The bottom line: Moving from New Jersey to Louisiana can cost you anywhere between $753 and $5,987, depending on your situation.
The amount you’ll spend relocating to the Pelican State hinges on several key elements — how much you’re bringing, your move date, and whether you go with a full-service mover, do it yourself, or take a mixed approach from New Jersey.
Moving from New Jersey to Louisiana spans 1,360 miles. We’ll walk you through the main cost factors, show you how to avoid hidden charges, and help you find an affordable moving company tailored to your situation.
- Best Long-Distance Movers
- Best Moving Containers
- Best Moving Truck Rentals
- Best Small Load Movers
Check out these options to narrow down your search:
Going the other way? Check out our moving from Louisiana to New Jersey guide.
Cost To Move From New Jersey to Louisiana
Packing up life in New Jersey and heading to Louisiana? We’ve got the details you need.
The cost to hire movers typically runs from $753 to $5,987, depending on distance and service level. Most New Jersey movers charge around $135 per hour for full-service moving help, including loading and hauling.
Take a look at the chart below for a move estimate to the Pelican State.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,095 – $5,664 | $1,877 – $3,038 | $1,002 – $1,862 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,361 – $6,451 | $2,018 – $3,518 | $1,053 – $1,956 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,405 – $7,010 | $2,455 – $3,991 | $1,242 – $2,192 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,506 – $8,743 | $2,936 – $4,594 | $1,352 – $2,447 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $6,174 – $9,995 | $2,960 – $5,364 | $1,546 – $2,760 |
Cost Factors When Moving From New Jersey to Louisiana
The cost of moving from New Jersey to Louisiana depends on a few major factors:
- Volume of belongings: A larger household with lots of furniture and items will naturally cost more to move than a small apartment with minimal furnishings. Weight and quantity play a big role in pricing.
- Seasonality: Summer is the peak moving season, which often brings a 10%–15% increase in costs due to higher demand. For better deals, look at spring or fall dates when movers have more availability.
- Travel distance: Long-distance moves—especially from Trenton, NJ to New Orleans, LA—typically cost more than local relocations within Louisiana because of higher mileage fees.
- DIY or professional help: Doing the move yourself with a rental truck may cut costs by 20%–30%, but it requires handling everything from packing to lifting heavy objects.
- Added services: Specialized services such as packing assistance or moving valuable items like antiques or pianos will increase your total bill—sometimes significantly.
Get Accurate Estimates for Your Move From NJ to LA
Accurate estimates are essential when budgeting for your interstate move from New Jersey to Louisiana.
Reading moving reviews shows that inaccurate quotes or overlooked details often lead to extra charges and stress. Avoid vague ballpark figures that may undercut reality.
Here’s how to get reliable pricing for your New Jersey to Louisiana relocation:
- Book an in-home or virtual estimate. Online and phone estimates aren’t always reliable. An in-home or video walkthrough lets movers see your belongings and give a more precise quote—often for free.
- Insist on a binding estimate. Without it, you risk major price hikes once your stuff is weighed. A binding quote locks in the price, barring major last-minute changes.
- Compare multiple quotes. Don’t settle for the first offer. Get at least three quotes and compare details. Be wary of lowball offers—they could come with hidden costs or lower-quality service.
- Review all details in writing. Check for exclusions and hidden charges for stairs, elevators, long carries, or difficult parking situations. Ask questions early to avoid surprises.
- Verify timing and addresses. Make sure pickup and delivery dates and locations are confirmed and align with your schedule.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in New Jersey.
Best New Jersey to Louisiana Full-Service Moving Companies
The journey from New Jersey to Louisiana is a big one—and it often comes with big stress.
One of the smartest things you can do is choose an experienced, budget-friendly interstate moving service.
After reviewing dozens of movers, we narrowed it down to the most dependable companies for relocating from New Jersey to Louisiana based on feedback, performance, and reliability:
- Safeway Moving
- International Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- North American Van Lines
- JK Moving Services
- Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Accurate Quotes
- Availability: 50 states
- Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Superlative: Best for Flat-Rate Pricing
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving locks in pricing upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges on long-distance moves. The company handles relocations across all 50 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which can be helpful if your new home isn’t ready right away.
