What Does Moving Cost in South Jersey? Complete Pricing Guide

Planning a move in South Jersey? Understanding costs upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. Here's everything you need to know about moving costs in our area.

Average Moving Costs in South Jersey

### Local Moves (Within South Jersey)

Hourly Rates:

2 movers + truck: $150-$200/hour
- 3 movers + truck: $200-$275/hour
- 4 movers + truck: $275-$350/hour

Typical Move Times:
- 1-bedroom apartment: 3-4 hours
- 2-bedroom apartment: 4-6 hours
- 3-bedroom house: 6-8 hours
- 4-bedroom house: 8-10 hours
- 5+ bedroom house: 10-12+ hours

Sample Costs:
- Small apartment: $450-$800
- 2-bedroom home: $800-$1,500
- 3-bedroom home: $1,200-$2,200
- 4-bedroom home: $2,000-$3,500
- Large house (5+ BR): $3,000-$5,000+

*Note: These are estimates. Actual costs depend on many factors discussed below.*

### Long Distance Moves

Pricing Methods:

Volume-Based (Most Common):
- Charged by cubic feet or weight
- Plus mileage
- $4,000-$10,000+ depending on distance and volume

Flat Rate:
- Set price regardless of time
- Based on inventory list
- Less common for residential moves

## What Affects Your Moving Cost?

### Size and Volume

Number of Rooms:
- More rooms = more belongings = higher cost
- Studios cheaper than 5-bedroom homes
- Each room adds labor time

Amount of Stuff:
- Minimalists pay less than collectors
- Decluttering before moving saves money
- Each box and piece of furniture adds time

### Distance

Local Moves (under 50 miles):
- Hourly rates apply
- Within South Jersey typically local rates
- Cherry Hill to Voorhees: local
- Camden County to Gloucester County: local

Long Distance:
- Outside South Jersey area
- Moving to Pennsylvania, Delaware, beyond
- Different pricing structure

### Timing

Peak Season (May-September):
- Higher demand = higher prices
- Summer especially busy (families moving for schools)
- Book 4-6 weeks in advance
- Potentially 20-30% more than off-season

Off-Season (October-April):
- Lower demand = better rates
- More flexibility in scheduling
- Easier to get preferred dates
- Winter moves can be cheaper

Day of Week:
- Weekends - highest demand, premium rates
- Mid-week - lower rates, more availability
- Mid-month - less busy than month-end
- End of month - highest demand (leases typically end)

Time of Month:
- First and last week most expensive
- Mid-month often has availability and better rates

### Difficulty Factors

Stairs and Elevators:
- Stairs: Usually additional charge per flight
- No elevator: Significantly increases time
- Elevator: Better than stairs but still adds time
- Loading dock: Can speed up process

Parking and Access:
- No nearby parking: Longer carry = higher cost
- Need permits: Add time and fees
- Tight streets: Can slow down process
- Long driveway/walkway: Increases labor time

Heavy or Specialty Items:
- Pianos: $200-$500 additional
- Pool tables: $300-$600 to move and reassemble
- Gun safes: $200-$400 depending on size
- Hot tubs: Significant additional cost
- Large furniture: Entertainment centers, armoires

### Services Needed

Basic Move:
- Loading, transport, unloading
- You pack, you unpack
- Lowest cost option

Full-Service Moving:
- Professional packing
- Loading and transport
- Unloading and unpacking
- Disposal of packing materials
- Can double the cost but worth it for many

Packing Services:
- Partial packing: $200-$600 (fragile items only)
- Full packing: $500-$2,000+ depending on home size
- Includes packing materials

Storage:
- Short-term or long-term
- Climate-controlled costs more
- $50-$300+ per month depending on size

## Hidden Costs to Consider

### Additional Fees That May Apply

Travel Time:
- Some companies charge for drive time to your location
- Usually 1 hour minimum
- Ask upfront if this applies

Fuel Surcharge:
- Some companies add fuel fee
- Usually percentage of total
- More common for long-distance

Stair Fees:
- Per flight or per item
- $50-$100 per flight common
- Applies to both pickup and delivery locations

Long Carry Fee:
- If truck can't park near entrance
- Usually if more than 50-75 feet
- $50-$150 additional

Heavy Item Fees:
- Safes, pianos, pool tables
- Charged per item
- $100-$500+ depending on item

Packing Materials:
- If you buy from moving company
- Boxes: $2-$8 each depending on size
- Tape: $5-$10 per roll
- Bubble wrap: $20-$30 per roll
- Wardrobe boxes: $10-$15 each

