Frequently Asked Questions

We make it easy to schedule at your convenience, in your preferred way:

1. Call to speak with our friendly representatives, or
   
2. Submit our quote form and we'll call you back, or
3. Book with our online calendar - learn more about booking online.

Yes! For local moves, we offer our local moving cost calculator that:

• With just a few quick questions, can tell you the precise cost of your local move, 
• And then allows you to book your move with us online, immediately.

Give it a try and see how easy, and affordable, moving can be with Reliable Van & Storage.

No. We make it easy to accommodate busy schedules by offering virtual appointments. You can then meet by video call, using apps such as apps that are most likely already on your smartphone; IE: Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom or Google Meet, to walk through your space and discuss your move with our experts. You stay in your home while we stay in our office.

Reliable Van & Storage is a van line affiliated, licensed moving company, not a broker. Brokers are not moving companies; they are paid to connect patrons with movers, usually selling the move to the lowest bidder—which can include low-quality, unlicensed movers.

Unlike moving companies, moving brokers have little to no knowledge about what goes into a successful relocation. They also fail to provide ongoing support for their customers. Their job is done once they create a contract between you and the mover. The experience you have from that point forward is not their concern.

Verify important credentials and qualifications to avoid low-quality movers and moving scams. Ensure that the mover is fully licensed and insured. If you are moving out of state, verify their listing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

Look for professional affiliations, such as van line agency, American Moving & Storage Association membership, and New Jersey Warehouseman & Movers Association membership.

Additionally, check their standing with the Better Business Bureau, request customer testimonials, and look for customer reviews to ensure you’re working with a professional mover and do your research to choose among the best movers in NJ for your relocation. 

Also be sure all estimates are in writing, with a signature and date.

It is illegal for a mover to operate without a license. Moving companies can obtain licensing at the state level for intrastate (in-state) moves and the federal level for interstate (out-of-state) moves. Additional certifications are available for international relocations.

To obtain a New Jersey moving company license, they must apply with the Public Movers and Warehouseman Association and register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. To meet licensure requirements, they must also provide proof of insurance and their ability to meet stringent quality standards.

Interstate movers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are given a USDOT and MC number. These numbers can be verified through the FMCSA website.

Reliable Van & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company. We have the credentials to handle moves within New Jersey, out-of-state, and internationally. Please verify our licensure on the FMCSA website: MC 15735; USDOT No.076235. We provide professional moving and storage services for household moves and commercial moves, including specialized moving services such as custom crating and rigging.

Unlicensed, rough movers are operating illegally. While measures are taken to help regulate unlicensed movers, there are not enough resources to prevent moving scams from occurring. You can identify unlicensed movers by asking for their license numbers and verifying their authenticity with the FMSCA.

Remember that the moving costs do not vary significantly between licensed moving companies. Unusually inexpensive movers are most likely unlicensed, leaving you at risk. They do not have to meet industry standards, and there is no recourse for lost, damaged, or destroyed items. Moreover, you could be liable if an unlicensed mover is injured on your property. So, if a moving quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Reliable Van & Storage is a full-service, licensed mover that delivers exceptional service with expertise, efficiency and value.  Efficient service allows us to complete more moves without inflated pricing - making us the affordable moving company in your market for quality service at reasonable rates.

When comparing moving companies, being aware of potential moving scams is essential. Unlicensed movers might lure you in with a lowball estimate just to tack on additional fees and hold your items hostage until these fees are paid. Be sure that you are working with licensed and insured movers, and never accept a quote that is not part of a clearly defined contract, signed and in writing. Additional things to watch out for include no physical address for the moving company, requests to sign blank documents, and large upfront deposits.

You can use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot to quickly gather and summarize information about moving companies. Start by asking the AI to compare multiple movers in your area, review their services, and highlight strengths and weaknesses. You can also paste in company websites, quotes, or reviews and ask the AI to analyze them for you.

Popular tools include:

• ChatGPT – Great for summarizing quotes, comparing services, and generating questions
• Claude – Helpful for analyzing longer documents like contracts or estimates
• Google Gemini – Useful for pulling in local business data and reviews
• Perplexity AI – Combines AI with real-time search for up-to-date insights

Using more than one tool can give you a broader, more balanced perspective.

