From planning and booking a provider, packing and coordinating shipping supplies, to the actual moving day – moving always comes with a degree of stress. If you’re moving to, from, or within The Garden State, we’ve covered you with our comprehensive breakdown of the best moving companies in New Jersey.
Our experts reviewed dozens of moving companies in NJ and ranked them according to transparency, responsiveness, cost, service offerings, and overall quality. Get a free quote from a top mover in New Jersey:
What Are the Best Moving Companies in New Jersey?
Here’s how we ranked the best moving companies in New Jersey:
- Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
- Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
- Best Flat Rate Pricing: Safeway Moving
- Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
- Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
- Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
- Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
- Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines
Compare the Top-Rated Movers in New Jersey
View this snapshot of the top New Jersey movers to see whose service offerings and price points match your needs and budget.
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating (out of 10) | BBB Rating* | Local Moving Cost | Long-Distance Cost |
| International Van Lines | Best Full-Service Mover | 9.8 | B | $650 – $1350 | $2,100 – $5,400 |
| American Van Lines | Most Transparent Pricing | 9.7 | B- | $550 – $1,100 | $2,550 – $5,700 |
| Safeway Moving | Best Flat Rate Pricing | 9.6 | N/A | N/A | $2,200 – $5,500 |
| Moving APT | Most Moving Partners | 9.6 | B | Call for a quote | $2,750 – $5,200 |
| JK Moving Services | Most Customizable Moving Experience | 9.5 | A+ | Call for a quote | $2,750 – $6,000 |
| Allied Van Lines | Most Vehicle Shipping Options | 9.4 | A+ | $800 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| U-Pack | Most Widely-Available Container Service | 9.3 | A+ | N/A | $1,350 – $2,400 |
| North American Van Lines | Best Pricing Options | 9.2 | A+ | $800 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
*Better Business Bureau ratings are accurate as of November 2022.
Before you dive into our reviews of New Jersey’s best moving companies, we recommend you spend a few minutes watching this video of a professional mover giving some key tips that you may not be aware of.
International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover
International Van Lines (IVL) has enjoyed a quick rise to prominence in the moving industry. After less than two decades in the domestic moving market, it has gained wide recognition as one of the best moving companies available. Though it works mainly as a broker, it can consistently contract moves out to reputable third-party carriers at affordable rates.
Why We Recommend IVL
IVL’s single most notable quality is its customer service. Especially for brokers, communication is a must at all points in the moving process. Customers consistently praise this provider’s quality and efficiency, from providing quick free quotes to facilitating basic and add-on services through its partners.
Pros and Cons of IVL
Pros
- Available in all 50 states and 180 other countries
- High customer satisfaction ratings on sites like the BBB
- One month of free storage included in moves
Cons
- Requires large deposits for moves (25%)
- Brokers out many of its U.S. moves
IVL Services Offered
International Van Lines can provide the following range of services across all 50 states:
- Air and ocean freight
- Car shipping
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Debris removal
- Local, long-distance, and international moving
- Packing and unpacking services
- Piano moving
- Storage services (short-term and long-term)
- And more
How Much Does IVL Cost?
IVL offers competitive rates, which run slightly lower than many of its competitors. We’ve outlined its average costs here:
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $1,550 – $4,800 | $2,100 – $5,400 | $2,300 – $5,600 | $2,600 – $6,000 |
| 4 BR | $3,600 – $6,800 | $5,600 – $9,000 | $6,300 – $9,500 | $6,800 – $10,000 |
Learn more: Read our full IVL review to learn more about moving with this nationwide provider.
Get a quote: Get a free moving quote from International Van Lines.
American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing
American Van Lines (AVL) has been in business for more than 25 years and operates solely as a carrier. Clients who book with this mover receive direct moving service from one of American Van Lines’ qualified crews. This Florida-based mover has central hubs in Pompano Beach, Fla., North Carolina, and Texas but provides moving services to all lower 48 states.