Safeway is known for its military-grade packing standards and commitment to price transparency. If you want a predictable, hands-off move with no hidden fees, it’s a solid option.
2. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines (IVL) provides full-service long-distance moving across all 50 states, offering everything from packing and storage to furniture disassembly and reassembly. If you’re moving overseas, IVL also has air and ocean freight options.
The company requires a deposit to book, but its flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust plans if needed. With virtual estimates available, you can get a quote without scheduling an in-home walkthrough.
3. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation focuses on long-distance moves with a personal touch, offering binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront. The company provides packing, storage, and furniture disassembly, with the option to add white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items.
Unlike some movers, Mayzlin doesn’t hand off jobs to outside crews, ensuring consistency from start to finish. It handles moves across the lower 48 states and builds customized moving plans to fit your needs.
4. North American Van Lines (NAVL)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been handling long-distance moves since 1933, with services available in all 50 states. The company provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your cost upfront, and offers full-value protection for extra peace of mind.
One of its standout features is real-time shipment tracking, which lets you follow your move every step of the way. Whether you need full packing services or just transportation, NAVL gives you the flexibility to plan your move your way.
5. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services lets you customize your long-distance move, whether you want full-service packing or just transportation. The company offers financing — something most movers don’t — so you can pay in installments instead of all at once. GPS tracking, trained crews, and 24/7 customer support help keep everything on schedule
With experience handling moves since 1982 and service across the US, JK Moving is a strong choice for a flexible and stress-free relocation.
Learn more about the best movers in New Jersey.
DIY New Jersey to Louisiana Moving Options
New Jersey to Louisiana Moving Containers
Renting a moving container lets you relocate from New Jersey to Louisiana affordably—without having to take the wheel of a rental truck.
Pack when it suits you, and let the container company take care of delivery. Many providers also include storage options, giving you extra breathing room if there’s a delay in move-in dates.
We’ve reviewed the top providers and think these are the best container moving companies for your move from New Jersey to Louisiana:
1. PODS
PODS gives you flexibility with long-distance moves by letting you pack at your own pace. You can keep the container in your driveway, store it at a PODS facility, or have it delivered straight to your new home. Pricing is transparent, with month-to-month rental options, and there’s no rush to unload since you keep the container as long as needed.
2. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use on a moving trailer or in a ReloCube, making it a budget-friendly choice for interstate moves. Unlike PODS, you have just three days to load and unload, but transportation is included in the price. There’s no deposit required, and U-Pack regularly offers discounts, including savings for military members and students.
New Jersey to Louisiana Moving Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck is a cost-effective way to handle your move from New Jersey to Louisiana, especially if you’re comfortable doing the driving.
You’ll manage your own packing, loading, and transport schedule, and with many vehicle sizes available, there’s a truck to suit moves of all kinds—from small studios to large homes.
Here are the best rental truck options in New Jersey:
1. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental keeps costs low with frequent discounts, including deals for students, military members, and AARP members. One-way rentals for interstate moves include unlimited miles, so you won’t get hit with extra fees for going over a mileage cap. Budget’s fleet isn’t as big as U-Haul’s, but if you find a location near you, it’s often one of the cheapest ways to move.
2. Penske Truck Rental
Penske trucks are well-maintained and newer than most competitors, reducing the chances of breakdowns on a long drive. Unlimited mileage is included on all one-way moves, making it ideal for cross-country trips where you don’t want to worry about tracking every mile. Penske also partners with AAA to offer discounts, and there are additional savings for college students and military members.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul has the largest truck rental network in the U.S., which means there’s a good chance you’ll find a location nearby. One-way rentals don’t include unlimited mileage like some competitors, but U-Haul often beats other companies on base rental prices. If you need flexibility, U-Haul also offers trailer rentals and the option to hire loading help through its Moving Help marketplace.
New Jersey to Louisiana Small Load Movers
Full-service movers often have minimum requirements that don’t work well for smaller moves. If you’re relocating a studio or one-bedroom apartment from New Jersey to Louisiana, you’ll want a mover that specializes in smaller loads.
