10 best movers in Manchester, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for moving out of New Jersey. For a local move in the Manchester area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Manchester

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 essential if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to confirm a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance moving companies below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get you and 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?

Moving is expensive, but the average hourly moving rate in Manchester is below the national average. Although the cost of living in Manchester is higher than 90.2% of the country, moving prices in the area are more affordable than expected.

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

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

Your total cost may also be affected by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain belongings, especially those that are valuable, fragile or particularly large. These items can cost more to move:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Limited supplies, traffic, transportation emergencies and bad weather can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. You can't avoid 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

The following tips can reduce your moving expenses in Manchester.

Be communicative

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

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these additions, and they’ll need your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to save money and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. You may get lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

One alternative is moving on your own. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between a moving company and moving on your own:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky or heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be less expensive. However, these freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Manchester

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage the entire moving process. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable 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 tends to offer more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate 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?

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the best insurance policy. 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 rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move is May to September, creating limited availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, you might hesitate to make a move during the summertime.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

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 valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies restrict 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.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include the following:

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