Moving to New Jersey
Relocation is hardly simple, no matter the distance or size. However, there are many factors that can influence the severity of your moving experience. One such element is the choice of whether or not you wish to hire professional NJ movers to assist you. And this is where New Jersey Transport can step right in and help make your move a positive and simple experience. So if you are planning on moving to New Jersey, why go through all that trouble alone? The New Jersey moving services our company provides are everything you will need to move with the minimal amount of stress.
Moving to New Jersey can be challenging, unless you know what to expect.
What to expect when moving to New Jersey
The fact is that New Jersey is different from other cities you might have resided until now. It has a particular atmosphere that is not easy to explain. It is a place that will welcome you and provide you with a certain peace and quiet, whilst still giving you the chance to live life to the fullest.
NJ is a small state, divided by geography
Broadly speaking, New Jersey is divided into three different regions, each with its own culture and geography. These regions are:
- North Jersey
- Central Jersey
- South Jersey
Although the locals will swear to you that only North and South Jersey exist. When it comes to Central Jersey, they swear it only exists on paper.
There is a total of 565 municipalities in New Jersey, which are grouped into seven Metropolitan Statistical Areas by the Office of Management and Budget. Since New Jersey is such a small state, this means that the average size of each municipality is only 15 square miles. However, the actual size of each municipality can vary greatly.
When moving to New Jersey, expect hot summers and cold winters
When it comes to New Jersey climate, it is as it should be. The summers are usually hot and humid, with temperature ranging from 60-80°F. Winters are quite cold on the other hand, with average temperature between 16-30°F. Do bear in mind that specific meteorological phenomena can influence these conditions. Nor’easters, for example, can affect the climate directly during certain times of the year.
Best places to live when Moving to New Jersey
The largest cities in the Garden State are:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Paterson
- Elizabeth
- Trenton
- Clifton
- Camden
- Passaic
- Union
- East Orange
Biggest is not always best -Princeton has plenty to offer, no matter its overall size.
But you might find that some of the best places to live are the smaller towns. Princeton, Heathcote, Ridgewood and Chatham, which showcase a delightful combination of country living with quick access to the main highways. This of course includes NYC.
Also, as a college town, Princeton offers individuals the chance to acquire knowledge in the arts and sciences. Because it houses several universities and colleges, the town can boast great schooling and a world class public library. This alone can demonstrate why it is such a common choice for family relocation.
One might even appreciate the food growing scene, where natural produce goes from the farm to the consumer. This in turn allows for fresher and healthier food, which is good for the development of specialty and gourmet products.
When it comes to New Jersey transportation, it is fairly straightforward within most cities and towns. The fact is that the public transportation is well-coordinated and covers most parts of the largest cities. When it comes to smaller towns, the choice of transportation is of a more healthier nature. People prefer bicycles or simple walks when the weather is nice. On other occasions, the ownership of a car is preferable and quite affordable.
Moving to New Jersey – make a plan of action
Recent polls show that up to 33% of Americans wish they could move out of state. Whether you are a recent college grad or a mid-career professional, moving to New Jersey comes with its share of challenges. Is it better to hire an expert long distance movers NJ company or do a DIY relocation? How will you ensure the safety of your belongings during transit? What expenses will your new employer cover, if any? So before you break out the packing boxes and shipping tape, consider these organizational guidelines to help your moving task.
Start saving and build your relocation budget
Moving bears expenses, so make sure to prepare financially for your relocation to New Jersey.
Shipping, gas, hotel and insurance costs can pile up quickly. Add to that security deposits for renting and starting utilities in your new home, and it becomes clear that moving to New Jersey requires quite a few upfront costs. Suddenly, the plan to save money and build a moving budget doesn’t seem that crazy, does it? It’s simply a matter of financial security. After all, you can’t rely on the security deposit from your old place since you never know when you might get it.
Building your budget shouldn’t stop when you get to New Jersey. Cost of living varies from state to state, and your current income might not afford you the same luxuries after the move. Use a cost of living calculator to determine how far your current salary will take you in specific cities across New Jersey. That should give you a more general idea whether moving to New Jersey is a smart fiscal idea.
Check whether your employer is willing to help out
Some companies cover relocation costs, but it is important to get the terms straight. Your employer may reimburse items such as shipping services, packing services, transportation and travel expenses. Everything associated with searching for your new home – but only if you are moving for the purpose of business. So it might not hurt to ask whether your employer will cover other expenses, such as:
- lease cancellation fees
- realtor assistance
- temporary housing and storage.
Decide what it is you are moving to New Jersey with you
What is the point of dragging a decade-old couch and barely working TV with you to NJ? You need to take inventory of all your belongings, expecially bulky furniture and electronic appliances. Then you can calculate whether they are worth moving to New Jersey with you, or if you would perhaps fare better with new replacements.
Don’t forget to factor in what you might save in time, money and energy by not hauling these heavy items. If you can’t afford brand new furniture, consider taking advantage of websites such as Craigslist.
