Best Moving Companies in New Jersey (2024)
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New Jersey has numerous local, long-distance, and international moving companies to choose from, so determining which one is right for you may feel overwhelming. Our team did the work for you by researching the best moving providers and ranking them based on customer reviews, service offerings, discounts, and more.
We selected International Van Lines as the best moving company in New Jersey for both local and long-distance moves. This full-service mover provides various services, including international moving, auto transportation, packing, and storage. American Van Lines is another recommended option for carefully handling and transporting fragile or expensive belongings. Additionally, Safeway Moving Inc. offers comprehensive insurance plans that protect your valuable possessions. Compare these providers and other recommended options in our review to determine the best mover for your needs.
Best New Jersey Moving Companies of 2024
We evaluated New Jersey moving companies based on several factors, such as their range of services, insurance options, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports, and more. Here is our list of the best New Jersey movers for 2024.
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Best Overall Moving Labor: American Van Lines
- Most Reliable Pricing: Safeway Moving Inc.
- Most Efficient: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
- Best Customer Service: Moving APT
- Best Specialized Packing: JK Moving Services
What Should I Know About New Jersey Movers?
You should know New Jersey movers’ average costs, required insurance coverage, and different moving services to help you get a competitive offer.
How Much Does It Cost To Move to New Jersey?
Moving can be very expensive, and costs depend on several factors. According to our research, the average cost of a long-distance move to New Jersey is $6,903 for a three-bedroom home.
Moving companies typically charge by the distance traveled and your shipment’s weight. The number of rooms and furniture directly impacts your cost, with larger homes incurring higher expenses. Services such as packing, unpacking, appliance disconnection/reconnection, and storage can add substantial fees to your base moving cost. Increased demand in peak moving seasons, typically during summer, can lead to higher rates.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance provides financial protection if your possessions are lost, damaged, or destroyed in a professional moving company’s care and custody. Base moving insurance includes released value protection. This insurance provides minimal coverage, usually around 60 cents per pound per item. For example, if a 20-pound item is lost or damaged, the maximum reimbursement would be $12.
Full-value protection is a more comprehensive coverage option that reimburses you for your belongings’ current market replacement value if they’re lost, damaged, or destroyed during your move. You pay an additional fee based on your shipment’s total value, ranging from $10–$15 per $1,000 worth of goods. Our 2024 survey of 1,000 moving customers revealed that 72% of consumers opt for full-value coverage to protect their belongings.
What Moving Services Are Available in New Jersey?
There are various moving services available in New Jersey to suit different needs and budgets. Full-service movers provide a convenient, hassle-free experience, whether for local or long-distance moves, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. Local movers specialize in short-distance moves within the same city or county, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions. Long-distance movers have experience transporting belongings in interstate and cross-country relocations.
Self-service options are budget-friendly and ideal for small moves. U-Pack and Budget offer different-sized truck and portable storage container rentals. You can load and unload the rental truck while the company handles the transportation between homes. Alternatively, you can choose to handle everything, including transportation.
Compare Moving Companies in New Jersey
You may find it challenging to choose from the many professional moving companies available for your local or long-distance move, but our tool below helps you compare the top companies in New Jersey. We highly recommend International Van Lines and American Van Lines for their comprehensive relocation services at competitive prices.
*Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of October 2024.
Top New Jersey Moving Companies
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Safeway Moving Inc.
Most Reliable Pricing
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
Moving APT
Best Customer Service
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
What Determines a New Jersey Move’s Cost?
A New Jersey move’s cost is typically determined by distance, the weight of your items, and the time of year. Below are two pricing structures for different types of moves.
Single-Day Moves
Several factors impact the price of a local, single-day move in New Jersey. Knowing these cost drivers can help you budget appropriately and avoid sticker shock.
Your current home and bedroom’s square footage are arguably the biggest cost factors for a local move. Larger residences require more labor and resources to pack, load, and transport belongings. A three-bedroom house, for instance, will typically cost more to relocate than a one-bedroom apartment, as the company will need more movers and trucks. While these intrastate moves don’t involve hauling belongings across the country, the distance between your origin and destination matters. Longer moves within New Jersey mean higher transportation costs in labor hours and fuel expenses for the moving company. A move from Newark to Cape May will understandably cost more than a local move across town.
Most reputable New Jersey moving companies price intrastate jobs using hourly labor rates for the moving team. Factors such as stairs, disassembling furniture, and bulky or specialty items such as pianos can increase labor time and costs. Opting for full-service packing, unpacking, and insurance coverage adds even more fees.
Multiday Moves
Enlisting an experienced moving company provides convenience and peace of mind but comes at a considerable cost when relocating across multiple states for a long-distance move. Understand the key factors that impact pricing for an interstate move to the Garden State.
