How Much Do Movers Cost In New Jersey?

The journey from the bustling streets of New York to the more serene landscapes of New Jersey is one we're intimately familiar with, particularly because of the appealing difference in housing costs. Many of our clients choose to make this transition, opting to enjoy the benefits of New Jersey's living standards.

If you're considering making New Jersey your new home, hiring New Jersey movers is definitely an option to consider. However, this convenience comes with its price tag. To help you decide whether to tackle your move yourself or engage a moving company, we're here to offer our expert insights.

In this article, we'll explore the key factors influencing moving costs, analyze the average expenses for local relocations, and offer practical tips on securing the best deal to make your move as cost-effective as possible.

Average Moving Costs in Jersey City

On average, moving in Jersey City, NJ, will set you back about $1,500. But, of course, there's more to it than just a number. How big your place is and how far you're moving really make a difference.

How Much Do Movers Cost per Hour in NJ?

Moving rates differ among companies and in different areas of New Jersey. One of the things no one tells you when you move to New Jersey is that moving costs can be more expensive than in other areas of the country. On average, you can expect to pay around $50 per hour per person. 

In addition to the hourly rate, it is customary to tip each person on your moving crew. They have a heavy job to do, and it is not easy work. It is customary to tip about $20 per person for a half-day move and $40 per person for a full 8-hour day move. You should plan on about $50 to $60 per person for a move that takes 12 hours or more.

Local Movers Cost by Home Size

Various factors can impact your moving cost estimates, but a good starting point for gauging your expenses is to consider your inventory.

Drawing from our experience and typical client interactions, we've observed that the cost to move a studio apartment in Jersey City with a team of two to three movers typically ranges from $280 to $650. For a two-bedroom apartment, which generally requires three to four movers, prices tend to start at $680 and can reach up to $1,450. Should you be relocating from a larger residence, such as a four-bedroom home or bigger, the expected cost can vary between $1,850 and $4,500.

Check out the average price ranges for various apartment sizes we've found within the Jersey City area:

• Studio - $465

• 1 Bedroom - $640

• 2 Bedroom - $1,065

• 3 Bedroom - $2,600

• 4+ Bedroom - $3,175

It's important to remember that these figures represent average costs and may not precisely match the quote you receive. The best way to estimate how much moving will cost is to reach out to movers based in Jersey City, like Oz Moving & Storage, and request a quote. 

Factors Influencing the Mover’s Cost

Distance Traveled

The distance traveled plays a key role in the moving quote. For instance, a local move will cost much less than a long-distance move to Florida. A longer distance move involves more expense, and if the mover must spend time overnight in a hotel or work over the standard shift, it will be reflected in the cost of moving. Local movers that only specialize in short distances are often less expensive because local moving companies have lower costs involved. Some might even charge a flat rate as long as the move does not go over a certain distance.

Travel Time

Travel time affects the move and is not always related to the distance. Labor costs moving companies a certain hourly rate. If the truck is sitting in traffic, it costs the movers the same amount of money in gas and labor as if they are actively driving to the destination. This is one reason why you should choose the move date carefully and ask if this will affect the mover's cost. You might want to schedule the packing services and unpacking so that the actual travel takes place at hours when peak traffic will not be an issue.

Number of Laborers Required

Professional movers estimate their costs according to how many laborers are required for the moving truck. Much of this will depend on the size of your move and whether you ask for full-service that includes packing and unpacking. It also depends on the type of articles you have. If you have a one-bedroom apartment with only a handful of small boxes and a few larger pieces of furniture, then it will cost less than if you have to hire movers for a piano or large antique armoire.

Amount of Goods

The number of goods you have will also determine the type of moving services you need. If you have a lot of goods, it will require more packing materials, and the moving process will take more hours. A professional moving company can often give a good cost estimate based on the number of rooms in the house. For instance, they know that a studio apartment or one-bedroom apartment holds fewer items than a four-bedroom house.

Type of Vehicle Required

The number of items and their size determine the type of vehicle that is required. If the move can be made with a smaller truck, you can expect the cost to be less than if a larger truck is needed. For instance, if you are only moving things from a small storage unit, the cost of the truck will probably be minimal. Most movers can accurately estimate the size of the truck needed by the size of your home.

Physical Effort Needed

The physical effort needed to move your items is another factor that can affect the moving process and your cost. For instance, if your four-bedroom home has a difficult staircase, it can add to the cost because of the amount of effort needed to bring the items down to the truck. The same goes for your new home. Steps, steep inclines, narrow doors, and curved stairways add to the cost of the move.

Additional Charges

One thing to be sure to ask is if the movers include additional charges in their free quote. For instance, tolls for bridges and roads might not be included. Other charges that might not be in this free quote are extras for heavy and difficult-to-move items like gun cabinets and pianos. Make sure to inquire about any other charges when you talk to your moving professionals and before you sign on the dotted line.

How Can I Get the Best Deal and Save?

One way to save is to call around and check prices for truck rental and local van lines. If this is your first time moving, this might not be the best option, and it can be more difficult and end up costing more than hiring someone. To find the best New Jersey movers, you should call around and ask for a free moving quote.

When comparing quotes, it is important to not only look at the total price but also to compare what you get for it. Some of the best movers will throw in perks, and this is something that you will want to consider in comparing the costs. Make sure to be up front about how much stuff you have and any difficulties they might encounter in either the old home or the new one.