Why We Recommend AVL
American Van Lines’ guaranteed flat-rate pricing is not typical among major movers, providing greater peace of mind for clients when booking. Most moving horror stories begin and end with billing discrepancies and related trouble; this provider offering easy-to-understand rates is a huge plus.
Pros and Cons of AVL
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing
- Price matching available
- Offers moving shuttles between major cities for speedy service
Cons
- Requires deposits of up to 50% to book
- Customer service after booking can be spotty.
AVL Services Offered
American Van Lines’ crews can offer basic services, along with plenty of less typical add-ons, which can include the following:
- Antique moving
- Car shipping
- Full-service or partial packing
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Local, long-distance, and international moving
- Residential and commercial moving
- Storage
- And more
How Much Does AVL Cost?
American Van Lines’ average rates are higher than many competitors, typical of any company offering flat-rate pricing. These ranges for moves of varying sizes are as follows:
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $1,900 – $5,200 | $2,500 – $5,800 | $2,900 – $6,100 | $4,600 – $7,900 |
| 4 BR | $5,200 – $8,500 | $6,100 – $9,400 | $8,100 – $11,400 | $11,900 – $14,900 |
Learn more: Read our full American Van Lines review for more information.
Get a quote: Get your free quote from American Van Lines.
Safeway Moving: Best Overall Moving Broker
Safeway Moving is a Chicago-based broker that facilitates moving services throughout all 50 states. This veteran-owned business operates with pledges of integrity and accountability for its work, which goes a long way toward inspiring confidence in prospective clients. While service quality can vary between different locations, this is typical of any nationwide moving provider.
Why We Recommend Safeway
Safeway Moving’s single most prominent feature is its flat rates. While many moving companies that offer such rates tend to cost slightly more than industry averages, Safeway makes up for this with quality customer care teams and 30 free days of storage with each move.
Pros and Cons of Safeway
Pros
- Offers flat rates for all moves provided
- Provides a range of specialized and basic moving services via a nationwide partner network
- Supplies 30 days of free storage (at destination) with each move
Cons
- Its website offers only basic information.
- No local moving option is available.
Safeway Services Offered
Safeway Moving’s partners can offer the following services:
- Car shipping
- Commercial relocations
- Full valuation coverage
- Liability insurance
- Long-distance relocations
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing materials (as a retailer)
- Piano moving
- Short and long-term storage
- And more
How Much Does Safeway Cost?
Safeway’s flat rates mean that you won’t have to pay hidden fees or surprise markups once your movers arrive at your new home. The following price ranges reflect typical rates for service:
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,300 – $5,600 | $2,400 – $5,700 | $2,900 – $6,200 |
| 4 BR | $3,500 – $6,800 | $5,200 – $7,300 | $6,000 – $8,200 | $8,500 – $11,900 |
Learn more: Read our comprehensive Safeway Moving review on this broker.
Get a quote: Get a free quote from Safeway Moving.
Moving APT: Most Moving Partners
Moving APT is one of the largest moving brokers in the business today. What initially began as a small five-person operation is a team of 30-plus customer service professionals that can book moves across the United States. With hundreds of moving partners spread throughout the country, you’ll likely find a mover able to handle your exact needs quickly.
Why We Recommend Moving APT
When you fill out an initial contact form with Moving APT, local movers within its network will contact you to set up direct free quotes. Though you should always look up independent reviews of these providers, Moving APT does a commendable job of ensuring the registration status and general good standing of all its moving partners.
Pros and Cons of Moving APT
Pros
- Its website includes full profiles of many of its most-used partners.
- Price matching and discounts offered
- The number of affiliates equals great diversity of service.
Cons
- Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move.
- Some negative reviews and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) complaints report price changes by local agents.
Moving APT Services Offered
Moving APT’s partners can offer its clients the services below. Since it is a broker, Moving APT can’t guarantee that all of these will be available in all areas. However, basic service should be available to you in almost any location.
- Appliance connection services
- Car shipping
- Commercial and residential moving
- Local and interstate moving
- Packing services
- Packing supplies (included for some moves)
- Piano moving
- Residential and corporate relocation
- Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Storage (one free month included with all moves)
- And more
How Much Does Moving APT Cost?
