10 best movers in Berkeley, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. If you're moving in the Berkeley area, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Berkeley

A long-distance move is when you move from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. Hiring a mover with the proper federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

The experienced long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Berkeley is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Berkeley is above 91.1% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast depending on what services you need. Typical moving expenses include the following:

• Supplies
• Fuel
• Packing
• Storage
• Professional labor
• Junk removal

These extra factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or particularly large. Some common items that can cost more to move include the following:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes

Ask potential movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it’s customary if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Limited supplies, bad weather, transportation emergencies and traffic can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Berkeley.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory.

For example, small items can usually be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can reduce costs and ensure you get your preferred moving team.

Most people book movers between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during slower months may result in lower rates or less competitionfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find an affordable mover that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

While you can move by yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are worth it if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Berkeley

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will handle the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New Jersey are also required to have a license from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

How does moving insurance work?

You’ll also need to review your mover’s insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving high-worth goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months between May to September is the optimal time to move. This results in a limited supply of available moving companies, and higher costs for moves of any size. The steep seasonal prices may prevent you from going with a summer move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and electronics.

Moving businesses frequently restrict insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're nervous about loss or damage.

There are certain goods and materials that moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Plants
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Fuel sources
• Batteries
• Perishable foods and produce
• Flammable chemicals of any kind

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.