A New Jersey apartment moving checklist

As early as possible: ask both buildings

Talk to the building manager or landlord at the old and new address. The rules may differ, even when you are moving within the same town. Do not assume that a weekend move or an early delivery is allowed.

• Which days and hours are available for moving and deliveries?
• Does the elevator need a reservation, padding or a key?
• Where can the vehicle stop, and is a loading area available?
• Does the building ask the moving company for a certificate of insurance or other paperwork?
• Are there stairs, long corridors, low entrances or restrictions on carts?
• When will you receive the keys and have access to the new apartment?

Record the answers for each address. Parking and building requirements vary; confirm them with the property and, where needed, the relevant municipality rather than relying on a rule from another town.

Choose the move, then book the surrounding appointments

Once the buildings confirm access, arrange your moving crew or vehicle. If you need a mover, Teddy Bear Moving & Storage handles local moves. Give them both addresses, your inventory and the building requirements so they can quote the work separately.

Schedule EcoBins delivery early enough to pack before that appointment. Set collection after you expect to finish unpacking. Both bin addresses must be in New Jersey, and coverage, service fees and available dates are checked in the order form.

Enter floor access and arrival windows accurately for delivery and pickup. If you are moving from a third-floor walk-up to an elevator building, those are different access arrangements. Collection is not assumed to be at your delivery address; choose the correct option when booking.

Before packing: reduce the load and choose your supplies

Decide what to keep, donate or dispose of before you count your containers. Include hallway cupboards, the kitchen, storage lockers and anything left with friends or family. Use our bin quantity guide to choose a starting package.

Set aside appropriate packing for hanging clothes, televisions, mirrors and anything too large for a bin. Plan padding for dishes and fragile items. Keep a simple list of what is going in each container, using room names that match the new apartment.

If the lease dates do not line up, ask Teddy Bear about storage and discuss the bin return plan with EcoBins. Storage arrangements do not automatically extend a bin rental.

In the final days: confirm the handoffs

• Reconfirm building access and elevator reservations with both properties.
• Share entry instructions and a reachable phone number with the delivery team and mover.
• Pack an overnight bag with bedding, toiletries, chargers and clothes.
• Keep keys, medication, essential documents and valuables with you.
• Leave out cleaning supplies until you have finished the final cleanup.
• Check the forecast and arrange a protected route for belongings where possible.

Label packed bins clearly and keep them within a comfortable lifting weight. EcoBins recommends no more than 45 pounds per bin. Do not block a corridor, fire exit or the route needed to carry furniture.

Moving day and the days afterward

Walk through the plan with the crew before loading. Point out fragile items, belongings staying behind and the bins you want opened first. Keep your phone available for access questions, and check the old apartment, closets and storage areas before leaving.

At the new place, direct bins to their labeled rooms. Unpack essentials first, then work through the rest before your scheduled collection. Remove personal items and labels, and gather the empty bins and rented carts in the agreed accessible place.

If unpacking takes longer than expected, contact EcoBins about an extension before pickup. Availability and charges still apply. The goal is a workable schedule from the first delivery to the last empty bin.