Moving in New York City is no small feat. It usually requires endlessly scouring the online listings or spending half of your savings on a broker to find the right spot. Then, there’s the process of getting your security deposit back from your MIA landlord. Then? There’s the actual process of moving. Hiring moving services in New York can be a lifesaver — but we’ve got a few expert tips to make your moving day even smoother. NYC has enough grit as it is!
Negotiate your move-in and move-out dates.
Although many leases start and end on the first, that makes moving around those days really hectic. Movers are harder to find, parking spots get eaten up, and even elevator permits can be difficult to come by. If you know well enough in advance that you’ll be moving, see if you can bump your move even by a few days to make life a little easier. Your movers will appreciate it, and you’ll feel far less stressed.
Determine your building’s moving regulations.
Whether you live in a walk-up or a high rise, your building likely has some rules and regulations when it comes to moving. Some walk-up buildings have freight elevators, which require permission and access from the landlord. High-rise buildings often have a loading dock, where moving trucks can easily pull up to load your belongings. However, some buildings only allow moving during the weekdays — particularly when you’ll be using the regular elevator. Find out what permits you need to acquire and timing you need to adhere to before you book your movers!
Research the parking requirements in your neighborhood.
Manhattan is different from Brooklyn, and Midtown Manhattan is the trickiest of all. Have a look at the New York DOT’s parking regulations so you know what to expect on moving day. You are responsible for understanding these regulations, not your movers — they are relying on you to have a place for them to park the truck. A few quick tips:
- Under no circumstances can the truck block a bike lane.
- In most parts of NYC, a commercial truck can park for a maximum of 3 hours on the street.
- If you are renting a truck and doing the move yourself, someone needs to stay with the truck at all times while the gate is open.
- Parking is extremely restricted in Midtown, the Lower Manhattan Blue Zone, and the Garment District, so make a detailed plan.
Find out what NYC Sanitation will take from the curb and when.
Most of us do at least a little purging when we move. Clothes, furniture, burned out microwaves, now is the time to get rid of what you don’t want to take with you. But what should you do with it all? Clothing can be donated fairly easily if it’s in good condition, and furniture can often be sold on Craigslist or any of the other apps for selling home goods.
But if your stuff isn’t worth selling, it’s important to find out what you need to do in order to dispose of it curbside. You can check their website to find out how to dispose of furniture, appliances, and anything else properly.
Consider renting a car or hiring an Uber.
If you hire a team of professional movers to get the majority of your stuff to your new home, there will still be things they can’t put on the truck. Plants, pets, medications, and cleaning chemicals are a few of the things on the list of items movers can’t transport. So pack up your cat and your succulent collection to follow after your movers have gone.
Hire experienced moving services in New York.
Moving in a rural area with little traffic and plenty of parking is one thing. Moving in New York? That’s a different kind of beast! With all of the logistics and navigational challenges involved, you want to hire expert New York moving services who won’t get lost on the way to your home. Have a look at how long the company has been in business, what kind of reviews they have received, and make sure they know their stuff. A team of New York movers will know how to get the job done well, and quickly!