Try prompts like:

• “Compare these three moving companies based on services, pricing, and customer reviews.”
• “What red flags should I look for in this moving estimate?”
• “Summarize the differences between a moving company and a moving broker.”
• “What questions should I ask before hiring a mover?”

You can also upload or paste quotes and ask AI to break down the costs line by line.

To make a well-informed decision, gather and compare the following:

• Written Estimates (Binding vs. Non-Binding) – Understand pricing structure and guarantees
• Bill of Lading – The official contract outlining terms and responsibilities
• Order for Service – Details of your move, including dates and services
• Inventory List – A record of items being moved and their condition
• Insurance Coverage Options – Valuation protection details
• Company Credentials – USDOT number, licensing, and registration
• Terms & Conditions – Fine print that may include additional fees or policies

These documents give you a complete picture of cost, service, and accountability.

It is generally safe but you will want to take some basic precautions.

Always use reputable AI tools with clear privacy policies. Avoid sharing highly sensitive personal information (like Social Security numbers or financial account details).

For moving documents, it’s generally safe to share estimates and contracts. You can redact personal details before uploading and you will want to ask the AI to focus on the parts related to pricing, services, and terms

AI tools can quickly analyze and summarize multiple documents side by side. You can:

• Paste or upload estimates and ask for a line-by-line comparison
• Ask AI to highlight differences in pricing, services, and terms
• Request identification of hidden fees, vague language, or inconsistencies
• Ask for a summary of key risks or advantages for each company

This saves time and helps you spot details that are easy to miss.

Most AI tools allow you to:

• Copy and paste text directly into the chat
• Upload files (PDFs, Word docs, or screenshots) if supported
• Break large documents into sections if they exceed input limits

For best results, label each document clearly (e.g., “Estimate from Company A”) before submitting.

To get accurate results:

• Keep formatting clean and readable
• Include headings or labels for each section
• Separate multiple quotes clearly
• Provide context (e.g., “Compare these two moving estimates”)

The clearer your input, the more useful and precise the AI’s response will be.

Yes, many AI tools support image uploads. You can take a photo or screenshot of a moving estimate, contract, or inventory list.

In doing so, also ask AI to extract and summarize the text, identify key charges or terms, and to compare it with other uploaded documents.

This is especially helpful if your documents aren’t in editable formats.

Try prompts like:

• “Compare these two estimates and explain the differences in cost and services.”
• “Are there any hidden fees or unclear charges in this contract?”
• “Which of these movers offers better value based on these documents?”
• “Do these terms favor the customer or the company?”

These targeted questions help you get actionable insights.

Yes. AI is especially useful for simplifying complex estimates. Paste your quote into the tool and ask:

• First “Explain this moving estimate in simple terms.”
• Then “Are there any hidden fees or unclear charges?”
• Followed by “How does this compare to industry averages?”

This can help you spot vague pricing, extra fees, or unusually low bids that may be misleading.

The Bill of Lading is a critical legal document. You can ask AI to:

• Explain it in plain language
• Highlight your responsibilities vs. the mover’s responsibilities
• Identify important clauses (delivery windows, liability, payment terms)

This ensures you fully understand what you’re signing.

Yes. Provide the coverage details and ask AI to:

• Explain the difference between Full Value Protection and Released Value
• Compare coverage limits between companies
• Identify gaps in protection

This helps you choose the right level of protection for your belongings.

Use AI to help identify:

• Binding vs. non-binding pricing
• Included vs. optional services
• Fuel, stair, or long-carry fees
• Packing and storage costs
• Delivery windows and guarantees

AI can highlight whether one estimate is more transparent or complete than another.

Ask AI questions such as “Is anything missing from this moving estimate?” or “Does this contract include all standard terms?”

AI can flag missing details like unclear delivery dates, lack of valuation coverage, or vague pricing—potential red flags.

Ask AI to analyze a company’s business model and reputation. For example:

• “Is this company a carrier or a broker?”
• “What are common signs of a moving scam?”
• “Do these reviews suggest a reliable company?”

AI can identify warning signs like unusually low estimates, lack of a physical location, or poor communication—common issues with brokers or fraudulent movers.

You can paste multiple reviews into an AI tool and ask:

• “Summarize the overall customer sentiment.”
• “What are the most common complaints?”
• “What do customers consistently praise?”

