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Sean DonnellyHome Improvement Reporter
Sean informs readers of all the issues that moving clients may encounter during any relocation....
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 moving companies that operate within 50 miles of Howell. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of New Jersey. For a local move around Howell, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move means moving over 50 miles away or from one state to another. When crossing state lines, make sure your mover has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.
We've confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.
New Jersey moving companies that operate across state lines must have state and federal licensing. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates New Jersey movers. All licensed moving companies in the state are alphabetically listed on the DPU’s page.
Relocating within or out of Howell is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Howell is above 95.9% of the country.
Moving expenses add up fast depending on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:
Your final moving bill may also be influenced by these additional considerations:
When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or very large items. Some items that can be more expensive to move include these:
Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.
Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s common if your movers provided quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.
Delays happen. Bad weather, limited supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.
Experts Ready to Help
Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving expenses in Howell.
To prevent unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, especially about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.
Small items may not pose an issue, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.
Moving in the off-season or during the week can save some money and ensure you reserve the movers you want.
The busiest moving period is from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.
There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service.
One alternative is moving by yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional movers and moving yourself:
Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone who can help you move.
You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.
When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will handle every part of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.
Full-service moving costs more than standard moving services, which typically only cover loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers save you, in addition to the packing supplies costs it covers. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.
Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves require USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration completely before hiring movers 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.
Learn what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. Adding this extra coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.
The peak time to move is May to September, creating lower availability and inflated rates countrywide for both large and small moves. Understandably, this might cause you to think twice about making 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.
To be safe, keep essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your personal car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.
Many moving companies cap insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about possible loss or damage.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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