10 best movers in Somerset, New Jersey

The best mover for moving out of New Jersey is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Somerset area, use the filters below to find other local movers that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in Somerset

A long-distance move is when you move to a different state or over 50 miles away. Hiring a mover with the necessary federal licensing is crucial if you're crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To check 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 efficiently across state lines.

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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?

The average hourly moving rate for relocating within or out of Somerset is higher than the national average, making it a relatively costly process. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Somerset is above 95.3% of the country.

Many factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

These extra considerations can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, fragile or oversized items. Some items that can cost more to move include the following:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and if so, whether they charge extra.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip 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.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as traffic, inclement weather, transportation emergencies and a lack of supplies. These can inflate your moving costs and prolong your timeline. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

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

Be communicative

To prevent surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after getting a quote from the movers.

Small items may not pose an issue, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t start your move until you’ve agreed to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and cost-effective movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still reserving your preferred movers.

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

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving service that meets your needs.

Handling the move yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large or heavy items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can cost less, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Somerset

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of every part of the moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack 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 supplies it saves. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are typically only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be difficult to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you're arranging an interstate move, verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on 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 moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to review all rates.

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 creates considerably 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 recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too valuable to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and technology.

Many moving companies put limits on 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 these:

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

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.