Research professional movers NJ that can assist you
Professional moving assistance is always advised, especially for long distance moving.
The fact of the matter is that you are not qualified enough for an interstate relocation. So why risk the well-being of your belongings when there is a far simple way to handle this task? Simple research and hire expert NJ movers that can best help you make your moving to New Jersey easy and efficient.
If you opt for full service, the movers will pack, load, ship, and unpack all of your belongings. That way, the only thing left for you to do is to tell them where to park the couch. Many people choose to do the packing themselves to save money and ensure proper handling.
Estimating the costs of professional moving services isn’t as easy as jumping online. Most well-established NJ moving companies will send an expert to your home to evaluate your items and provide a moving quote. Unlike moving trucks and shipping services, movers often do not factor in mileage as much as weight of cargo. Professional movers can get pricey, but their services will allow you to focus on other pressing issues surrounding a move.
Make sure to obtain several estimates
Do your research before signing a contract with a moving company. Be sure to obtain at least three shipping cost estimates from different companies in order to ensure the best deal. User-review sites such as Angie’s List can help you find the most reliable companies, but so can friends, co-workers, BBB etc.
Insurance never hurts, especially when moving to a different state
Accidents happen every day, especially during transportation. So why not ensure the safety and protection of your belongings with the help of proper insurance. Anything can happen when all of your worldly possessions are packed into one space, speeding down the highway. Although moving companies provide insurance options to protect your belongings, it is important to understand the nuances of each package.
Update Your Information
Make sure that you personal information is properly updated before the move.
Moving to New Jersey or any other state can be overwhelming, but it is important that you update your information in your new location as soon as possible. You can update recurring bills, such as car and student loans, as well as credit card and bank accounts. And you can do this online or by phone, once you secure your fresh New Jersey address.
There will also be a need for you to obtain a new driver’s license and vehicle registration. Each state sets different timelines. Visit your local DMV to check that off your to-do list. While you’re there, ask for a pamphlet on state driving laws.
For example, you might find the New Jersey “jug-handles” quite confusing as a driver. Basically, they change the way traffic turns left. Rather than turning from a left hand turning lane that would be far too simple, jug-handles use a ramp on the right side of the road. You may end up losing quite some time backtracking until you learn not to miss the exits.
Long distance moving mistakes you should look to avoid
Because of the challenge it poses, long distance moving is not the most popular of choices when it comes to relocation. Most people learn to dislike it due to past bad experiences. However, there is a way for you to avoid such a situation. All you need to do is prepare properly and learn to avoid certain moving mistakes. So if you are looking for a problem-free way of moving to New Jersey, these are the mistakes you should avoid:
Taking too much stuff
Make sure not to take too much things with you – especially those you have no use for.
Most of the long distance movers will charge you based on the weight and quantity of your belongings. So if you wish to save some of your moving budget, be sure to rid yourself of all unnecessary items. You might want to focus on those you no longer use or have need of.
Re-gifting, donating to charity, or selling these belongings is an excellent way to minimizing the freight you’ll need to transport in the moving process. Avoiding moving items like this will drastically reduce the costs and time needed to embark on your New Jersey journey.
Packing items improperly
This is one of the most common mistakes people make when they move long distance. Poor packing is always responsible for the majority of broken or damaged items people end up with when they reach their final destination. The only way to avoid this is to get the right packing materials and to take your time to pack properly, knowing that the items will travel long distance, and sometimes in very rough terrains.
Not booking ahead of time
The longer the distance you are crossing for your relocation, the earlier you should start planning. When it comes to moving to New Jersey from a different state or even country, advanced planning is necessary. And part of that process is to book your packers, movers, plane tickets, hotels etc. as soon as possible. This way, you avoid unwanted complications during the relocation.
Traveling Long-Distances Without Necessities
While most moving mistakes result in a headache, property damage/loss, or all around confusion, they can result in becoming stranded, hungry or ill and be the most detrimental. A solid checklist for when it’s time to hit the highway is as followed:
A good nights sleep can solve a good deal of issues and prepare you for the task ahead.
- Make sure you have enough cash on hand. You may have experienced an occasional, unexplained debit or credit card decline. You don’t want this to happen in the middle-of-nowhere.
- Make sure the vehicle you’re traveling in is in good order to make a long-distance trek across the country.
- If you or your loved ones require medication, whether it be for emergencies or on a regular basis, check two, three or more times to ensure you bring it!
- Almost nothing besides a restless pet roaming around the cab of your vehicle could be more disheveling or dangerous on the road.
- While your children are likely to fall asleep in an air-conditioned backseat, you can too! Make sure the burden of long-distance driving is shared between two responsible parties.
- If you’re going to drive for a long period, check into a hotel to ensure you don’t become impaired by sleep deprivation.
- Believe it or not, booking a flight might be the same price as driving long distances, or cheaper, in some circumstances.