Hey, Katsma. I'm in Bergen Co. too! I've seen landscapers plant shrubs all crazy times of the year - but these were potted or B&B shrubs with secure rootballs. I'm not sure if your scenario is the same. If you dug them again and replanted with winter just around the corner, you run the risk of them not settling in before the cold weather hits. On the other hand, if we have a mild December, you're in luck. I'd say it's a toss-up.
I'm surprised to hear you can grow Crepe Myrtle around here - I thought they were only hardy to Zone 7. What's your secret?

You can plant anytime. You need to mulch well and remember to water, even in the middle of winter. I've had trees planted the first week in January and they've done fine.

The ground hasn't been freezing hard in south Somerset County until the end of December. Mulch them well to delay freezing. Burlap wrap might help too.

I've got a couple small magnolias I should have moved but I believe I'll wait for spring.

The plants have already been recently moved. The roots will still be loose. Probably fate has already decided what will or won't make the winter. You're not going to know for sure until next growing season. I would do it.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to try replanting the hydrangia and the azalias and will mulch them well. Hopefully they can reistablish before winter sets in and I won't have any loss.

jerseygirl, I bought the Crape Mytles at Fairfield garden center 4 yrs ago. One died after 2 years and I had to replace it, but the other has done well. Unfortunately that one didn't appear to survive the move well, so I don't have high hopes for next year. They take forever to get going in the spring and don't bloom until the end of August but they are really pretty when they do.