Question 1

1. How far in advance should I book movers?

Accepted Answer

For local moves in New Jersey, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is usually sufficient during off-peak seasons. However, if you're moving during the busy season (May through September) or on a weekend, booking 6-8 weeks ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date and time. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible but may come with limited availability or higher prices.

• What is the busiest time of year for moving in New Jersey? 
The busiest moving season in New Jersey runs from May through September, with peak demand in June, July, and August. This coincides with the end of school years, favorable weather, and lease renewal dates. Many people also move at the end or beginning of the month. If possible, moving during the off-season (October through April) or mid-month can provide better rates and more flexibility with scheduling.

• Can I move during winter in New Jersey? 
Yes, winter moving is absolutely possible in New Jersey and often comes with advantages like lower rates, greater availability, and faster service. Professional movers are experienced in handling cold weather and light snow. However, severe winter storms can cause delays, so it's wise to choose a moving company with flexible rescheduling policies and monitor weather forecasts closely as your moving date approaches.

What happens if I need to change my moving date? 
Most reputable moving companies understand that plans change and offer some flexibility. If you need to reschedule, contact your movers as soon as possible. Changes made within 8 business days prior to your move will incur a 50% cancellation / rescheduling fee, and cancellation / rescheduling within 3 business days will result in forfeiting your deposit 100%.

Question 2

2. Do I need to be present during the entire move?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's highly recommended that you or a trusted representative be present during both the loading and unloading processes. You'll need to provide access to both properties, answer questions about item handling, conduct walk-throughs, review inventory lists, and sign documentation. Being present also allows you to inspect your belongings as they're unloaded and address any concerns immediately.

• Can someone else be there on my behalf during the move? Yes, you can designate a trusted friend, family member, or representative to be present during your move. Make sure this person has authority to make decisions, sign paperwork, and handle payment. Provide them with clear instructions about where items should go in your new home and any special handling requirements. Inform your moving company in advance about who will be representing you.

What should I do before the movers arrive? 
Before movers arrive, finish all packing (unless you hired full packing services), disconnect and prepare appliances, clear pathways and doorways, reserve parking spaces or elevators if needed, secure valuables and important documents separately, create a box with essentials you'll need immediately, and do a final walk-through to ensure nothing is forgotten. Having everything ready ensures your move stays on schedule.

Question 3

3. What items will movers not transport?

Accepted Answer

Professional movers cannot transport hazardous materials including cleaning supplies, paint, gasoline, propane tanks, car batteries, ammunition, and fireworks. They also typically won't move perishable food, plants, pets, important documents (birth certificates, passports, deeds), cash, jewelry, or medications. These items should be transported personally or through specialized services. Always ask your moving company for their complete prohibited items list.

• How should I handle moving plants and pets? 
For plants, transport them yourself in your personal vehicle with proper ventilation and temperature control. Water them a day or two before moving, but not on moving day to prevent spills. For short-distance moves within Metuchen, most plants will be fine. Pets should never be transported by moving trucks. Keep them in a quiet room during the move, then transport them in your vehicle with proper carriers, or consider pet transportation services for long-distance moves.

• What about valuable items like jewelry and important documents? 
Keep all valuable items, important documents, and irreplaceable possessions with you during the move. Pack jewelry, cash, financial documents, medical records, passports, birth certificates, and sentimental items in a personal bag or box that travels with you in your car. Even with insurance, some items simply cannot be replaced, so personal transportation is the safest option.

Can movers transport my car? 
Standard household moving companies typically don't transport vehicles. For car transportation, you'll need to hire a specialized auto transport company. However, if you're moving long-distance, many full-service moving companies can coordinate vehicle shipping through their partner networks. For local moves within Metuchen and surrounding areas, you can simply drive your vehicle to your new home.

Question 4

4. Are movers insured and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

All licensed moving companies must carry basic liability coverage, which typically covers 60 cents per pound per item. This basic coverage is often insufficient for valuable items. Most reputable movers offer additional insurance options called Full Value Protection, which costs extra but covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement for damaged items. Always verify insurance details and consider purchasing additional coverage for high-value belongings.

