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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 Maplewood. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
The best long-distance moving company for relocating out of New Jersey is International Van Lines. If you're moving around Maplewood, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move from one state to another. If you're crossing state boundaries, you should be especially cautious that the moving company you use has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.
We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. These reliable and experienced movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.
New Jersey moving companies that operate across state lines must have state and federal licensing. New Jersey movers are licensed by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). All licensed moving companies in the state are alphabetically listed on the DPU’s page.
The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Maplewood is greater than the national average, making itfairly expensive. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Maplewood is higher than 97.9% of the country.
Moving expenses add up fast depending on what services you need. The following are typical moving expenses:
Your final moving bill may also be impacted by these extra factors:
Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. These items can cost more to move:
If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.
Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide 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.
Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, bad weather, limited supplies and traffic can all add time and money to your move. You can't prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.
Experts Ready to Help
The following tips can save you money on moving in Maplewood.
Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.
Small items may not pose a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.
Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and book the movers you want.
Movers are busiest between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.
There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective moving company that meets your needs.
You can handle the move by yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:
You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving heavy items such as furniture. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.
Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.
Full-service moving means the movers handle the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.
Full-service moving is pricier than services that only include loading and transporting your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.
Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate 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.
Check what insurance policies your movers provide. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.
The prime moving time falls during the warmer months of May to September, resulting in fewer available movers and significantly increased prices across the U.S. for moves of all sizes. This could discourage you from a summer move, given the steeper costs. However, you may also want to put off moving in the winter because of New Jersey's cold and potentially icy conditions.
We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.
On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.
Most moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those belongings with you.
There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include 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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