The moving truck is packed, the last box is taped shut, and you take one final look around your Howell home before closing the door. Maybe you’ve spent years here, watching the seasons change over the Manasquan Reservoir, dodging summer Shore traffic on Route 9, or grabbing coffee at one of those cozy local spots you’ll miss.
Moving isn’t just about transporting boxes. It’s about transition - saying goodbye to one chapter while stepping into the next. And whether you’re headed across town or across the country, the difference between chaos and calm comes down to preparation.
That’s where we come in. As a family-owned moving company, Pick and Pack Moving knows what it takes to make your move smooth, efficient, and even a little bit easier. We’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours, and we’re here to share the insider tips that turn a stressful move into a well-organized adventure.
So before you start stacking boxes or wrestling with furniture pads, take a deep breath. Let’s walk through everything you need to know - step by step - so you can leave Howell with confidence and start your next chapter on the right foot.
Why Do You Need a Custom Moving Plan?
You wouldn’t use one map for every road trip, right? Moving is the same way. Howell has its own quirks, whether it's navigating backroads to avoid summer Shore traffic, dealing with last-minute weather changes, or figuring out the best place to donate that old couch before you go.
A generic moving plan won’t cut it. You need a strategy built for Howell’s unique rhythms. And we're here to help you prepare your own moving plan.
What Makes a Howell Move Different?
Honestly? A Howell move may look like a regular New Jersey move, and you'd be right to think so if you haven't dealt with local weather, traffic, and communities.
- Traffic & Timing: Moving in July? Shore traffic turns Route 9 into a parking lot. A local mover knows the alternate routes.
- Weather Prep: Nor’easters in winter, humid summers—your belongings need the right protection.
- Community Ties: Need to donate furniture or find last-minute supplies? Local movers know the best spots.
Pro Tip: If you're moving between May and September, book your movers early - peak Shore season fills up fast. At Pick and Pack Moving, we reserve extra trucks and crews just for Howell’s busy months, so you don’t get stuck in moving-day chaos.
Plan Ahead: A Howell Resident’s Timeline for a Smooth Move
Moving sneaks up on you. One day, you’re casually browsing Zillow - the next, you’re knee-deep in bubble wrap, wondering how you accumulated so much stuff. The secret to avoiding that last-minute scramble? A clear, structured timeline.
Here's a little pocket guide you can use to plan your move ahead:
| Timeline | What to Do |
| 12 Weeks Out | Research moving companies, compare quotes, and book your date. |
| 8 Weeks Out | Start decluttering (sell, donate, or toss what you don’t need). |
| 6 Weeks Out | Gather packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers). Label rooms in your new home. |
| 4 Weeks Out | Begin packing non-essentials (seasonal decor, books, extra kitchenware). |
| 2 Weeks Out | Confirm utility transfers, change your address, and pack a "first-night" box. |
| Moving Week | Double-check arrangements, pack essentials last, and prepare for moving day. |
Pro Tip: The earlier you book, the more options you have. Pick and Pack Moving fills up fast in peak season—lock in your date before summer hits!
Decluttering Before the Move: What to Toss, Keep, or Donate
We haven't met someone who joyfully unpacks a box of old phone chargers, mismatched socks, and squeezed-out batteries at their new place. It happens, but only because they skip decluttering before the move. As professional movers, we recommend you take time to declutter and categorize your items as something to keep, toss, or donate. Think of it this way: moving is a perfect excuse to let go of the things you don't need finally.
But where do you start?
Step 1: The Sorting System
- Toss: Broken items, expired goods, anything you haven’t used in a year.
- Donate: Gently used furniture, clothing, and household items (Howell has great thrift stores!).
- Keep: Sentimental items, daily essentials, and things that truly add value to your life.
Step 2: Pack Smart
- Heavy items (books, tools) go in small boxes.
- Fragile items get extra padding (we use professional packing materials).
- Label everything—trust us, future-you will be grateful.
Pro Tip: If the thought of decluttering feels overwhelming, our packing services include sorting and organizing. We’ll even help you donate items locally!
Don’t Forget the Paperwork: Legal & Utility Prep for Howell Movers
You’ve packed the dishes, disassembled the bed, and then—oh no. You forgot to transfer the internet. Or update your license. Or tell the dog’s vet you’re moving.
Paperwork is the least fun part of moving, but skipping it leads to headaches later. Here’s your must-do list:
Change Your Address (USPS, banks, subscriptions)
Transfer Utilities (electric, water, gas, internet—schedule shut-off after moving day!)