• What's the difference between basic coverage and full value protection? 
Basic liability (also called Released Value Protection) is included at no extra cost but only covers 60 cents per pound per item. A damaged 50-pound TV would only net you $30. Full Value Protection costs extra (typically 1-2% of your belongings' total value) but requires the mover to repair, replace, or provide cash settlement for damaged or lost items at current market value, offering significantly better protection.

• Should I buy additional moving insurance? 
If you have valuable items like antiques, artwork, electronics, or expensive furniture, purchasing Full Value Protection or third-party moving insurance is wise. Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy first, as some policies cover belongings during moves. Compare the cost and coverage of different options. For most households with standard belongings worth protecting, the additional insurance provides valuable peace of mind.

What should I do if my belongings are damaged during the move? 
Document any damage immediately with photos and notes before the movers leave. Note the damage on the inventory sheet or bill of lading. File a claim with the moving company as soon as possible (most companies require claims within 9 months). Keep all documentation including your contract, inventory list, photos of damage, and receipts for damaged items. Reputable companies will work with you to resolve legitimate claims fairly.

Question 5

5. How long does a local move in New Jersey typically take?

Accepted Answer

A typical local move in New Jersey depends on the size of your home. A studio or one-bedroom apartment usually takes 3-4 hours, a two-bedroom apartment takes 4-6 hours, and a three to four-bedroom house takes 6-8 hours or more. Factors like stairs, distance between locations, parking difficulty, and the amount of belongings can extend these timeframes. Your moving company can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

• What can I do to make my move faster? 
To speed up your move, empty all furniture, pack everything before the movers arrive (or hire packing services in advance), disassemble furniture if you're comfortable doing so, clear hallways and doorways, reserve parking spots close to both locations, use elevator reservations efficiently, label boxes clearly with rooms, and have a plan for where furniture goes in your new home. Being organized and prepared can cut moving time by 1-2 hours.

Should I pack everything myself or hire packing services? 
This depends on your time, budget, and preferences. Packing yourself saves money but takes considerable time (most people underestimate how long it takes). Professional packing services cost extra but are faster, use better materials, and often include insurance benefits. A good compromise is doing partial packing where you pack everyday items yourself and have professionals handle fragile items, artwork, and specialty belongings.

Question 6

6. What should I tip my movers?

Accepted Answer

Tipping movers is customary but not required. The standard recommendation is $10 per hour, per mover.  20% of the total moving cost split among the entire team is also common. Adjust tips based on service quality, difficulty of the move, and weather conditions. Tip each mover individually in cash at the end of the job.

• When should I tip more or less than the standard amount? Tip on the higher end (or above) if movers handled difficult situations like multiple flights of stairs, heavy specialty items, worked through bad weather, demonstrated exceptional care with fragile items, or completed the move faster than estimated without sacrificing quality. Conversely, if movers were late, careless with belongings, or provided poor service, you can reduce the tip accordingly or speak with management about your concerns.

Should I tip the movers before or after the move? 
Always tip movers after the job is complete, not before. This ensures you're tipping based on the actual quality of service provided. Inspect your belongings at your new location, verify everything is unloaded and placed correctly, and then provide tips individually to each crew member. Cash tips are preferred as they go directly to the workers who helped you.

Question 7

7. Do I need special permits for moving in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

For most residential moves in New Jersey, special permits aren't required. However, if your move requires a moving truck to park on a busy street or block traffic, you may need to obtain a parking permit from the towns. Some apartment buildings and condos have their own requirements like elevator reservations and certificate of insurance from the moving company. Your moving company can typically help coordinate these requirements.

• How do I reserve parking or loading zones for my move? Contact your local borough hall at least one week before your move to inquire about temporary parking permits or no-parking signs. Your moving company may also assist with this process, as they're familiar with local requirements. For apartment buildings, contact your building management as early as possible to reserve service elevators, loading docks, and parking spaces. Getting these arrangements in place early prevents delays on moving day.

• What building requirements should I check before moving day? 
Contact your current and new building management to learn about moving requirements, which may include: moving insurance certificates from your moving company, specific moving hours or restricted days, elevator reservations and fees, loading dock access and rules, hallway and common area protection requirements, parking restrictions and permit needs, and damage deposit holds. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines or prevent your move from proceeding.

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