These small move experts are great choices for getting from New Jersey to Louisiana without overpaying:
1. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a cost-effective option for small moves, since you pay only for the truck space you need. Instead of renting an entire moving truck, you load your belongings into a designated section of a commercial trailer, keeping costs low. The company handles transportation, so you don’t have to drive a rental truck across state lines.
2. MiniMoves
MiniMoves specializes in small interstate moves, making it a solid option if you’re relocating a studio apartment or just shipping a few pieces of furniture. Unlike most full-service movers, MiniMoves doesn’t have high weight minimums, so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need. Packing and loading services are available, and the company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items.
Living in New Jersey vs. Louisiana
Every state is unique, from the economy to the weather to the people who live there. Here are a few key differences between living in New Jersey and Louisiana to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | New Jersey | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,368 | $996 |
| Average home cost | $534,773 | $201,519 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,126 | $57,852 |
| Cost of living index | 114 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.1% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 4.25% |
Weather
| Metric | New Jersey | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 85ºF | 92ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 60″ |
| Annual snow | 23″ | 0″ |
Demographics
| Metric | New Jersey | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,290,841 | 4,573,749 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46.1 | Republican 60.2-38.2 |
| Crime index | 16.2 | 33.77 |
Things To Do in Louisiana
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a brand-new place, with new things to do.
Luckily, there’s plenty to discover in Louisiana.
Popular Attractions in Louisiana
- French Quarter
- Mardi Gras World
- Vermillionville Historic Village
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- Honey Island Swamp Tour
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- R. W. Norton Art Gallery
- USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial
- Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge
Museums in Louisiana
- The National WWII Museum
- USS Kidd
- Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
- R. W. Norton Art Gallery
- Shreveport Water Works Museum
- LSU Rural Life Museum
- Sci-Port Discovery Center
- Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
- Capitol Park Museum – Louisiana State Museum
- Barksdale Global Power Museum
Parks in Louisiana
- Millennium Park
- Prien Lake Park
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
- Camp Salmen Nature Park
- Lafreniere Park
- New Orleans City Park
- Kiroli Park
- Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
- Grand Isle State Park
- Veteran’s Memorial Park
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from New Jersey to Louisiana?
Some of the benefits of moving from New Jersey to Louisiana include:
- Low cost of living
- Delicious regional food
- Diverse culture
- Fun outdoor activities
- Cajun culture
Who regulates interstate moves out of New Jersey?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that oversees all safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of New Jersey.
The FMCSA also makes sure all moving companies are registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Louisiana?
The worst time to move to Louisiana is during the summer months, when the weather is at its hottest and moving costs are at their highest due to the peak season.
How far in advance should I book movers from New Jersey to Louisiana?
You should book your move from New Jersey to Louisiana as far in advance as possible, but the rule of thumb is between three and six months ahead of moving day.
This will help ensure you get the moving date you want, and some companies may even offer an early-bird discount for booking early.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from New Jersey to Louisiana?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from New Jersey to Louisiana, but this could cost you in the long run.
Taking a little extra time for an in-home or virtual walkthrough of your home will help ensure your mover accurately quotes you a price based on the amount of items you have and the size and layout of your home.
What’s the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to Louisiana?
The cheapest way to move from New Jersey to Louisiana is likely to rent a moving truck and handle the move yourself.
While this can save you some money, keep in mind that a DIY move means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting and driving on your own.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving, a full-service company, while more expensive, might be the better option.
What should you do when you arrive in Louisiana?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from New Jersey to Louisiana. You also need to handle logistics to settle into your new home.
Here’s what to add to your to-do list for a seamless move:
- Forward your mail and change your address for things like banks, credit cards, tax agencies, and insurance companies.
- Contact local utility companies in Louisiana to get your internet, cable, electricity, water, and gas set up.
- Plan for a safe transition by installing a security system, testing smoke detectors, and changing the locks on your new home.
- Register your car and visit the Louisiana DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Louisiana!
How We Chose the Top New Jersey to Louisiana Moving Companies
To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:
- Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
- Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
- Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
- Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
- Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
- State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
- Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.