The average cost for a 1,200-mile, two-bedroom move is $4,800 with Moving APT. Per its residential moving page, the following rates can be expected for local and long-distance service:
| Distance | Studio Apt | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
| Local | $240 – $320 | $320 – $400 | $600 – $720 | $1,300 – $1,500 |
| Long-Distance | $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,200 | $3,500 – $4,200 | $6,300 |
Learn more: See our full Moving APT review for more information on this high-quality broker.
Get a quote: Get your free moving quote from Moving APT.
JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience
JK Moving Services has been carrying out moves in the greater Washington, D.C., area for the last four decades. In that time, it has built its reputation on the strength of thousands of individual moves. This carrier and broker can assist with residential and commercial moves of any size, with easy financing options available to help with the bill.
Why We Recommend JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services’ moving crews are fully vetted, background checked, and well-trained to provide a full range of basic and add-on services. Its website and mobile app have artificial intelligence (AI) functionality to expedite the quote process and render far more accurate pricing estimates. Beyond this, JK Moving offers financing options, adding stability from the beginning to the end of the moving process.
Pros and Cons of JK Moving
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- Offers full protection and coverage options up to $150,000 of the declared value
- Financing options through Enhancify
Cons
- Reviews vary across different regions
- Limited range for local moves
JK Moving Services Offered
JK Moving Services’ crews are more than capable of providing the following:
- Climate-controlled storage options
- Financing assistance
- Furniture wrapping
- GPS shipment tracking
- Local moving in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
- Long-distance and international moving
- Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
- Residential and commercial services
- And more
How Much Does JK Moving Cost?
JK Moving’s price points are within industry norms. In most cases, a two-bedroom, 500-mile relocation will cost between $2,750 and $6,050. You should contact JK Moving directly for a quote that fits your exact move parameters.
Learn more: Read our full JK Moving Services review for more information.
Get a quote: Get a quote from JK Moving Services.
Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options
Allied Van Lines has been a force in the industry for more than 90 years and is now one of the most recognizable presences in moving. Its bright orange-and-black trucks can be seen handling moves throughout all 50 states. Allied receives consistently positive reviews at a claimed satisfaction rate of 96%. As a part of SIRVA, Allied is a part of one of the largest moving networks in the world, which should aid your relocation to any point in the United States and beyond.
Why We Recommend Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines’ ability to provide shipping and moving assistance for even the largest items and vehicles makes it stand out among its competition. Many of the leading vehicle shippers are themselves brokers. That Allied can offer this service directly makes for a more hassle-free moving experience.
Pros and Cons of Allied Van Lines
Pros
- Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
- Offers GPS tracking for all moves
- Provides transparent pricing
Cons
- Time-consuming quote process for long-distance moves
- The claims process for damages can be time-consuming.
Allied Van Lines Services Offered
Allied and its crews can offer the following services:
- Auto shipping
- Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
- Debris removal
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- GPS shipment tracking
- International moving
- Local and long-distance moving
- Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
- Packing supplies
- Storage
- And more
How Much Does Allied Van Lines Cost?
Allied Van Lines’ price points are fairly reliable. With preliminary InstaQuotes available ahead of in-person estimates, you’ll be treated to an easy quote process with this provider. The following figures are broad ranges for moves of varying size with Allied.
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,650 – $6,000 | $2,950 – $6,200 | $4,800 – $8,200 |
| 4 BR | $3,600 – $6,600 | $6,300 – $9,500 | $8,200 – $11,600 | $12,000 – $15,000 |
Learn more: For more information, read our full Allied review.
Get a quote: Get a free moving quote from Allied Van Lines.
U-Pack: Best Overall Container Service
U-Pack’s containers are available in all 50 states for moves of 150 miles or more. With 240 service centers throughout the country, you can request a trailer or smaller ReloCube for assistance with DIY (do-it-yourself) moves of any size. When you book with U-Pack, you’ll get defined three-day delivery windows for loading and unloading, along with precise delivery dates. You’ll also be able to store your goods at a U-Pack storage facility if needed.