Insurance/Valuation:
- Basic coverage often minimal (60¢/pound)
- Full value protection costs extra
- Usually 1-2% of declared value
- Highly recommended for valuable items

Shuttle Fee:
- If large truck can't access property
- Need smaller truck to ferry items
- $200-$500 additional

Disassembly/Reassembly:
- Beds, tables, furniture
- $50-$150 per item
- Sometimes included, sometimes extra

## Ways to Save Money

### Do Some Work Yourself

Pack Yourself:
- Save 30-40% on full-service cost
- Start early - takes longer than you think
- Use free boxes from stores, Facebook Marketplace

Declutter First:
- Every item costs money to move
- Sell, donate, or discard what you don't need
- Yard sale or Facebook Marketplace
- Tax deduction for donated items

Disassemble Furniture:
- If you're handy, do it yourself
- Keep hardware in labeled bags
- Save $50-100 per item
- Just reassemble yourself too

Move Small Items Yourself:
- Your car can hold a lot
- Make several trips before moving day
- Plants, valuables, lamps, breakables

### Choose the Right Time

Off-Peak Season:
- October through April
- Save 20-30% compared to summer
- More flexibility in scheduling

Mid-Week Moves:
- Monday-Thursday cheaper than weekends
- More availability
- Movers less rushed

Mid-Month:
- Less demand than month-end
- Better rates and availability
- Less traffic competition

### Get Multiple Quotes

Compare Prices:
- Get at least 3 written estimates
- In-home estimates most accurate
- Virtual estimates available too

What to Compare:
- Hourly rates (local moves)
- Included services
- Minimum hours
- Additional fees
- Insurance coverage
- Reviews and reputation

Red Flags to Avoid:
- Quotes significantly lower than others (too good to be true)
- No in-home or virtual estimate
- Cash-only operations
- No physical address
- No licensing/insurance
- Large deposits required

### Prepare Your Home

Make It Easy for Movers:
- Clear pathways - remove obstacles
- Protect floors - reduces worry and time
- Secure parking - get permits if needed
- Have everything ready - packed and ready to load

The easier you make it, the faster it goes, the less you pay.

## What's Included in Moving Quotes

### Standard Services

Most local movers include:

- Labor (loading and unloading)
- Truck and fuel
- Basic equipment (dollies, straps, blankets)
- Basic liability coverage
- Moving within specified hours

### Services Usually Extra

Ask if these are additional:

- Packing/unpacking
- Packing materials
- Specialty item handling
- Stairs or long carries
- Storage
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly
- Full value protection insurance

### Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

About the Company:
1. Are you licensed and insured?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. Can you provide references?
4. Are your movers employees or subcontractors?

About the Quote:
5. Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?
6. What is your hourly rate? (local moves)
7. Is there a minimum charge?
8. What exactly is included in the quote?
9. What additional fees might apply?
10. How do you handle damages?

About the Move:
11. How many movers will be assigned?
12. What size truck will be used?
13. Do you charge for travel time?
14. What forms of payment do you accept?
15. What's your cancellation policy?

## Understanding Moving Estimates

### Types of Estimates

Non-Binding Estimate:
- Not guaranteed final price
- Final cost based on actual time/weight
- Could be higher (or lower) than estimate
- Common for local hourly moves

Binding Estimate:
- Guaranteed price
- Won't change unless you add services
- More common for long-distance
- Requires detailed inventory

Not-to-Exceed Estimate:
- Maximum price guaranteed
- Could be less if move takes less time
- Good protection for customer

### What Makes Estimates Accurate

In-Home Estimates:
- Mover sees everything
- Notes special items and challenges
- Most accurate type
- Free from reputable companies

Virtual Estimates:
- Video walkthrough of your home
- Quick and convenient
- Almost as accurate as in-home
- Becoming more common

Phone Estimates:
- You describe what you have
- Least accurate method
- Easy to under or over-estimate
- Use only as rough ballpark

## Budgeting for Your Move

### Creating Your Moving Budget

The Moving Company:
- Get written estimates
- Add 10-20% buffer for unexpected costs
- Primary expense for most people

Packing Materials (if DIY):
- Boxes: $50-$200
- Tape, markers, bubble wrap: $30-$75
- Furniture covers: $20-$50
- Total: $100-$350

Additional Services:
- Professional packing if desired
- Storage if needed between homes
- Specialty item movers (piano, pool table)

