Before making the leap to move to New York City it is essential you learn how. You’ll need to become an expert on apartment hunting, broker’s fees, deposits, affordability, and desirability of all New York neighborhoods. This can be a very complex task even for seasoned New Yorkers.
If your heart is set in New York, and you are truly ready to make the move and make your dream a reality, you’ll need all the help you can get, as this is a massive move with challenges that other moves do not present.
Moving from one state to another is no easy feat. Over the years we tend to accumulate a lot of things with great sentimental value and sometimes, with long distance moving, those things can’t go with you.
Here is a list of tips and pointers you can apply to any major move, whether it is a long distance move to or from New York City.
Visit the City
This is very important, as you’ll be surprised to know how many people move to New York City without even knowing what they’re getting into. You are wrong to assume you’ll be happy just because it’s a place you want to move to. You should visit the City to get a better idea of your surroundings and if it’s truly a place you will want to live. Spend time there, move around, and visit the different areas of the city to get the full picture.
Fall-Back Money
If you don’t already have a job lined up and you’re moving to New York City, you absolutely need to have some cash to fall back on, just in case. A long distance move can be very expensive.
There are excellent, affordable options in all boroughs. Don’t just focus on moving to Manhattan if your budget can’t handle it. You will find there are many reasons to live in Queens, Staten Island, and other boroughs that offer unique amenities that Manhattan cannot.
Know your City
When moving to New York, it is of the utmost importance that you get acquainted with the city’s layout. Learning how to get into the city and out, finding your way home from work and vice-versa, traffic details, how long will take you to go from point A to B, subway stops, where you’ll go grocery shopping, etc. is an effective way to plan out how your new routine will look.
Find the Perfect Neighborhood
Another good point to bear in mind when moving to New York City is that your heart may be set on living in Manhattan, but it may be a wiser decision to move to a more affordable borough so that you can have extra money to enjoy the city.
Do thorough research to make sure the neighborhoods you prefer are within your price range and fit your lifestyle. Obviously Manhattan is an exciting place to live, but there are gorgeous neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn that provide a better living for people with families or younger professionals. Take the time to seriously consider all of your options.
Don’t hesitate on a deal
When you are a couple moving to the suburbs, brokers will often tell you not to rush into anything, to take your time when buying a house. That’s not the case if you are moving to New York City. If you find an apartment that you like, be ready to close the deal right there and then or somebody more decisive than you might take it. Most people complain of the lack of apartment options in NYC. There are plenty of options, but they change so rapidly because of the sheer volume of people coming and going to and from the city. Be decisive and go with your gut.
Hire a reliable moving company
This one is pretty obvious, but any long distance move is better with a reputable NYC-based moving company. It is important that the company understands regulations like move-in dates, insurance certificates, and freight elevator negotiations, as well as understanding the most effective way of moving you and your belongings to their new home in the city.
Purge your belongings
Remember, the more stuff you have, the more you’ll have to move. This can be especially tricky in New York City, as every square foot of space is to be cherished and utilized. Decluttering your belongings is one of many ways to minimize stress during moving, but it can be one of the most cost-cutting moving strategies too! Utilize Craigslist and Ebay to sell belongings, or consider donating them.
Label your Boxes
After you’ve decided what you’re bringing with you and what you’re leaving behind, you must identify your belongings to avoid any problems with your moving company. New York City apartments can be small in size, so labeling your boxes is extra important for organizing your living space, and for a quick and efficient move.
Move off-season
If you have the opportunity of choosing when to move, then you should consider doing so offseason. Moving companies will charge you higher fees during the busy summer moving season than they’ll do in the fall, winter, and spring.
Remember that long distance moves are tax-deductible, especially if you are moving for work reasons. This can also help to ease the financial strain of long distance moves. Moving to New York City can be a massive, challenging undertaking, but with the right movers and proper planning you can do so successfully. Before you do anything be sure to check out our tips for minimizing stress while moving, then visit our website and fill out our easy-to-use online form to get a quote.