Why We Recommend U-Pack
U-Pack’s wide availability outstrips its competitors within the container-moving niche. Convenient loading and unloading periods and reliable shipping via ABF make this a top choice for clients, whether they live in a studio apartment or a larger house.
Pros and Cons of U-Pack
Pros
- 240 locations throughout the United States and Canada
- Three-day windows for loading and unloading
- Only pay for what you use
Cons
- Finding parking accommodations for units and trailers can be difficult.
- No local moving services (under 150 miles)
Services Offered
U-Pack’s service offerings are minimal, but they include the following:
- Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer.
- Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
- Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site.
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
U-Pack’s price points are low, even compared to other container movers. Here is what you can expect to pay when you book these services:
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $660 – $1,750 | $1,300 – $2,400 | $1,750 – $2,850 | $2,300 – $3,400 |
| 4 BR | $880 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $3,100 | $3,000 – $4,100 | $4,500 – $5,600 |
Learn more: Read our U-Pack review for more information prior to booking.
Get a quote: Get your free moving container quote from U-Pack.
North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been in business since 1933, and as a member of the SIRVA moving corporation, it is a part of one of the largest moving networks in the industry. NAVL operates via more than 500 individual locations across all 50 states and can provide customized moving plans to clients with moving needs of varying scopes.
Why We Recommend NAVL
NAVL is one of the most customer-friendly options available for moves of most sizes. Its typical specialty is long-distance moving. However, it also provides expedited service for smaller local moves through its BlueExpress program. Aside from specially catered moving solutions, it offers different pricing structures to fit any budget.
Pros and Cons of NAVL
Pros
- Dedicated customer service via a personal move coordinator for all relocations
- GPS tracking available for all moves and shipments
- Variable pricing structure helps clients on a budget.
Cons
- Many reviews report complicated claims processes for damage.
- Specialty services can be based on local agent ability.
NAVL Services Offered
NAVL can provide the following service options for all moving clients:
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Appliance installation
- Debris removal
- Excellent insurance options, including full-value and separate liability coverage for expensive items
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- International moving
- Local and long-distance moving
- Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
- Storage
- And more
How Much Does NAVL Cost?
North American Van Lines’ pricing is reflected in the rates here. For local moves, you’ll be billed at an hourly rate and can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 in most cases.
| Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
| 2 BR | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,650 – $5,900 | $3,000 – $6,200 | $4,800 – $8,100 |
| 4 BR | $3,600 – $6,600 | $6,200 – $9,500 | $9,000 – $11,500 | $12,000 – $14,900 |
Learn more: Read our full NAVL review for more information about this nationwide mover.
Get a quote: Get your free quote from North American Van Lines.
What Should You Look When Selecting a Moving Company in New Jersey?
When vetting a moving company for either a local or long-distance move, there are several factors you should consider. These include the following:
- Full service vs self service moving
- Registration
- Insurance
- Customer reviews
Full-Service vs. Self-Service Moving
Full-service moves are sure to cost more than self-service moves. The average local self-service move will cost between $500 and $1,000, including packing supplies and renting a truck. Moving labor will cost extra. Long-distance DIY moving typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000. This type of move will allow you to exercise the greatest control over your move but will require you to do all the leg work.
If you opt for a full-service provider, they will likely be able to handle all of your moving needs, no matter how diverse. This added convenience will come at higher costs but can also include added protection through insurance and the peace of mind that hiring a top-rated mover can bring.
Registration
All professional movers must maintain some form of registration to operate legally. Movers primarily based in New Jersey have regulated businesses overseen by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Direct all questions regarding registration or possible complaints.
If you’re hiring for an interstate move, your movers must be registered with the FMCSA. This will require that they carry U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Moving Company (MC) numbers, which you can use to research a given provider’s complaint history and registration status.
Insurance
All moving companies must carry multiple insurance policies to legally carry out moving services within their local area. Aside from basic vehicle insurance, all full-service moving companies have to carry the following:
- Workers’ compensation: This policy protects you if one of your movers is injured during your move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for lost wages or medical expenses. This is a fairly basic policy, which many companies providing labor services have to carry.
