the services you need, but you can also use the time to negotiate the prices with them. For example, if you are moving during the winter season or during the week, you might be able to get lower rates. Better yet, if there’s a company that offers a lower quote, many companies will match it so long as it is not completely unreasonable.

 

Seasonal Moving Costs in New Jersey

Season / Timing Demand Level Average Hourly Rate (NJ) What to Expect
Winter (Jan – Mar) Low $90 – $120/hr Best pricing, more flexibility, and weather-related risks
Spring (Apr – May) Moderate $110 – $140/hr Balanced pricing, improving availability
Summer Peak (Jun – Aug) Very High $140 – $180+/hr Highest prices, limited availability, book early
Fall (Sep – Nov) Moderate $110 – $140/hr Stable pricing, fewer delays than summer
End of Month / Weekends High +10% – 25% premium Higher demand regardless of season

 

Pack yourself

While you shouldn’t go completely DIY with your move, one of the easiest ways to save money is to pack as much yourself. Start a few weeks before your move and pack up rooms and items that you don’t use often. As you get closer to your move date, start packing other rooms and leave the necessities for last. Speaking of necessities, don’t forget to pack a bag and/or box of necessary items like a change of clothes for a few days, toiletries, bedding, and important documents.

If you happen to have a lot of fragile items, you might want to hire the movers to pack those for you. That way, if they are damaged in transit, the movers will be held liable. This is true if you purchase third-party moving insurance, opt in for full valuation, or choose the released valuation. Either way, most of these options won’t pay out if you pack the fragile items yourself and they are damaged during the move unless you can prove the movers handled the items improperly.

Find free packing supplies

While boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap aren’t expensive by themselves, all of these little things can add up to hundreds of dollars and a lot of waste. Before you purchase anything new, first ask your friends, neighbors, or even coworkers if they have any boxes or other packing materials that you might be able to use for your own move. You can also ask local stores for their boxes, and if you’re good with the mailroom at work, you can see if they’d be willing to give you some packing tape.

If that doesn’t work, check out places like Boxcycle to find nearby used boxes for cheap or check out listings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. 

Ready to Make Your NJ Move?

Moving in New Jersey doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all price tag, but knowing what goes into the cost gives you a real advantage. When you understand how factors like home size, distance, timing, and extra services affect pricing, you can plan ahead, set a realistic budget, and avoid last-minute surprises. Taking the time to compare quotes, declutter before you pack, and work with a reputable moving company can make the entire process smoother, less stressful, and ultimately more affordable.

FAQ

How much do movers cost in New Jersey on average?

Most local moves in New Jersey cost between $600 and $1,500, depending on the size of your home and how long the move takes. Long-distance moves typically cost more and are priced based on distance and shipment weight.

Do New Jersey movers charge by the hour or a flat rate?

Local moves are usually charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are priced at a flat rate based on mileage and the amount of belongings being moved.

Is moving in New Jersey cheaper than moving in NYC?

Yes, in most cases moving in New Jersey is more affordable than moving in NYC. New Jersey typically has fewer building restrictions, easier parking, and lower hourly rates.

What time of year is cheapest to move in New Jersey?

Fall and winter are generally the cheapest times to move in New Jersey. Summer months, weekends, and end-of-month dates tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.

Do stairs and elevators affect moving costs in New Jersey?

Yes. Stairs, long hallways, and limited elevator access can increase the time it takes to complete a move, which can raise your total cost for hourly moves.

Are packing services included in the cost of movers?

Packing services are usually an add-on and not included in standard moving quotes. Full or partial packing can increase your total cost but may save time and reduce stress.

Categories
Packing Hacks and Guides

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

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

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

Different Packing Services

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

 

Different Packing Service Options in New Jersey

Service Type What’s Included Best For Estimated Cost Range
Partial Packing Movers pack only specific rooms or fragile items. You handle the rest. Includes liability coverage for items they pack. Those on a tighter budget who want help with delicate or high-value items. $300 – $600
Full Packing Movers pack everything, supply all packing materials, and can also unpack at your new home. Complete service from start to finish. Busy individuals or families who want a completely hands-off, stress-free move. $800 – $1,500

 

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

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

Pros of Hiring Professional Packers

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

  • Expertise – trained professionals use proper packing techniques, which will reduce the chances of your belongings getting damaged during the move. They also provide all of the packing materials, so you don’t have to worry about it.
  • Efficiency – the professionals pack things on a daily basis, so they know exactly where to place items and fit as much as possible in a box without overstuffing it.

