How to Choose a Local Moving Company in New Jersey
Whether you plan to move within New Jersey or come in from elsewhere, a good moving company makes all the difference. Fortunately, New Jersey follows the same rules as most other places, so finding a great moving company here isn't harder than anywhere else. Here are five steps you can take to find a local moving company in New Jersey:
Create a budget
Decide what services you need
Research local New Jersey movers
Confirm credentials and insurance
Ask questions and watch out for red flags
Here’s our five-step guide to get you moving across the country.
Step 1: Create a Budget
A moving budget will provide you with a financial roadmap for the move. Without a clear budget, expenses can quickly spiral out of control. Don't forget to account for these common expenses when drafting your moving budget:
Professional mover fees: Depending on the distance and the size of your move, hiring professional movers can cost between $400 to $2,000.
Truck rental company costs: Renting a moving truck can cost between $20 to $40 per day, plus mileage and fuel. For a local move, budget around $100 to $200. This is usually included in the cost of hiring a full-service moving company.
Packing supplies and materials: Items such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap add up. Expect to spend around $200 to $300 for a typical three-bedroom house. Choose a company that offers full-service packing and unpacking if you'd prefer to leave this to the pros.
Moving insurance: Basic coverage is usually included, but additional insurance for valuable items can cost at least several hundred dollars.
Specialty items: Large, awkward, or fragile items, such as pianos and safes, require great care and cost $200-$400 more to move.
Security deposits and utility setup fees: You might need to pay a security deposit (typically one to two months' rent) and fees for setting up utilities, averaging $200 to $400.
If you want to save on a local moving company in New Jersey, try to move in the winter when demand is lowest.
Step 2: Decide what Services You Need
Maybe you just want another driver to haul your things. Maybe you'd like full moving services to provide you with a stress-free moving process. Whatever you need, here are the services local New Jersey moving companies tend to offer:
Packing and unpacking: comprehensive packing services to securely pack your belongings and unpack them at your destination.
Loading and unloading: loading your items onto the moving truck and unloading them at your new home.
Transportation: moving your belongings from the origin to the destination.
Storage services: short-term or long-term storage solutions for your belongings.
Moving supplies: packing materials such as boxes, tape, and protective wrapping.
Specialty services: additional services for specific items, such as pianos, artwork, or antiques, which require special handling.
Customized moving plans: you tailor your moving experience based on your specific needs.
Once you have your budget and services sorted, you can start your moving company hunt.
Step 3: Research Local Moving Companies in New Jersey
Begin your hunt for a local moving service in New Jersey by doing your research. This step separates reputable and shady companies.
Read Reviews
Reviews on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau are filled with helpful information about moving companies. Spend some time learning what previous customers had to say about movers in your area.
But don’t let one negative review turn you off; every moving company gets a bad review now and again. Instead, pay attention to patterns, both positive and negative, to identify trends and recurring issues.
Look for reviews that provide deeper details about the moving company. You can often find detailed stories about how the mover dealt with unexpected moving day situations. The best movers demonstrate excellent customer service by responding to negative reviews.
Look for Referrals
Nothing is better than a personal referral. Reach out to friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors who have recently moved. Their first-hand experiences can offer valuable insights into a local moving company’s service quality, professionalism, and reliability. A great personal referral from someone you trust will accelerate your search.
If you're relocating for a job, your new employer may recommend a mover they’ve dealt with in the past. Contact your employer's relocation specialist or human resources department for assistance.
If you're dealing with a real estate agent, ask them for help. Real estate agents often have extensive networks and can suggest reliable movers they have worked with in the past.
Step 4: Confirm Credentials and Insurance
Reputable cross-country moving companies have proper licenses, insurance, and bonds to operate legally and protect your belongings during the move.
Insurance
Reputable movers have liability insurance to protect your belongings in case of damages or losses during transit. Ask about the specifics of their policies, including deductibles, coverage limits, and the claims process if something goes wrong.
Ask about additional coverage options such as full-value protection or third-party insurance. These options provide better protection for your most valuable items. Inquire about these options in addition to liability insurance. These choices cost more, but they provide peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected events.
Credentials
First, request proof of their licenses and insurance policies. When looking for both local and long-distance moving companies operating across state lines, verify their valid U.S. Department of Transportation number and FMCSA operating authority (MC) number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website. These numbers should be prominently displayed on their vehicles and marketing materials, but if you can’t find them, the moving company’s sales representative should be able to provide them.
Next, check with relevant state or federal authorities to confirm the company's standing and compliance with regulations. Many states mandate specific licensing requirements for movers, so research what is required in your area. Verify that the company's licenses and certifications are current and in good standing.
Step 5: Ask Questions and Watch Out for Red Flags
During the in-home estimate, ask detailed questions to evaluate the moving company's professionalism, transparency, and expertise. Here are some examples of questions to consider:
How far in advance do I need to book your service?
Can you walk me through your process for packing, loading, and unloading items?
How do you handle claims for damaged or lost items, and what is the claims process?
What additional services do you offer, such as packing/unpacking or storage facilities?
What is your claims rate for losses and damages over the past year?
How do you handle unexpected situations, such as severe weather or vehicle breakdowns?
What are your cancellation and rescheduling policies?
You'll also want to watch out for red flags that indicate unprofessional or unethical practices. Some common warning signs include the following:
Personal email addresses or cell phone numbers are the primary contact points
Inability or unwillingness to provide proper documentation (licenses, insurance, etc.)
Unprofessional behavior or appearance during the in-home estimate
No permanent business address or physical office location
Evasive or vague responses to questions
If you encounter any of these red flags, continue your search.
Ready To Move?
Now you've got a plan: set a budget, decide what you need, and do a lot of homework. New Jersey is a big market, so there are a lot of great options to choose from.
Earlier I talked about referrals, so I'd like to end with one. ZipToZip Moving took great care of me during my last move. They're one of the best movers in New York, but they also do interstate moves.
If you'd like to skip a couple of steps and save some time, get in touch with them for a free quote and the peace of mind that they'll keep your belongings safe.