10 best movers in Elizabeth, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Jersey. If you're planning to move around Elizabeth, use the filters below to find other local movers.

Long-distance movers in Elizabeth

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Hiring a moving company with the necessary federal licensing is essential if you're moving across state boundaries. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input the USDOT number, MC 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 movers can help get you and 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?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Elizabeth is higher than the national average, making it a relatively expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Elizabeth is above 87.3% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move oversized, fragile or valuable items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

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

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it’s a common practice if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $5–$10 per hour for local moves and $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons such as transportation emergencies, traffic, bad weather and limited supplies. These issues may add to the duration and cost of your move. You can't prevent unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by being flexible with your schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving costs in Elizabeth.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise charges on the day of your move. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new appliances or furniture should be discussed before the move. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can lower the cost and ensure you reserve your preferred moving company.

Most people schedule moves from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, moving during less busy months may result in lower rates or less competitionfor services.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

Move on your own is an option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be more cost-effective. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Elizabeth

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will manage the entire moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you consider the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may provide more comprehensive insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are typically only covered 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?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate 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?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Adding this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving expensive or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

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?

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.

Moving businesses frequently restrict insurance coverage on high-value goods, like jewelry and heirlooms. Carry irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

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

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

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.