- Distance and weight: Your shipment’s total weight and your travel distance are the make-or-break expenses for long-haul moves. The greater the mileage, the higher the transportation charges due to increased fuel, labor hours, and travel days for the moving crew. For example, a move from California to New Jersey will cost significantly more than relocating from a neighboring state like Pennsylvania.
- Insurance: We highly recommend getting adequate valuation protection from your moving company. Basic coverage is legally mandated, and comprehensive insurance policies safeguarding against damages, losses, or delays can significantly increase costs. However, the financial protection is often worth the added expense.
- Logistics: Long-distance New Jersey moves commonly involve hurdles such as narrow streets, apartment complexes requiring long carries, multilevel homes with stairs, or bulky items such as pianos. Moving companies typically charge extra for these logistical challenges to account for increased labor and equipment needs.
- Seasonality: Movers face peak demand periods, which drive up pricing. Late spring through summer is widely considered the busiest moving season. Weekends and holidays also see surges. Customers can sometimes save by booking a midweek move during slower periods.
- Specialty services: Long-distance relocations may require additional services beyond the basic loading and transporting of household goods. According to our survey of moving consumers, between 60% and 75% of customers include these services in their moving package. Moving companies or third-party providers charge separately for auto shipping, appliance disconnection/reconnection, and short- or long-term storage needs. Travel fees covering crew lodging and meals for multiday journeys also factor into the total costs.
The sample quotes we gathered for this article show the average cost to move a three-bedroom home to New Jersey is around $6,903. Our table below further breaks down each quote.
| Moving Company | Sample Quote | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines | $5,250–$7,688 | 25% |
| American Van Lines | $6,970 | Up to 50% up front |
| Safeway Moving Inc. | $7,211 | Up to 40% |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | $5,700–$6,700 | Up to 33% |
| Moving APT | $1,575–$4,650 | Varies |
| JK Moving Services | $8,196 | Up to 50% upfront |
How Do I Plan and Prepare for a New Jersey Move?
New Jersey residents can follow these steps to streamline the moving process and reduce stress.
- Create a timeline: Start preparations at least six to eight weeks before your target move date. Develop a checklist that includes researching and booking reputable intrastate New Jersey moving companies, decluttering possessions, gathering supplies, scheduling utility transfers, and submitting address changes.
- Downsize: Go through every room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Eliminating excess belongings reduces volume/weight and associated moving costs. It also simplifies packing. Hold a garage sale or donate gently used items to lighten your load.
- Gather supplies: Gather essential equipment such as boxes, tape, labeling markers, padding, and furniture covers. Many New Jersey moving companies sell convenient packing kits or offer supply rentals.
- Obtain moving quotes: Contact at least three licensed and insured New Jersey moving companies for in-home estimates. Compare services, pricing, insurance options, mover reputations, and any fees for travel time, stairs, bulky items, or other logistical challenges. Verify registration and complaint histories with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ Public Movers and Warehousemen.
- Transfer utilities and change address: Schedule utility disconnections and new activations at each residence to avoid lapses. Update your address with employers, banks, and subscriptions. Visit USPS.com to file an official Change of Address and start mail forwarding.
- Pack strategically: Label boxes by room and contents for easy unpacking. Keep essentials such as changes of clothes, medications, and documents separate for quick access after the move. Move cash, jewelry, and family heirlooms yourself rather than including them in the shipment to prevent potential loss or damage during transit.
- Make pet arrangements: Make pet-friendly lodging and transportation arrangements if you’re moving with pets. Discuss protocols with your mover to ensure a smooth relocation for furry family members.
What Timeline Should You Follow To Prepare for Your Move?
Creating a detailed timeline is crucial for an organized local move. According to our 2024 survey of moving consumers, nearly half reported their entire moving process took less than six weeks from start to finish. Here’s a recommended eight-week timeline to help you stay on track:
- Eight weeks before: Start a dedicated moving binder to store estimates, receipts, and other important information. Research licensed and insured intrastate and long-distance moving companies in your area and obtain at least three in-home estimates. Verify company credentials through the state’s Public Movers and Warehousemen unit. Declutter and sort possessions into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles room by room.
- Six weeks before: Book your preferred New Jersey mover and get a binding estimate in writing. Confirm requested move dates and discuss any special logistical needs, such as stairs or bulky items. Initiate the process of transferring children’s school records, if applicable. Order packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Many New Jersey movers sell convenient packing kits. Begin packing nonessentials such as books, decor, and out-of-season items.
- Four weeks before: Submit an official Change of Address with USPS to start mail forwarding to your New Jersey home. Notify employers, banks, subscription services, and insurance companies of your updated address. Make travel arrangements if your move requires an overnight stay. Schedule utility disconnections and reactivations through your future home’s service providers.
- Two weeks before: Finish packing all rooms, labeling boxes by content and room. Designate an “essentials” box with the basics needed in the first few days. Confirm parking for the moving truck and any required neighborhood permits if moving into a house. For local moves, ask USPS to hold mail during the transition.
