The New York City moving market is one of the most competitive in the world. According to numerous sources, the average rent in the city is upwards of $5000 per month.
As cheaper renting deals made during the pandemic expire, a lot of New Yorkers are choosing to move to more affordable neighborhoods. If you are one of those renters who has decided to switch apartments, here are a few tips to help make your move more comfortable.
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1. Start Your Moving Plan Early
If you want your move to be successful, you have to start early. In a market as competitive as NYC’s, apartments can be available one day and occupied the next. With this in mind, start planning your move at least three to four months in advance.
This will give you enough time to apartment hunt, research neighborhoods and plan accordingly.
2. Hire Professionals
Moving in New York City can be a daunting task, especially if you want to do everything by yourself. According to Florin, owner of the NYC movers company Empire Movers, hiring reliable movers could potentially cut your complications in half.
From supplying boxes and keeping your stuff in storage, to packing and installation services, a moving company is a godsend for any person who wants to switch apartments. If you want to make sure the company you’ve chosen is legit, check online reviews and ratings, or ask for recommendations from friends.
3. Throw Away or Donate Stuff You Don’t Need
New York City apartments are small, and we all have a tendency to hoard things we don’t need anymore. If you want to keep your moving costs down, especially if you’re going to hire a moving company, the best course of action would be to get rid of some of the stuff you don’t use.
Clothes that your child has outgrown can be donated to donation centers for underprivileged children and run-down furniture can be sold or given away for free.
4. Pack Safe and Label Your Boxes
When packing, consider the size and weight of each box. Heavy items like books should be packed in smaller boxes to make them easier to move. When packing fragile items like glassware, make sure to use bubble wrap to protect them. When dealing with boxes, it is also important to consider labeling and color coding those labels.
Labeling your boxes can make unpacking much more uncomplicated, and color coding them according to which room they belong to, kitchen, living room or bathroom, will make your life much easier.
5. Rent a Moving Truck
In case you have a lot of things to move, your stuff doesn’t fit in your car, and you don’t want to hire a moving company, renting a moving truck is as must. There are a number of companies offering this service in New York City.
One of the most important aspects is to decide on how big you want your moving truck or van to be, so take note of how much stuff you have and decide on the size of your rental.
6. Plan Your Route in Advance
Related to the previous tip, if you rented a moving van, be sure to plan your route beforehand. New York City is famous for its numerous one-way streets and traffic jams, so ensure you plan accordingly in order to avoid being stuck in traffic or even worse, becoming lost.
Using your phone’s GPS could save you a whole lot of trouble!
7. Check Parking Restrictions
New York City has strict parking regulations, so make sure to check for any parking restrictions or permits required for moving trucks or vans. Contact the city’s Department of Transportation or the local police precinct for information on parking rules and regulations.
You wouldn’t want to make your move more stressful by unknowingly parking in a restricted area and getting a ticket!
8. Get to Know Your New Neighborhood
Before your move, take the time to explore your new neighborhood and get to know the local shops, restaurants and attractions. Use an online resource such as Google Maps, Yelp or Trip Advisor to research the area. You can also join a community group or event in order to learn more about the area and make new friends.
Another thing you should take note of is how safe your new neighborhood is. By knowing all of these things beforehand, you could potentially save yourself a lot of stress in the future.
9. Use Online Resources
There are many resources available online to help you during a move, including checklists, packing guides, websites where you can search for an apartment. Be sure to take advantage of them in order to make your move go as smoothly as possible.
10. Maintain a Positive Mindset
Moving can be a challenging but necessary ordeal. If you find yourself becoming angry or frustrated, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and remember that you are embarking on an exciting new chapter in your life!
Remind yourself of how good your new apartment will look once you are moved in, and know that, while some things may not go according to plan, the end result is all that matters.