How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Fort Lee
Consider each company's services, cost, customer reviews, and licensing before picking.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in Fort Lee is $85. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,352 in total. Factors that affect your actual cost include move distance, your home size, any additional tasks you need done, and the season.
Consider getting quotes from a minimum of three movers in your area to make an informed choice. Written estimates are essential in this process. They should contain a total cost breakdown, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your mover's estimate until your move is done.
Read Customer Reviews
Positive customer feedback is necessary for all moving companies. You can find moving companies with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, social media, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in Fort Lee must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose a mover licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You can verify that the company is registered using the verification tool.
The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a moving company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can see a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.
Services
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Prepare for the quote process by taking a thorough inventory of your home and noting any services you may need. Discuss any special conditions or needs with your moving company representative in order to determine whether the company can fulfill your specific requirements.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include the following services for standard moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
When requesting a quote from your moving company, mention any services you need. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:
- Crating for art or antiques
- Extra flights of stairs
- Long carries
- Packing
- Piano moving
- Storage
- Unpacking
- Vehicle shipping
Tips To Consider When Moving in Fort Lee, NJ
Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Fort Lee.
Schedule an Early Move
Fort Lee traffic during the morning and evening rush hours is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a personal-use vehicle. Movers getting stuck in traffic typically leads to higher costs since they’ll still be on the clock while in their trucks. Scheduling your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
Avoid Busy Season
May to September marks the busiest moving season and Fort Lee's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too close to your move. The increased demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. Plan ahead and book your chosen moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential challenges the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.
Pack in Advance
You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it. Most movers handle same-day packing requests similarly. Movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.
How Much do Movers Cost in Fort Lee, NJ
Movers in Fort Lee cost $2,679 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,669 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.
Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
Less than 250 miles | $2,679 | $3,326 | $7,669 |
250-999 miles | $3,294 | $3,976 | $11,095 |
1,000-2,499 miles | $3,339 | $4,540 | $11,674 |
2,500+ miles | $3,291 | $5,617 | $13,837 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Fort Lee
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