Are you planning to move to New Jersey? From choosing the right place to live to put everything you own into boxes, smoothing out the finer details of your move can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re crossing the water into Jersey City or moving cross-country, following these tips will make your move to the Garden State as stress-free as possible.
Create A Moving Checklist
Drafting a comprehensive moving checklist and timeline can help you stay organized. Everyone’s timeline will look different depending on the degree of preparation needed before the move. Whether you need to sell your house or terminate your lease, draft a realistic timeline for your situation. Decide when you’ll need to start looking for a new job, searching for a place to live, and packing up your belongings.
When creating your timeline, make sure to set aside plenty of time for packing. Experts recommend setting aside at least six weeks to pack before your move-in date. Careful preparation will save you time, money, and peace of mind during the moving process.
Before packing, consider decluttering your home. Hosting a garage sale or donating your old stuff to charity can help you save money on a moving van rental and packing supplies.
Set A Moving Budget
Next, create a moving budget. If you’re planning to rent an apartment, you’ll probably need first month’s rent and a deposit. On the other hand, if you’re buying a house, you’ll need to save up for a downpayment. Additionally, if you need packing supplies, professional movers, or travel accommodations, make sure to include these costs in your budget.
If you decide to hire a moving company, shop around for quotes online. Additionally, be sure to read customer testimonials to make sure the company is reliable. If you need to hire a moving truck, you’ll need to know how much space to rent. Consider asking friends or family for help moving your stuff to save money.
Find Somewhere Great To Live
New Jersey is a small but wealthy state. The largest cities in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Clifton, and Union, but moving to a smaller town can help you save money. Towns like Princeton, Ridgewood, and Chatham can help you find the perfect balance between country and city with easy access to highways and New York City. If you’re not sure what neighborhood is right for you, search for apartments or houses on Trulia or Zillow to find an idea of what you’ll be able to afford.
After choosing the perfect neighborhood, you’ll need to decide between a house and an apartment. If you’re facing budget constraints, renting an apartment with roommates can help you save money each month. Among larger cities, Jersey City apartments are the most expensive, with an average rent of $2,922. Meanwhile, Trenton apartments have the cheapest rent, with an average rent of $1,122.
If you’re buying a house, you’ll need to know how to apply for a home loan. Start by researching and comparing your options to find the lowest rates. If necessary, take some time to build your credit score and savings history to score a lower interest rate. Self storage units in Clifton, NJ, can provide space while you’re saving up for a home.
After you’ve saved enough for a deposit, you can apply for a home loan. The more you save for a deposit, the better. Some lenders will lend against a five percent deposit, but real estate experts recommend saving 20 percent or more to strengthen your application.
Whether you’re relocating from one of the five boroughs or moving across the country, following these tips will ensure that your move goes smoothly.