 

Insurance and Liability Comparison

Coverage Type Applies to DIY? Applies to Pro Packing? Average Compensation
Basic Valuation ($0.60/lb/item) ❌ ✅ $60–$150 per item
Full Protection Value ❌ ✅ Full replacement cost
Third-Party Insurance ✅ (if purchased) ✅ Variable based on coverage

 

  • Time savings – Packing is the most time-consuming task on the moving checklist. If you don’t have the time or perhaps have limited mobility, then adding a packing service to your move will allow you to focus your energy on other parts of the move, such as planning, paperwork, and more.
  • Insurance – all NJ moving companies carry insurance and offer liability should anything get lost or damaged during the move. You are automatically covered for $0.60 per pound per item, but you can always purchase a full protection valuation if you have items that are worth more than that amount.

Cons of Hiring Professional Packers

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

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

Benefits of DIY Packing

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

  • Lower moving costs – self-packing is by far the cheapest option since the only thing you need to buy are boxes and other moving supplies. In many cases, you may even be able to find these for cheap and/or free. 

 

Top Benefits of DIY Packing for Your NJ Move

# Benefit Description
1 Lower Moving Costs DIY packing is the cheapest option since you only pay for supplies like boxes, tape, and packing paper. You can even find many of these materials for free from local stores or community groups.
2 Flexibility You can pack on your own schedule without deadlines. This lets you decide what to keep, donate, or discard — and you can use any containers like hampers or bags instead of only boxes.
3 Control You decide exactly how your items are packed and labeled. This makes unpacking faster and more organized since everything is grouped the way you prefer.

 

  • Flexibility – you can choose when you pack at your own pace based on your schedule. It also allows you to really figure out what you want to keep and what you don’t. You can start packing as early as you want! On top of that, you don’t have to pack everything into boxes. You can put some things into bags, hampers, and so on.
  • Control – you get to pack your things exactly how you want. That means you can organize each box in a way that makes sense to you once you start unpacking.

Disadvantages of DIY Packing

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

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

DIY or Hire the Pros?

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

FAQ

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

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

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

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

How much does a packing service cost?

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

Categories
How To

How to Plan a Successful Small Move in New Jersey

How to Make a Small NJ Move

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

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

What Qualifies as A Small Move

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

 

How to Determine if Your Move Qualifies as a Small Move

# Criteria Indicators of a Small Move
1 Number of Items Moving less than a full apartment, such as a studio or one-bedroom contents.
2 Weight Total items weigh less than ~2,000 lbs (about a small apartment load).
3 Volume / Truck Space All items fit in a single moving truck or van for one trip.
4 Type of Items Few large items like furniture/appliances, or mostly boxes of personal belongings.
5 Distance The move can be local or long-distance; size matters more than miles traveled.

 

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

When Would You Make a Small Move

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

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

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

Planning Your Small Move

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

 

Timeline for Planning a Small Move

# Timeline Tasks to Complete
1 4–6 Weeks Before Move Research NJ movers, get quotes, and start decluttering.
2 3 Weeks Before Move Gather packing supplies and begin packing non-essential items.
3 2 Weeks Before Move Confirm movers, label boxes, notify utilities, and change addresses.
4 1 Week Before Move Pack essentials, prepare moving day plan, and confirm parking/permits if needed.
5 Moving Day Supervise movers, check inventory, and ensure safe transport of belongings.

 

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

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

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

Cost of a Small Move

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

 

How to Calculate the Cost of a Small Move

# Factor How It Affects Cost
1 Distance Local moves are hourly; long-distance charged by weight/volume.
2 Weight Heavier items increase labor and transport costs.
3 Volume A larger load may need a bigger truck or multiple trips.
4 Movers Needed More movers increase hourly costs.
5 Packing Services Optional packing adds materials and labor fees.
6 Accessibility Stairs or long walkways can increase labor time.
7 Additional Services Storage, unpacking, or specialty items add extra cost.
8 Time of Year Peak season moves cost more than off-peak.
9 Insurance Full-value coverage may increase total price.