- Released liability coverage: All movers must carry this as cargo insurance per industry standards. If your goods are lost or damaged during a move, this policy reimburses you at a rate of $0.60 per pound per item.
- Valuation coverage: Aside from released liability coverage, most reputable movers will carry valuation options. These are available at an added cost and will reimburse you for the full value of your goods if they are lost or damaged.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a vital resource when vetting moving companies. If you want a stress-free move, then you’ll want to be sure of the quality of the mover you’re booking with. Look into reviews from multiple platforms, and remember that all movers will have some negative reviews. Look for trends to find any possible weak areas for each mover you consider. Good platforms for such feedback include:
- Yelp
- BBB
- Social media
- Trustpilot
How Much Do the Top-Rated New Jersey Moving Companies Cost?
Tri-state moving costs are fairly high when compared to national averages. The Garden State’s proximity to New York City means that much of the state’s northern half experiences high traffic and higher costs for service of almost any kind. Expect a three-bedroom local move to cost between $1,250 and $2,600, with a four-bedroom move of similar distance costing between $2,000 and $4,500.
Long-distance or interstate moving costs are far more stable across the industry, which we’ve outlined below:
| Distance | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
| Local | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,200 | $3,000 |
| 250 mi | $3,000 | $4,150 | $5,600 | $6,600 |
| 500 mi | $3,400 | $4,500 | $6,600 | $7,300 |
| 1000 mi | $3,850 | $4,950 | $7,000 | $9,200 |
| 2000 mi | $4,700 | $5,300 | $7,400 | $9,900 |
| 2500 mi | $5,200 | $5,600 | $7,800 | $11,000 |
| 3000 mi | $5,600 | $6,600 | $9,600 | $12,500 |
Final Thoughts
Planning a move in any state is going to be a trying experience. If you take the needed time to plan your move, carefully consider your options, and hire the best movers, you should be primed for a positive experience on moving day. Each of the New Jersey movers outlined above will easily move you within the state or cross-country.
FAQs about Moving Companies in New Jersey
How much do movers cost per hour in New Jersey?
According to data from HireAHelper, moving clients will spend an average of $419 on moving labor for DIY relocations. At typical rates, you’ll spend between $60 and $65 per hour per mover for simple labor.
When is the best time to schedule a move in New Jersey?
Since New Jersey is effectively sandwiched between New York City and Philadelphia, with plenty of larger urban centers within the state itself (including Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson), the roads are sure to be congested for most of the year. We recommend scheduling a weekend move with an early start time, whether you move in the summer or less busy season for moving.
How do I check if a moving company is licensed in New Jersey?
Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to ensure your movers are fully registered. All professional moving companies in the state fall under the jurisdiction of this governing body, which regulates tariffs and provides governance for the safe transportation of your goods.
Methodology: How We Evaluated New Jersey's Moving Companies Against Our Review Criteria
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goal is to be a transparent and reliable information source for our readers. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula to render objective ratings — on a scale of 10 points — for the companies we review.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
- Transparency (3.0): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided clearly worded moving contracts. Communication is especially important for long-distance moves, so we awarded the most points to companies that made getting in touch and staying in contact with moving professionals easy. Points were also awarded for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, and insurance.
- Cost (2.5): We’ve weighted cost, including prices for standard services and add-ons, and overall value in our rating factors. Companies with steep pricing for add-on services were ranked lower.
- Customer Service (2.0): We assessed customer service based on real customer feedback on review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google. We also considered access to GPS tracking and other online tools.
- Services Offered (1.5): Many movers provide similar lines of service, including packing, unpacking, packing supplies, and transportation. However, the breadth of service offerings often varies. We awarded more points to companies that delivered unique services, such as car shipment, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and appliance setup.
- Customization Options (1.0): We know that moving processes aren’t the same for customers. We’ve taken moving package customization ability and pricing for add-on moving services.
Read our detailed methodology for more information.
