10 best movers in Fair Lawn, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of New Jersey. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Fair Lawn area.

Long-distance movers in Fair Lawn

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a mover with the necessary federal licensing is especially important if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

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

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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?

Relocating within or out of Fair Lawn is relatively 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 Fair Lawn is above 96.4% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are various factors involved. Common moving expenses include the following:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. The following items can cost more to move:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s a common practice if your movers provided good 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

Limited supplies, bad weather, traffic and transportation emergencies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Fair Lawn.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting an estimate from the movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

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

Most people hire movers from May through September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

You can move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

You may also need to get help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading large or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. Hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Fair Lawn

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose 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 cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you factor in the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be tough.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting 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. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or irreplaceable items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months from May to September is best time to move, leading to less availability of movers and boosted costs for moves both big and small. Understandably, the high-costs might discourage you from a summer relocation. However, you may want to steer clear of a winter move, too, as New Jersey's icy roads and snowy weather are far from ideal conditions for a move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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

To be safe, keep important financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Many moving companies limit insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those possessions with you.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.