Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.