The best moving companies in New Jersey

New Jersey has a population of approximately 9.3 million people.¹ While that falls short of places like California, with nearly 40 million residents, New Jersey packs more people into each square mile than all other states.² Its largest ethnic groups are White, Latino, African American, and Asian. The average Garden State household has 2.7 people,¹ and the median age is 40.³ More than 800,000 people moved in New Jersey last year, including roughly 80% who were moving from one New Jersey city to another.⁴

The median income in New Jersey is about $85,245. Just under two-thirds of the state participates in the labor force,¹ and the economy gained approximately 197,000 payroll jobs last year.⁵ The state’s most prominent occupations are education, construction, and restaurants, while the highest paying non-medical jobs are in securities and internet publishing. New Jersey’s wealthiest counties are Hunterdon County, Morris County, and Somerset County, while the areas with the lowest median income per household include Cumberland County, Atlantic County, and Salem County.³

It’s expensive to live in New Jersey. Residents can expect to pay above-average rates for everything from groceries to health care.⁶ Housing is especially pricey, with the median property value landing at approximately $344,000. Not surprisingly, homeownership rates are lower in New Jersey than in most other states.³

New Jersey utility bills cost roughly $380 monthly, including gas, electricity, and water. Phone charges run about $110 per month, while TV streaming services set the average New Jerseyite back about $50.

New Jersey is a blue state. More than 50% of residents identify with the Democratic Party compared to only 30% who lean Republican.⁷ An even higher percentage of the state voted for Joe Biden in the presidential election. For example, more than 57% of the state voted for Biden, while the Republican incumbent garnered 41% of the vote. New Jersey’s bluest counties are Essex County, Hudson County, and Mercer County, while the state’s reddest regions include Ocean County, Sussex County, and Cape May County.³

International Van Lines is the best moving company in New Jersey—and the United States. The professional movers are known for transparent pricing, steep discounts, and packing services.

The best time to move in New Jersey is when moving demand is low. That typically means booking with a professional moving company in the winter or spring.

You’ll likely need to pay extra if you’re moving in one of New Jersey’s big cities like Newark or Jersey City. That typically includes additional moving services like an elevator carry or shuttle transfer service (big trucks can’t go into large metro areas).

A professional moving company like JK Moving Services is the best option for a cross-country move. Customer reviews show that the company provides an excellent moving experience.

The cheapest way to move in New Jersey is likely with a moving truck company. However, moving containers could be even more affordable if you’re doing a long-distance move.

We conducted intensive research to identify the best moving companies for long-distance moves and local moves, in addition to container moves, truck rentals, and hourly moving labor. During our searches, we:

• Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy.
• Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
• Go mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
• Perform site visits. We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
• Set up regular reviews. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.

• Best Professional Moving Services
• Best Car Shipping Companies
• Best Moving Container Companies
• Best Cheap Movers
• Best Moving Truck Rental Companies

• What Are the Best New Jersey Moving Services in Jersey City?
• How Much Are New Jersey Utilities?
• How Much Does a Local Move Cost?
• Where Can I Find Free Packing Supplies?
• Should I Hire a Packing Service?
• What Should Go on a Moving Day Checklist?

1. United States Census Bureau, “Quick Facts: New Jersey,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
2. United States Census Bureau, October 14, 2022, “U.S. and World Population Clock,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
3. Deloitte, “Data USA: New Jersey,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
4. United States Census Bureau, December 15, 2020, “Census Bureau Releases 2020 CPS ASEC Geographic Mobility Data,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
5. United States Congress Joint Economic Committee, September 16, 2022, “New Jersey Employment Report,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
6. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, “Cost of Living Data Series,” Accessed October 14, 2022.
7. Pew Research Center, “Religious Landscape Study: Party Affiliation Among Adults in New Jersey,” Accessed October 14, 2022.