10 best movers in Union, New Jersey

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Jersey. Use the filters below to find other movers for a local move in the Union area.

Long-distance movers in Union

A long-distance move means relocating over 50 miles away or to another state. Make sure the moving company 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 USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database to verify a carrier's licensing status.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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 relocating within or out of Union is higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Union is above 95.3% of the country.

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

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

These additional considerations can cause your total cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

When researching movers, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they take good care of your belongings or make your move easier. 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 are common due to issues such as transportation emergencies, a lack of supplies, traffic and inclement weather. These can raise your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to combat unexpected delays, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Union.

Be communicative

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

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and book your movers of choice.

Most people hire moving companies between May and September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find an economical moving team that meets your needs.

You can move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

You can also find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Union

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, packing 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 the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed items are usually only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be tough to get a claim accepted for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

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

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. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting high-worth goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak time to move falls between May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and substantially elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The steep summer rates may dissuade you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to bypass moving in the winter as well, since New Jersey's low temperatures and possible snowfall could have an adverse effect on your move.

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?

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

Moving companies frequently limit insurance coverage on costly items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Keep irreplaceable and valuable belongings in your own car if you're concerned about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.