This helps you quickly identify patterns instead of reading hundreds of individual reviews.

Yes. Provide multiple quotes and ask AI to:

• Compare total costs
• Highlight differences in services included
• Identify missing or extra charges
• Estimate whether pricing is fair

This makes it easier to understand the true value—not just the lowest price.

AI can assist you in comparing:

• Pricing transparency
• Services offered (packing, storage, long-distance, etc.)
• Customer satisfaction trends
• Company credibility and licensing
• Communication and responsiveness

These factors are key to choosing a reliable mover.

Ask AI to generate a list of smart questions, such as:

• “Is this estimate binding or non-binding?”
• “Are you a carrier or a broker?”
• “What is included in the price?”
• “How are damages or claims handled?”

This ensures you’re informed and confident during conversations.

Yes. AI can help you create a moving checklist, build a timeline, organize inventory lists and set reminders for key milestones.

Some companies also offer online scheduling tools, which you can compare using AI for convenience and flexibility.

No—AI should be a tool, not the final decision-maker. Always verify information by:

• Checking official websites
• Reading real customer reviews (like Google reviews)
• Confirming licensing (FMCSA for interstate moves)
• Speaking directly with the company

AI helps you organize and understand information, but human verification is essential.

Relying only on price comparisons. AI may highlight the cheapest option, but that doesn’t always mean the best value. Always consider service quality, reputation, and whether the company is a direct mover or a broker.

Use AI to save time and simplify information, then:

1. Verify details with the moving company directly
2. Read real customer reviews
3. Confirm credentials and licensing
4. Request a clear, written estimate

This combination gives you the confidence to choose a mover that delivers true quality and value.

AI helps you quickly understand complex information, spot inconsistencies, and compare multiple options without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of guessing, you can make a confident, informed decision based on clear insights.

Most relocation experts recommend that you start planning for your move at least two to three months before the moving date. However, there are additional factors to consider. If you are moving long distance, you might need to start planning sooner to ensure you can book a reliable mover and coordinate travel arrangements. If you are moving during spring and summer and plan to hire a moving company, try to book a mover well in advance to avoid scheduling challenges during the peak moving season.

To choose a reliable moving company, verify that the mover is fully licensed and insured to protect your valuables against mistreatment and damage. It is recommended to work with a professional moving company that is an agent of a national or global van line, such as an interstate agent of Allied Van Lines - especially if your relocation crosses state lines. You can also ask for referrals, read moving company customer reviews, and look for accolades of quality service, such as Better Business Bureau accreditation. 

When narrowing your candidates, ensure that the mover provides the services that you need, such as full-service packing, specialized moving such as vehicle transportation, and secure residential storage. From there, obtain written moving cost estimates and compare the rates to get the most value.

You can avoid fraudulent moving companies in several ways. Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to verify necessary licenses and insurance coverage. You can also ask for proof of insurance and verify the types of coverage offered. Ensure that your moving quote and contract are in writing and clearly specify all moving services and fees. Also, be aware of abnormally low quotes that seem too good to be true. Learn more about brokers and unlicensed movers, and how to protect yourself from scams or poor service.

It’s best to schedule a moving company as soon as possible to avoid booking complications. Generally, it’s recommended that you schedule a moving company two to three months in advance. Additional planning recommendations are available in our online moving checklist.

Benefits are associated with every moving season, so the best time to move depends on your needs. Most moves are conducted during the spring and summer when the weather is mild, and children are out of school. However, you might obtain lower rates when moving during the fall and winter when movers are not as busy. It can also be less expensive to move in the middle of the month instead of the start or end of the month.

Yes! We offer a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate of moving costs. To get yours, simply submit our online form or call during regular office hours. Additionally, we can provide virtual surveys by scheduling a video call with our team or sending a video recording of your space. Learn more about our virtual consultations here.

An in-home moving estimate is the most accurate way to budget for your move. One of our professionals will visit your home and inventory your belongings. They will also assess factors that affect the cost of your move, such as accessibility and other challenges that might require specialized services. With an in-home estimate, you can obtain a comprehensive understanding of your relocation requirements and receive an accurate quote to avoid unexpected fees. We also offer virtual consultations.​

During your visual survey, a moving specialist will walk through your home and assess all the items you plan to relocate. They will note special considerations, such as fragile or oversized items, and accessibility challenges, like stairways or parking limitations. This allows for an accurate estimate of moving costs.