- One week before: Pack luggage with personal items needed in the first few days, such as clothes and toiletries. Reconfirm moving day details with your New Jersey moving company, including the arrival window and final pricing.
- Moving day: Do a final walkthrough, checking closets, basements, and attics for forgotten belongings. Have cash on hand for approved payments and to tip your crew for satisfactory service. Personally transport valuables such as jewelry, money, and documents. Take inventory as movers load items onto the truck.
How Do I Choose the Best Moving Company in New Jersey?
Choosing the right moving company is paramount for a smooth, stress-free experience for New Jersey residents preparing for an intrastate move. Do thorough research upfront to protect your belongings and ensure top-quality service. Here are some essential tips:
- Verify licensing and insurance: The Public Movers and Warehousemen unit licenses all legitimate New Jersey moving companies. You can request active licensing documentation and adequate cargo insurance coverage. Licensing and insurance protect you from liability should any accidents, damages, or issues arise during relocation.
- Check company reputation: Online customer reviews provide invaluable insight into a mover’s professionalism, service quality, and satisfaction rates. Check rating platforms such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google to gauge a company’s reputation and identify any recurring complaints. Look for moving companies that are responsive, communicative, and flexible. Whether you are moving locally or long-distance, inquire about policies for changes or delays, access to customer service on nights/weekends, and their process for resolving any issues.
- Compare estimates: Reputable New Jersey movers should provide free in-home or virtual estimates to accurately assess your belongings and moving needs. Be wary of companies quoting prices based solely on a verbal description or an online form, as final costs may be much higher. Experienced estimators evaluate factors such as stairs, bulky items, and travel distance.
- Ask about experience: Well-trained, experienced crews are less likely to cause property damage or injuries during a move. Ask prospective companies about hiring standards, employee training programs, and experience levels, especially for specialized relocations involving pianos, antiques, or delicate items.
- Understand the claims process: Accidents can happen even with consummate professionals. Before booking, inquire about the company’s claims process and options for releasing higher valuation coverage on your shipment. Supplemental insurance provides more protection for high-value belongings.
Watch our video below to learn more about how to vet and book a high-quality mover:
What Are My Moving Options in New Jersey?
New Jersey residents can choose from several professional moving service models based on their needs, budget, and move distance. Understanding the pros and cons of each option is key to a smooth transition.
- Container shipping: An increasingly popular choice, companies such as PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT deliver a secure, weatherproof container to your driveway. You can take your time loading belongings, and then the company transports the container to your new home. Container moves minimize hassle, allow flexibility for loading/unloading over multiple days, and are ideal for smaller relocations.
- Truck rentals: Cost-conscious residents can opt for the DIY approach by renting a moving truck from national companies such as U-Haul or Budget. While a DIY move requires handling all packing, loading, and driving duties yourself, it provides maximum flexibility and control. Expect to pay $1,000–$2,000 on average for in-state moves. This option is best if you have friends or family to help with labor.
- Freight shipping: When relocating oversized furniture, heavy equipment, vehicles, antiques, or delicate belongings, dedicated freight shipping services provide specialized expertise and equipment such as flatbeds and car haulers. Freight companies have experience properly packaging and transporting high-value, awkward items safely.
- Full-service moves: Many New Jersey residents hire reputable full-service moving companies for local and long-distance moves, such as IVL or American Van Lines for a truly seamless moving experience. These providers handle everything, including supplying packing materials, disassembling furniture, carefully wrapping and loading the truck, and transporting, unloading, and reassembling items in your new home. Though costly, full-service moves minimize effort and liability.
Our Conclusion
Before hiring a moving company for your local or long-distance move, consider whether you prefer to pack and load your belongings independently or have professionals handle everything from start to finish. In the latter case, we recommend International Van Lines. This company provides comprehensive moving services, including long-distance and international moving options. Its adjustable and customizable insurance plan is one of the company’s best features, as you can tailor it to protect your valuable items during the move.
If you plan to move closer to the New York metropolitan area, check out our top picks for moving companies in New York.
We suggest getting a quote from at least three moving companies to compare pricing before hiring. We also recommend reading customer reviews to see what others have reported.
FAQ About New Jersey Moving Companies
Is it normal to pay movers in advance?
It is not normal to pay movers in advance, aside from a deposit. Trustworthy companies collect payment after the move.
What is the cheapest way to move in New Jersey?
The cheapest way to move within New Jersey or long-distance is to handle the move yourself. For example, it’s less expensive to choose a self-service moving company, where you load your belongings into a container and transport them yourself, than to hire movers to pack, move, transport, and store your belongings for you.
Are moving costs negotiable?
Yes, moving companies are often willing to negotiate their rates. It’s important to have other quotes and be knowledgeable about any special circumstances that can impact the cost when negotiating rates with moving companies.
What are the cheapest days to hire movers?
It’s cheapest to move on a weekday. Moving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is more expensive due to high weekend demand.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