Utilities:
- Deposits for new home
- Final bills for old home
- Overlap period if applicable
- Budget: $200-$500

Address Updates:
- Driver's license
- Vehicle registration
- Usually minimal fees
- Budget: $50-$100

Cleaning:
- Old home cleaning (for security deposit)
- New home cleaning before moving in
- Budget: $100-$400

First Month in New Home:
- Often need household items
- Repairs or improvements
- Budget: $500-$1,000

Sample Total Budget:

*For 3-bedroom house local move:*
- Moving company: $1,500
- Packing materials: $150
- Utilities setup: $300
- Cleaning: $250
- Address updates: $75
- New home expenses: $750
- Total: $3,025

*Always add 15-20% buffer for unexpected costs: $3,500-$3,600*

## Insurance and Protection

### Basic Carrier Liability

What's Included:
- Usually 60¢ per pound per item
- Example: 50-pound TV = $30 coverage
- Inadequate for most items
- Standard with all movers

### Full Value Protection

What It Covers:
- Repair, replace, or cash settlement
- Much more comprehensive
- Costs 1-2% of declared value
- Highly recommended

Example:
- $50,000 declared value
- Cost: $500-$1,000
- Covers actual replacement value

### Your Homeowners/Renters Insurance

Check Your Policy:
- Some cover moving
- Usually minimal coverage
- Deductible may apply
- Read fine print carefully

### Moving Valuable Items

High-Value Items:
- Art, antiques, jewelry
- Declare to moving company
- Consider separate policy
- Photograph before move
- Some people transport themselves

## Red Flags: Movers to Avoid

### Warning Signs

Run From:
- No physical address
- No DOT number (for interstate)
- No insurance/licensing
- Demand large deposits
- No written estimates
- Show up in rental truck
- Cash-only business
- Significantly low-ball estimates
- Poor online reviews
- Vague about services/pricing

### How to Verify a Moving Company

Check These:
- A+ BBB Rating - verify credentials
- Google reviews - look for patterns
- License verification - NJ Consumer Affairs
- Years in business
- Physical location - visit if possible

For Interstate Moves:
- FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) license
- DOT number - verify online
- ProMover certification (AMSA)

## Maloney's Moving: Transparent Pricing

### What We Offer

Clear, Honest Quotes:
- No hidden fees
- Detailed written estimates
- Explain every charge
- No surprise costs on moving day

Competitive Rates:
- Fair pricing for quality service
- Multiple service levels to fit budgets
- Discounts for flexible scheduling
- Senior discounts available

All-Inclusive Options:
- Full-service moves available
- Packing services
- Specialty item handling
- Storage solutions

Quality Service:
- 15+ years experience in South Jersey
- Professional, trained movers
- Proper equipment and trucks
- Licensed and insured
- Hundreds of satisfied customers

### Our Service Levels

Basic Moving Service:
- You pack, we move
- Loading, transport, unloading
- Professional equipment
- Most affordable option

Partial Packing:
- We pack fragile items
- You pack everything else
- Includes packing materials
- Great middle-ground option

Full-Service Moving:
- We pack everything
- Includes all materials
- Loading and transport
- Unloading in new home
- Unpack and placement
- Remove packing debris
- Completely hands-off for you

## Final Tips for Managing Moving Costs

Plan Ahead:
- More time = more options
- Book early for best rates
- Avoid last-minute premiums

Be Realistic:
- Cheap isn't always good
- Quality service has value
- Your belongings deserve care
- Time and stress have costs too

Communicate Clearly:
- Tell movers about all items
- Mention all challenges
- Ask questions
- Clear communication prevents disputes

Read Everything:
- Estimate/contract carefully
- Understand what you're signing
- Note cancellation policies
- Keep copies of all paperwork

Consider Value, Not Just Price:
- Cheapest quote may cost more in the end
- Damaged items expensive to replace
- Stress and hassle have costs
- Experience and professionalism matter

## Get Your Free Quote Today

Ready to plan your South Jersey move? Maloney's Moving offers free, no-obligation quotes with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Call us at (856) 223-7940 for:
- Free in-home or virtual estimate
- Honest assessment of your moving needs
- Clear explanation of costs
- Answers to all your questions
- Flexible service options to fit your budget

Serving all of South Jersey:
- Cherry Hill and Camden County
- Voorhees and Gloucester County
- Blackwood, Sewell, Runnemede
- Washington Township, Turnersville
- And surrounding areas

Let us earn your business with honest pricing and exceptional service. Call today for your free quote!