When it comes to relocation from or to New Jersey (NJ), one of the first questions most people ask is “how much does a moving company cost in NJ? ” Whether you’re moving across the state or just crossing the River to New York, it’s important to be knowledgeable about your moving costs so you can budget effectively and avoid any surprise fees or hidden charges. What moving costs will vary depending on the distance, day of the year, how many items to be moved and even what kind of services you need, from packing, loading and even transportation and unpacking. What’s more, with the fast-paced lifestyle in the New York and NJ metro areas, choosing an affordable and reliable moving company is no longer just something you save money on—it’s a necessity! In this blog, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about moving costs in NJ—what influences them, what to expect and how to find honest movers in your price range.
Average Moving Costs in New Jersey
The average cost of moving labor in New Jersey can range from $500 to $5, 000. For most local moves (less than 100 miles away), most moving companies will charge by the hour at typically $100–150/hour for a crew of two movers, and a truck. A one-bedroom apartment move should take between 3–5 hours to complete, so this would typically cost you around $400 to $750 in total. For long distance moves, the costs generally come down on weight, distance, and the additional services required (for example, an ocean move from NJ to NYC might cost around $1, 000 to $2, 000 depending on traffic and other extras like stairs or parking).
Sometimes during the summer months (late spring through early fall), prices can go up 20–30% because there is more demand for movers. Weekend and late-month moves also tend to cost more on average. Additional fees will come with packing services, storage, or special handling for items that are fragile like pianos or artwork. Extras will also be charged. These types of charges usually run from 10–20% of the entire bill. Final notes: get at least three quotes in-home or online from licensed, insured moving companies.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs in NJ
Firstly you need to consider how far you are willing to travel for your move. Local moves in New Jersey generally cost less than long distance moves. As for the size of the move, the more rooms and/or heavier items you have the more time and labor it will take. And if you plan on having stairs, elevators, or tight hallways there is also a good chance you will have to pay extra because it will be more complex.
Timing is another big cost driver. Summer is by far the busiest time of year for movers in NJ, so scheduling your move during the off-season (like the winter) may get you a discount. Also, moving on a weekday or mid-month can often get you a discount over moving weekends and month-ends.
Packing services, disassembly/reassembly of furniture, temporary storage… Everything can add up to the final bill. Also: if your movers have to shuttle your stuff based on parking issues or otherwise restricted access, expect an additional fee. Finishing off, check for insurance and licensing. It may seem like a no-brainer to go with the lowest quote, but if they are licensed and insured, your belongings will be protected and you can sleep at night knowing it was handled by qualified professionals.
Choosing the Right Moving Company in NJ
You’ll also want to make sure that the moving company in New Jersey you select is licensed with the state of New Jersey (and that their vehicle is registered with the U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) if they are moving across the country). You also want to make sure that the company is insured, as you don’t want anything to be destroyed or stolen before you bring your belongings home.
Next you can look at the customer reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau to see how customer service is with their companies and how they handle problems. Ask for written estimates from at least 3 moving companies and be wary of moving companies that ask you to put up large deposits up front.
A good moving company will be honest about all of the costs, including any additional fees for stairs, long carries, or items that aren’t standard sizes. As much as possible, have a company come to your home to give you an estimate, in order to get a precise price. Last but not least, a good mover will be responsive, professional, and willing to answer questions about the process.
Tips to Save Money When Moving in NJ
Moving should be cheap, just a few steps to be take to save money on your next NJ move.
- Declutter before moving. Sell, donate, or toss items you don’t need.
- Move during off-peak seasons or weekdays to get better rates.
- Do it yourself. You can easily find box and wrapping material for less money than hiring packers.
- Get multiple quotes to compare prices and services.
- Be ready on moving day. Delays can cost extra if you’re being billed hourly.
- Reusable boxes or a moving crate to avoid buying new materials.
- Ask about discounts. Some companies will have promotions for seniors / military / students.
- Bundle the services. Some movers will give you better rates if you use them for packing, moving, and storage.
By being prepared and being proactive you can save some serious money on your moving costs in New Jersey without sacrificing quality.
Why New Yorkers Often Hire NJ Movers
Many New Yorkers are looking to hire a NJ mover because they are affordable and flexible. NJ moving companies usually have lower operating costs than New York-based movers, so they offer lower pricing. NJ movers also know the region well—crossing state lines, keeping up with traffic, and keeping your building up-to-date, on both sides of the state, can be tricky work. Whatever your plans for moving to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, an experienced New Jersey movers can help make the process easy—especially if you’re moving from outlying towns like Jersey City, Hoboken, or Fort Lee.
