Relocating to New Jersey? Here’s How To Make Your Fall Move Much Easier

Whether you’re looking for beaches, quality public education, or a quick commute to the Big Apple, New Jersey is a well-rounded place to raise a family and have it all, and it has much more to offer than what you may have seen on reality TV. Now that the weather has cooled and college students have settled in, a move to the Garden State won’t be nearly as exhausting as it would be under the unforgiving summer sun, and rates will also be down.

If you plan on relocating this autumn, our guide to moving to New Jersey has all the need-to-know information to make a seamless move to this historic state.

How To Prepare for a Smooth Move To New Jersey

Moves don’t happen overnight. Having the most efficient relocation possible takes weeks of preparation and planning before the moving truck arrives. See below for some essential fall moving tips to help you stay one step ahead of your upcoming move.

Moving Tips

Before you begin filling boxes, several things need to be done around the home that you shouldn’t let fall through the cracks. Here are some best practices and procedures to make your move easier:

• Schedule the truck early. While fall isn’t the most popular time of year for moving, you’d be surprised how far in advance you need to book your moving truck. Get one on the calendar as soon as you know what date you’ll be moving.
• Clear out your freezer. You won’t want to deal with moving ice cream and frozen dinners, so eat everything you can.
• Get everything transferred. In addition to mail forwarding, you’ll need to transfer medical and school records and change your address at the post office.
• Register your vehicle. Within 60 days of arriving, you must register your vehicle with the MVC and get liability insurance.
• Donate what you can. Bring unwanted clothes, kitchen supplies, and holiday decorations to a local donation center. If you have other items that won’t fit in your new home, personal storage units is an excellent way to hold onto them.

Packing Tips

Packing can seem like a never-ending project, but with proper planning, you can keep it organized for your schedule and sanity. See below for just a few vital packing tips:

• Get started early. The packing process can take weeks, so start sooner than you should.
• Pack essentials last. Begin with your least-used items before working your way up to toiletries and clothing. This will help you start the packing process early.
• Keep track of valuables. Documents, medications, and other essential items should be kept somewhere secure so you don’t lose or forget them during the move.
• Label it all. Use checklists and labeling for what’s already been packed to keep track of what’s going where.
• Use smaller boxes. You should let boxes weigh more than 50 pounds, which will help you stay organized and avoid straining your back.
• Cushion everything. Furniture legs, wall decorations, and appliance hinges should be padded to help protect them during the move. Fragile items need to be individually wrapped with packing paper and stacked on edge rather than on top of one another.
• Cover up. Place plastic covers over furniture, including upholstery, wooden tables, and mattresses.

Settling Into Your Neighborhood

Whether you’re moving across the country or across the Hudson, feeling settled into your new neighborhood is an integral part of making a new home. Here are some tips to help you feel welcome:

• Introduce yourself to neighbors. If you don’t knock on someone’s door now, you never will. Be a friendly face and get to know the people in your neighborhood to make this new environment a little less intimidating. If you’re feeling eager, host a housewarming party!
• Go exploring. Hit the town to seek out local restaurants, shops, and attractions. You may discover your new favorite weekend destination and make some friends along the way.
• Get involved. Join the PTA, volunteer at the local community center, or help support your children’s sports teams. This will help you integrate yourself into the culture of your new home.
• Be patient. It can take a while until your new home truly feels like home. Stay optimistic and give yourself grace as you settle in.

Things To Know About New Jersey

A move to New Jersey doesn’t come without its quirks. Below are some things to note about the state that may surprise you if you’re unfamiliar with NJ life.

• Cost of living. The cost of living in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average, and the average home value is $535,469. As you search for a house, apartment, or condo, be sure to budget for what will be realistic.
• Public transportation. The big city doesn’t start and end on Manhattan Island. Urban living extends well into New Jersey, and the NJ Transit system of trains and buses is incredibly popular statewide, helping ease your commute. Be sure to get a pass!
• Gas station attendants. New Jersey is the only state where it is illegal to pump your own gas. While you’ll certainly be happier to stay in your vehicle during the winter months, don’t depend on being able to make a speedy gas station visit if you’re running late.
• Jughandle turns. Rather than your standard left-hand turns at four-way traffic stops, jughandles enhance traffic flow by directing you counterclockwise via mini off-ramps. While not inherently tricky to navigate, they take some getting used to.

Get Settled After Your Move With Access Self Storage

As you begin to get comfortable in your new home in New Jersey, you may find yourself with unforeseen to-dos. From living spaces that need renovating to attics that don’t fit all your seasonal storage, a short- or long-term external storage solution could be necessary to help you truly make yourself home.

Access Self Storage offers self storage for moving as a reliable, adaptable personal storage solution. Whether you’re receiving a degree at a school near North Brunswick or want to relax near the beach on the Jersey Shore, our secure, convenient solutions are here to open up space in your home. From RV and boat spaces to wine storage at our storage facility in Branchburg, let us develop the storage solution you’ve been looking for.

To uncover the space you deserve, give us a call today and find us at a location near you!