You can schedule your move with Reliable Van & Storage Company by calling us during regular office hours or submitting our online contact form. We will provide you with a free, in-home moving estimate at a time that works for you and then set a date for your relocation.

Reliable will not relocate hazardous items and materials that could ignite, explode, or leak dangerous biowaste or chemicals.  Some of these prohibited items include batteries, household cleaning products, pesticides, lawn and garden chemicals, ammunition, gas and oil products, and compressed cylinders. We will provide you with a comprehensive list of prohibited items before your move. See more in our Household Moving Tips page.​

Yes! We provide furniture disassembly and reassembly services to make your relocation safer and less of a hassle. We can assist with household furniture, office furniture, electronics and workstations, laboratories and medical equipment, trade shows, and more!

Absolutely! We evaluate each piece of furniture and apply the best packing methods. This might include moving blankets and pads, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and other protective measures.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appliances you are moving. However, as a general rule, you can take some steps to prepare your appliances for relocation. These include disconnection from power sources, cleaning the appliance inside and out, detaching removable parts, and securing/labeling cords and other loose parts with ties.

We offer a variety of packing options to suit our customers' needs. We provide full-service packing, including everyday household items, furniture and appliances, fragile and high-value items, and more. We also offer partial packing if you only need assistance with fragile, oversized, and otherwise difficult-to-move items. Lastly, you can purchase quality packing materials from us if you want to do some packing yourself.

Sure! We understand that you might prefer to pack personal items yourself or get a head start on your relocation by packing unbreakable items. However, we recommend that you allow us to handle your fragile, valuable, and bulky items for your protection. During your initial consultation, we will discuss our packing options and your moving needs. If you choose to pack yourself, we can help by being your resource for moving supplies.

We provide interim storage for local and long-distance moves. We will load your belongings onto a moving truck or van and store them in our secure warehouse until you are ready to have them delivered to your new home. Our storage facility has fire and theft protection and 24-hour surveillance.

The size of the storage unit you need depends on the volume of items you want stored. We have 100,000 sq. ft. of storage space within a secure, climate-controlled facility, and our tracking system ensures that your items are accurately labeled and organized. One of our relocation consultants will help you determine your unique residential storage needs.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes! License # 39PC000388; Allied Van Lines, Inc. MC 15735; USDOT No.076235 – We also provide insurance, including full-value protection options.

No. A moving broker is a third-party agency that hires a moving company to conduct your relocation – often meaning that your moving company is chosen for you without you being given the opportunity to research or speak with the mover. We are a full-service moving company with fully trained, certified packers and drivers. Additionally, we are affiliated as an interstate agent of Allied Van Lines, a network of relocation experts who conduct moves around the world.

No. Our moving planners, packers, and drivers are in-house employees. To ensure the safety of our customers, our moving crews must pass an exam, be drug tested, and undergo background checks. Learn more about our team here.

If you have questions about planning your next relocation with Reliable Van & Storage Company, contact us by phone or using our convenient online form. We will get back to you soon and provide the information you need. You can contact your designated Move Coordinator for questions during or after your move.

Reliable Van & Storage Company is a family-owned and operated business that’s provided professional relocation services since 1928. We are one of the original charter agents for Allied Van Lines, and each year, we conduct over 4,500 relocations domestically and internationally. We invite you to learn more about Reliable Van and Storage.

Our local and long-distance moves are priced a bit differently. First, our local moves will be calculated off the number of hours it takes to complete your relocation, as well as the number of crew members needed for the project. On the other hand, our long-distance moves are based on the entire weight of your household belongings, and factors in the mileage to your final destination.

We include everything in our written estimates, including any additional insurance you may decide to opt in for. This way, our customers always know what to expect for their final price. For our local moves that are based on hourly rates, there may be extra time needed for specialty items or unforeseen obstacles, which could incur additional expenses.

We give our customers binding estimates, which means that your final price will be the same as the one you saw on your written estimate. The only exception is our local moves—because our local moves are based on time, our customers receive estimates rather than exact quotes, with the final price dependent on the length of time the relocation takes.