 

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

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

Hire Professional NJ Movers for Your Small Move

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

FAQ

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

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

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

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

Categories
General

The Best Packing Strategies for a Stress-Free NJ Move

The Best Packing Strategies for a Stress-Free NJ Move

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving from an apartment to a house or vice versa; there’s one step that you cannot skip, and that’s packing. For most people, packing is the task that they dread the most because it’s time-consuming. Doubly so if you want everything to arrive in one piece at your new home. Luckily, you can make the process easier on yourself by following the packing strategies below. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also save yourself some money in the process.

Set Your Old Belongings Aside

Moving is the perfect time to take stock of everything you own and keep the items you truly want, even if you’re moving from an apartment to a larger home. Unless you’ve lived an incredibly minimalist lifestyle, you probably own a lot of stuff that you don’t need or use that often. The less you have during a move, the cheaper it will be since fewer boxes = less time it takes the NJ movers to load and unload their truck. This is especially important for long-distance moves, as these get calculated by volume, weight, and distance.

While it will be hard to part with your stuff, it’s important to set aside a few days to sort through your belongings. When choosing what items to say goodbye to, ask yourself how often you’ve used them in the past year or two. For expensive items like furniture, you should take into account its condition, whether it will fit in your new home, and if it will match whatever aesthetic you want for your new place. Buying a new couch isn’t cheap, but lugging one to your new home and realising there isn’t a place for it is even more expensive.

Once you’ve separated out all of the items you don’t plan on taking with you, host a garage/yard sale. It’s a great way to make some extra money to pad your moving budget. Of course, you won’t sell everything, so try and donate whatever you can. Items that aren’t in good condition, you should recycle if possible. If not, then throw it out.

Have All the Supplies You Need

There’s nothing worse than starting the packing process only to realise halfway through that you don’t have everything you need. You might think that boxes and some tape are enough, but for a smoother move, you should consider investing in the following:

  • Bubble wrap, packing paper, and packing peanuts to secure fragile items
  • Plastic bags to group smaller items together, like toys, pens, etc.
  • Sharpies to label your boxes
  • Stretch wrap to secure your dressers’ drawers or keep items together
  • Mattress bag to keep your mattress from collecting dust and debris
  • Packing tape to close up your boxes. Don’t skimp, get more than you think you need!
  • Boxes to pack your items. While you can always try and find free boxes, it might be worth it to purchase boxes specifically designed for moving, as they are more durable. You should also get a variety of sizes to account for the different items you are moving.

Essential Packing Supplies Checklist

Item Recommended Quantity (1BR / 2BR / 3BR) Estimated Cost Purpose
Bubble wrap 50 ft / 100 ft / 150 ft $15–$30 Protect fragile items
Packing tape 6 rolls / 12 rolls / 18 rolls $10–$25 Secure boxes
Packing paper 100 sheets / 200 sheets / 300 sheets $20–$50 Cushion fragile items
Stretch wrap 1 roll / 2 rolls / 3 rolls $10–$20 Secure furniture drawers
Mattress bag 1 / 2 / 3 $10–$20 Protect the mattress from dirt

 

Buying all these supplies can put quite a dent in your wallet, so ask around to see if you have friends or family who might have some of these items.

A Fully Organised Inventory List

Before you start packing, you’ll want to know exactly what you plan on bringing with you. A well-organised inventory can help you manage what’s in each box, where each one needs to go in the new house, and keep track of valuable items. If you’re hiring professional movers, they will always request an inventory of items to make sure they don’t forget anything during the move.

