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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.

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Moving Tips

How to Find the Best Reliable Movers in NJ

How to find Reliable Movers NJ

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

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

First, Do Your Research

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

 

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

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

 

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

Prepare Questions You Want to Know in Advance

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

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

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

Watch Out for Red Flags with Moving Companies

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Prepare for an Easy NJ Move

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

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Moving Tips

How to Get Financially Ready for Your NJ Move

How to Get Financially Ready for Your NJ Move

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

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

Create a Full Plan for Moving Costs

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

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

Complete NJ Moving Cost Breakdown (Estimated Ranges)

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

 

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

Create a Better Budget Before Your Move

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Monthly Saving Plan Before Moving Day

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Hire Professional NJ Movers

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

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