10 best movers in West Milford, New Jersey

The best interstate moving company for relocating out of New Jersey is International Van Lines. For a local move around West Milford, use the filters below to find other local moving companies that meet your needs.

Long-distance movers in West Milford

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to another state. Make sure the mover you hire has the necessary federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to confirm a carrier's licensing status.

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance movers below are actively licensed. These experienced and reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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 West Milford is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense considering the cost of living in West Milford is above 96.3% of the country.

Moving expenses add up quickly, as there are various factors involved. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

Your total cost may also be influenced by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

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

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

Ask movers whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Traffic, limited supplies, bad weather and transportation emergencies can all add time and money to your move. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in West Milford.

Be communicative

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

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are highly sought after. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still get your preferred moving team.

The busiest moving period is between May and September. You may find less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can schedule your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cost - effective mover that meets your needs.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large or heavy items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another option is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be more cost-effective, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in West Milford

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will take care of the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth the extra cost when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide better insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged items.

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. All movers 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 practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The warmer months, May through September, are the best time to move, which creates increased demand for moving companies and substantially higher rates across the country for moves of all sizes. This may deter you from a summer move due to the higher cost. However, you might also want to avoid a winter move, as the colder weather and potentially snowy conditions that New Jersey winters present can be tough for a move.

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?

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

Most moving businesses restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, 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 moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

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