10 best movers in Rockaway, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best mover for interstate moves. If you're moving in the Rockaway area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Rockaway

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

The long-distance moving companies below are experienced and actively licensed. They can help get 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 within or out of Rockaway is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Rockaway is above 93.1% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are numerous factors involved. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These extra factors can cause your final moving bill to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. Some common items that can incur higher fees include the following:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's common to tip if they provide good service. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Transportation emergencies, limited supplies, bad weather and traffic can all make your move more expensive and take longer. There’s no way to prevent delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can save you money on moving in Rockaway.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Tell them about additional items that weren’t included in the initial inventory.

While small items can usually be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. The movers may need to adjust their charges for these additions and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving during the week or in the off-season can reduce costs and ensure you book the movers you want.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less hectic months may result in less competition or lower ratesfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you have difficulty finding a cheap moving team that works for you.

Move by yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is valuable.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack, which can be more affordable. However, these independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Rockaway

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle every part of the moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for 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 it considering the time, labor and packing supplies it saves. Additionally, full-service moving can offer better insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are typically only protected up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

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 like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an out of state 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?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable moving time is May to September, creating lower availability and inflated costs countrywide for both big and small moves. Understandably, this might give you pause about making a move during the summertime.

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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any high-end electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage on high-value items, 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:

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

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.