10 best movers in Carteret, New Jersey

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Jersey is International Van Lines. If you're planning to move in the Carteret area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Carteret

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to another state. Check that the moving company you hire has the necessary federal licensing when crossing state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance movers below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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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?

Moving within or out of Carteret is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Carteret is above 93.8% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are many factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These additional considerations can cause your final moving bill to climb even more:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:

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

When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a typical tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving costs in Carteret.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed ahead of time. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to save some money and still book your preferred relocation service.

Peak moving season is from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find a cheap moving company that works for you.

Handling the move on your own is one option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

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

FAQ about moving in Carteret

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are typically only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their transport trucks, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're planning an interstate move, check the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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 should also look into a 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, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Purchasing this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime moving time is between May and September, creating lower availability and inflated rates countrywide for both large and small moves. Understandably, you might hesitate to make a move during the summertime.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

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

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving companies frequently limit insurance coverage on costly goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Bring irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Perishable foods and produce
• Plants
• Batteries
• 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.