When you work with our team at Reliable Van & Storage, you never have to worry about hidden costs. We include everything in our written estimates, even if your relocation requires going up and down multiple flights of stairs, long carries, elevators, or heavy items. During our initial in-home visit, we’ll take note of any specialized solutions needed so there are no surprises on moving day.

Yes, we are a licensed and insured moving and storage company at Reliable Van & Storage. This means that we’re permitted to offer our moving and storage services in New Jersey and Staten Island, and that our customers don’t have to worry about assuming financial responsibility in the event of an accident or injury. As a registered long-distance mover with the US DOT, we’re able to legally offer interstate moving services, as well.

License # 39PC000388

Allied Van Lines, Inc. MC 15735

USDOT No.076235

According to FMCSA regulations, all interstate moving companies must offer valuation protection, which typically covers lost or broken items at a rate of .60 cents per pound. This coverage is included in the estimate, and incurs no additional cost. However, we also offer more comprehensive insurance options at Reliable Van & Storage, which gives our customers the ultimate peace of mind, and is highly suggested by our team.

The next steps taken if an item is lost or damaged will depend on the valuation coverage our customers opt in for. For standard valuation coverage, customers are compensated at a rate of .60 cents per pound for any lost or damaged belongings. For those that sign up for our more comprehensive insurance protection, the entire value of the item may be recouped.

Each relocation is different, making it hard to pinpoint an average rate for our customers to expect. If you’re planning a local move, your price will depend on the number of hours that go into your project, but our long-distance customers don’t need to consider time at all—instead, long-distance moving costs are based on cargo weight and the mileage from your current home to your new address.

When it comes to local relocations, our team does guarantee pickup and delivery dates. Our team will show up on the agreed-upon date for your move, and have the entire project completed within the timeframe we give you upfront. However, long-distance moves can be trickier for giving exact dates, depending on where you’re headed. We typically give customers delivery windows for their long-distance relocations.

If your closing date for your new home changes, notify our moving team as quickly as possible. The more notice we’re given, the more accommodations we’re able to make for you. We prioritize customer satisfaction at Reliable Van & Storage, and do all that we can to ensure a positive experience, including working with you if your closing date gets moved around.

At Reliable Van & Storage, we offer both packing and unpacking services during any of our relocations. You can opt in for a full-service move, where we handle all the packing and loading (as well as unpacking and unloading) for you, or sign up for fragile-only packing solutions, depending on what you prefer. We also offer options such as customized crating for antiques, fine art, family heirlooms, or similar belongings.

When customers sign up for a full-service relocation with our team, we’ll supply all packing materials needed, including boxes, padding, crates, blankets, and more. For homeowners looking for a more DIY approach, it’s no problem for us if you prefer to source your own materials. Additionally, we sell professional packing materials, so you can purchase through us as a third option.

If you sign up for our full-service packing option, you don’t have to worry about packing any items yourself—just wait for our experts to show up! However, if you do pack some or all of your items on your own, we suggest adding extra protection around fragile items like glassware, and beware of overpacking a box—adding too many things to a single box could easily result in damaged items by the end of the move.

One of the main benefits of our full-service relocation services is that we can handle all furniture or appliance preparation for you ahead of your move. You won’t have to worry about disassembling your large sectional or unplugging any appliances that are making the journey to your new home—just wait for our professionals to show up, and we’ll take care of all this and more on your behalf.

Due to strict federal regulations by the US DOT, moving companies are unable to handle or transport a variety of items that are considered hazardous. These items should be disposed of ahead of time or moved by the homeowner. Some common items that moving teams cannot transport include flammable or combustible materials, aerosol cans, ammunition, gasoline, plants, paint, jewelry, and legal documents, such as wills or insurance papers.

At Reliable Van & Storage, we offer many specialized moving solutions, including for items such as pianos, safes, or artwork. As long-time agents of Allied Van Lines, our team has continual access to state-of-the-art materials, equipment, and trainings, enabling us to offer a wide variety of specialized moving solutions for delicate, oversized, or high-value belongings.

Yes – when you sign up for a full-service relocation with our crew, you won’t have to worry about doing any preparation before or after your move, including furniture disassembly and reassembly. Instead of trying to break down large furniture pieces yourself, including dining room tables or entertainment sets, our experts will handle all these aspects for you and more to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.