Creating an inventory might sound difficult, but it’s a relatively straightforward process. It does require you to keep track of everything you plan on moving, right down to the last nail. For best results, you’ll want to do this while you pack. A good moving inventory lists the following:

  • Box number to keep track of boxes
  • Contents of each box
  • The room where each box came from
  • Whether items are fragile
  • Whether items in the box are valuable
  • Colour code/label used for each box
  • Picture of fragile/valuable items in specified boxes and market value
  • Take pictures of your electronic setup so you know how to set everything back up in your new home

Pack Everything in the Best Way

It might sound funny, but there are proper ways to pack a box. In fact, you can train yourself on the best way to pack a box to make the most use of the space while still keeping your items safe. Plus, a well-packed box also makes unpacking a lot easier as everything will be properly organised. If you’re not sure where to get started, below are some useful packing tips:

  • Use the right box size – heavier items should go in smaller boxes, and lighter items should go into larger boxes. You should also put fragile items in smaller boxes, as you want to reduce the amount of pressure you put on the fragile items.
  • Put heavy items on the bottom – this sounds like common sense, but many people simply toss everything into a box without considering the weight. If you put heavy items on top, they will crush and/or break the lighter items. So, pack heavy and bulky items carefully.
  • Don’t leave gaps in the box – these gaps can jostle your belongings, which can lead to damaged items. Fill any holes with packing paper, towels, etc.
  • Tape boxes securely – use more tape than you think you need and tape both the top and bottom. Then wrap a couple of times around the edges. You really don’t want the boxes opening up on the top or bottom during the move.
  • Buy speciality boxes – They might cost a bit more, but things like wardrobe boxes, speciality boxes for art, dishes/glassware, and televisions are designed to provide an extra layer of protection. If you don’t know where to find these boxes, the NJ moving company you use might have some.

Another useful hint is to pack similar items together – books with books, toys with toys, etc. Go a step further and organise by room. So if you have books for the living room and books for your bedroom, put them in separate boxes. It might seem like a hassle, but you’ll be able to unpack a lot faster when you put the effort into the initial packing.

 

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Packing

Packing Type Estimated Cost (2BR) Time Required Pros Cons
DIY (All supplies purchased) $150–$300 10–15 hrs Full control, cheaper Time-consuming, physically demanding
Partial Professional Packing $300–$600 3–6 hrs Saves time, professional handling Costs more than DIY
Full Professional Packing $600–$1,200 2–4 hrs Stress-free, best for fragile items Expensive

 

And sometimes the right way to pack is not to pack! For example, if you have clothes on hangers, don’t take them off. Instead, bundle the clothes together and then wrap them in a garbage bag to protect them. For clothes in dressers, simply wrap the drawers tightly with stretch wrap.

You’ll also want to pack a separate box specifically for essentials like clothes for 2-3 days, toiletries, bedding, toys for children, food for pets, etc. That way, you won’t have to dig through all the boxes to find exactly what you need, and you can take your time unpacking since you already have the essentials easily accessible.

Need Expert Assistance

If you’re strapped for time, you can’t go wrong with hiring professionals. Luckily, many moving companies also offer packing services. Naturally, it will cost you more money, but if you simply don’t have the time or energy, it’s a great option. Plus, you can have them pack up certain rooms or areas instead of the entire house to save some money. Sure, you’ll still need to do some packing if you choose this option, but it can reduce your overall workload significantly.

The reason it’s better to hire professionals than to ask friends is that they know exactly how to pack your boxes and will handle each item with care. Your friends or family members won’t have as much experience and knowledge, so they could inadvertently pack your boxes incorrectly. Or perhaps they’ll simply jumble all of your belongings together so you don’t know where anything is. Obviously, those who volunteer to help mean well, but they don’t always know the best practices. It’s well worth it to find some money in your budget to hire packers.

Make Packing Less Stressful

Following the packing strategies above does mean you’re putting in more upfront work. However, it is well worth the time and effort, as you won’t have to worry as much when you’re unpacking. And if you don’t want to deal with the hassle, then you can call in professional NJ packers like us!

FAQ

How can I make packing more fun for the family?

Liven up the process by playing some music. Make sure to have plenty of snacks available, and don’t forget to take some breaks. With kids, have the younger children pack some of their toys and clothes. With older kids/teens, they can pack their room.

What happens if a box breaks during the move?

If you’re using professional movers, they will provide a new box and re-pack it. This might cost you some extra money, though!

What do I do if the movers lose a box?

Let the moving company know immediately. If they are not able to locate the box, they will then reimburse you. All items are covered by basic moving insurance, which provides $0.60 per item per pound. You can also pay extra for full service, which is great if you have more valuable items.