Deciding on a move is both a stressful and exciting endeavor at the same time. From finding the new apartment to planning the moving process, it can be a lot to handle, especially in the short-term. Plus, if you’re moving to a different state or county, it can get even more overwhelming facing the unknown. Moving to Essex County is no different, especially if you’ve never lived in NJ. Before you can become a resident, though, you’ll need to transport all your items to your new place. But how do you calculate Essex County relocation costs? Worry not, it’s all explained down below.

Why relocate to Essex County?

Before actually moving here, it makes sense to learn some basic facts about this part of New Jersey. First off, this is the second-highest populated county in the Garden State, with the population around 800,000. Of course, depending on your lifestyle, you’ll choose one of the cities that suits you best. For example, if you’re moving with a family and seeking a close-knit community feeling, consider Glen Ridge or Verona Township. On the other hand, if you’re a student at one of the prestigious NJ colleges, then head to Newark. Secondly, research the area you’re moving to prior to your Essex County relocation. Look into the job opportunities, crime rate and leisure activities to make sure it’s just the neighborhood for you.

Plan your budget to know relocation costs

Moving can be rather expensive, but there are ways to save money on your New Jersey move. The best way to do this is to plan out your costs. Simply research the costs of professional assistance, the DIY move and storage options in the area to get a clear picture of the final bill. We’ll guide you through each of these steps, but let’s not forget another expense that is easy to overlook. Pre-move costs, as in purchasing packing materials such as boxes, containers, plastic wrap. Of course, you can save some money by getting used boxes from a local supermarket. The other alternative is to simply hire packing services, which would set you back around $160 per room. Do the math and see which option suits you best.

Hiring a moving company or renting a van?

Once you’ve determined your packing expenses, it’s time to start planning the rest of your moving budget. Now, the biggest part of the relocation process is loading and unloading of the items as well as the actual transportation. That being said, it’s will also be the most expensive item on your budget list. Essentially, you have two options: either hire a professional company or go the DIY route. And while you might think that renting a van is a cheaper option, if you’re moving long-distance, hiring a professional moving company is a more cost-friendly alternative. Don’t believe us? Check the free estimate of total costs associated with hiring professional movers and compare them with the DIY move.

Yes, renting a van usually costs from $20 to $100 per day. However, that’s just the van – add mileage fees, gas re-fill charge, road tolls, and lodging, to name a few. On the other hand, hiring movers for a one-bedroom apartment will cost somewhere between $500 and $1000. Not to mention that you won’t have to lift a finger during the move, as your only job will be to find a reputable moving company to conduct your Essex County relocation. In case you decide to save both your time and your money, Caldwell can offer you some great movers with years of experience. After all, the safety of your items is worth spending a bit more money on, don’t you agree?

Get moving insurance

Along with moving costs comes the moving assurance as well. That is if you decide to go with hiring a moving company, which is especially recommended if you have bulky or fragile items. After all, experienced professionals have the necessary equipment and skills to handle these items. Still, accidents happen even to the best of them, so getting some kind of protection for your goods is quite necessary. You can expect to get basic coverage for free, but it is rarely a good option as the rate is 60 cents per pound. Of course, a lot of your belongings are certainly worth much more. For this reason, moving companies like Van Express Movers New Jersey offer additional Full Value Protection. The cost is usually based on one percent of the valuation of all the contents being transported. So, for example, if you’re transporting antique furniture or a piano, the company is liable for any possible damage and is required to reimburse the replacement value. The right protection truly is worth each cent.

Pick a storage unit

Another expense you should think about is the necessary storage options. Whether you’re moving to a smaller apartment or just storing kid’s toys or seasonal clothing, you’ll need to find a storage unit prior to Essex County relocation. This will make it easier to store the items right when they arrive instead of cramming them inside your new apartment. The pricing usually depends on whether it’s short-term or long-term storage, as well as whether the unit is indoor or outdoor. Most affordable storage units start around $40 a month for a 5×5 unit. A 10×10 is around $100 while a 10×20 and 10×300 are in $1500-$200 price range. Depending on the fragility of the items you’re storing, you might want to consider additional features such as climate-control or 24-hour surveillance. Features will usually increase the price anywhere from 25% to 50%, so choose only those that are really necessary for preserving the items.

Hidden relocation costs to be aware of

We’ve covered the basic costs of every Essex County relocation, but there are certain situations where you might be unaware you’ll have to pay extra. A free estimate is one thing, but the actual move might be a bit more complicated, so stay on the lookout for possible issues listed below:

• Handling bulky items – Heavy items usually require additional equipment, hence the additional moving fees

• Flight charges – If you’re building doesn’t have an elevator, expect extra charges

• Moving cancellation fee – Hidden costs come if you cancel your booked move or move the date

• Tipping movers – Tipping your movers $4 to $5 dollar per hour is expected and a pretty standard tip