10 best movers in Princeton, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of New Jersey. For a local move around Princeton, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Princeton

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or more than 50 miles away. If you're moving across state lines, you need to be especially careful that the moving company you use has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving firms below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently 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 within or out of Princeton is fairly 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 Princeton is above 97.6% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move fragile, valuable or oversized items. These items can cost more to move:

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

Find out from potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge additional fees.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they provide quality service. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as transportation emergencies, traffic, a lack of supplies and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and extend your timeline. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can lower your moving costs in Princeton.

Be communicative

To avoid unexpected charges on your moving day, maintain open communication with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

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

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to keep costs down while still booking your preferred movers.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving company.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving on your own:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Enlisting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you lack the time or support system needed for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Princeton

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, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed items, which are usually 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?

Legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration thoroughly 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.

How does moving insurance work?

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, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an extra cost, if your belongings include expensive items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months — May through September — are the prime time to move in the U.S., which leads to substantially increased demand and significantly higher rates across the country for moves of all kinds. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.

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?

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

Many moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, keep those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

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

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

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.