Update Legal Docs (DMV, voter registration, medical records)
Pro Tip: Check Howell movers reviews (like ours!) to see how other locals handled their move. We can even recommend utility providers in your new area!
Pack Like a Pro: How to Organize for a Stress-Free Move
Ever opened a box labeled “Kitchen” only to find a hairdryer, a stack of DVDs, and a single sneaker? Avoid packing regrets with these pro tips:
Do’s & Don’ts of Packing
- DO: Use small boxes for heavy items (books, tools).
- DON’T: Leave empty spaces—fill gaps with packing paper or towels.
- DO: Label boxes by room and priority (e.g., “Bathroom—Open First”).
The Tetris Trick
Our movers use the Tetris-tier stacking method to maximize space and prevent shifting. Heavy items at the bottom, fragile ones on top—no jumbled mess at delivery.
Pro Tip: Hate packing? Our full-service movers handle everything—from wrapping dishes to loading the truck. Just point, and we’ll pack!
Arriving at Your New Home: Smart Unpacking Tips
You’ve made it! The truck is unloaded, the keys are in your hand, and now… where do you even start?
Unpacking Order of Operations
- Essentials First: Toiletries, bedding, a change of clothes.
- Kitchen Basics: Coffee maker, plates, utensils—you’ll need them ASAP.
- Furniture Placement: Assemble beds and sofas before unpacking boxes around them.
Pro Tip: Our labor-only moving services include furniture assembly and rearranging. Just ask!
Bonus: The #1 Mistake Howell Movers Make (And How to Avoid It)
After thousands of residential moving and commercial moving jobs across Monmouth County, we've identified the most costly oversight: failing to plan for heavy lifting and space constraints. Whether you're relocating a family home or office furniture, logistics matter.
The Storage & Space Trap
Many Howell residents don't realize:
- Standard storage containers won't fit down some older neighborhood streets
- Office furniture disassembly requires special tools/knowledge
- Last-minute moving helpers often lack the equipment for safe heavy lifting
Real Consequences We've Fixed:
- A Freehold doctor's office paid $1,200 in elevator overtime fees because their commercial moves weren't properly scheduled
- A Howell family's long-distance move was delayed 3 days when their rented truck couldn't handle antique piano heavy lifting
Your Prevention Plan
For full-service moving that actually works:
- Moving date flexibility (avoid building move-in/move-out rushes)
- Storage & moving coordination (climate-controlled units for transitions)
- Professional team assessment (we spot problems before loading begins)
Pro Tip: Our moving process includes:
- Parking/space evaluations for any Monmouth County location
- Specialized equipment for office furniture and delicate items
- Moving helpers trained in efficient heavy lifting techniques
Commercial moves and complex residential moving jobs demand this level of detail - it's why we've perfected our moving experience over the years.
Saying Goodbye to Howell: Must-Visit Local Spots Before You Go
Before you pack up your life in Howell, take time to say a proper goodbye to the places that made this town special. As your local moving experts, here’s our curated list of final stops worth making:
For One Last Taste of Home:
- Rook Coffee (Route 9 South) – Grab their cold brew one last time (pro tip: stock up on beans for your new place)
- Vinnie’s Pizza & Pasta – That perfect Jersey thin crust you’ll crave after moving
- The Ice Cream Station – A nostalgic cone at this railroad-themed favorite
For Final Errands & Donations:
- Howell Library – Return books and settle any fines (they accept non-perishable food donations too)
- Howell Food Pantry Thrift Store – Donate gently used items, knowing they’ll help neighbors
- Ace Hardware (Squankum-Yellowbrook Rd) – Last-minute packing supplies from the helpful local staff
For That Final Howell Memory:
- Manasquan Reservoir – Walk the trails or feed the ducks at sunset
- Howell Lanes – One last strike with friends at this local institution
- Deal Farm & Garden Center – Pick up a potted plant to take a piece of Howell with you
Make Moving from Howell, NJ, Easier with Pick and Pack Moving
At the end of the day, moving is about more than boxes and trucks. It’s about starting fresh, settling into a new space, and making it feel like home. And the right moving company makes all the difference.
Why Choose Us for Your Howell Move?
✔ Local expertise – We know Howell NJ and the surrounding areas intimately
✔ Stress-free experience – From packing to transport, we handle every detail
✔ Flexible solutions – Need storage units? Last-minute help? We've got you covered
Ready to make your move stress-free? Get your free quote today. Let’s get you where you’re going—smoothly.
