How to Move in NYC in Ten Steps

How to Move in NYC in Ten Steps

New York City has a unique set of moving challenges – like intense traffic, limited parking, and quirky building restrictions. The mere idea of moving in the City That Never Sleeps can conjure up unnecessary stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Simply follow this How to Move in NYC checklist for a successful, stress-free move:

1. Hire a professional mover.

Moves are one of life’s greatest stressors. If you try to move on your own, you expose yourself to unhealthy strain, worry, and anxiety. When you hire a professional moving service, you won’t have to worry about navigating through chaotic traffic, finding parking for a truck, or trying to satisfy your building’s quirky moving regulations. Experienced NYC movers will handle all those cringe-worthy tasks for you.

  • The Movers NYC is bonded, licensed, insured, and ready to help you move. With trained and experienced moving teams who know every nook and cranny of NYC, we can take care of every phase of your move so you don’t have to.
  • Based on your needs and budget, The Movers NYC will help you customize your moving experience. You can choose from a range of options like packing, furniture disassembly, storage, unpacking, and so much more.

2. Get organized.

Once you’ve hired The Movers NYC, you can relax and take the time to get organized! Even if you’re the most laid-back New Yorker, this step is crucial to the success of your move.

  • Create a list of everything you need to do from the moment you know you’ll be moving to the day you’re celebrating in your new place. It doesn’t matter if your NYC moving checklist is digital or pen and paper – it will be your trusty compass for keeping your relocation on track.
  • Every successful move is the result of completing a legion of tiny tasks. The more carefully you organize your move, the less stressed you’ll be. After all, you don’t want to forget the chilled bubbly, do you?

3. Purge, declutter, and weed out.

It’s time to toss out anything you don’t use, love, or need.

  • Go through your home and donate, sell, or give away anything that doesn’t “spark joy”. Weeding out your stuff means fewer moving supplies and fewer things to move which totals up to lower moving costs and fewer hassles all the way around.
  • Understand the spaces in your new place. Measure your building’s and apartment’s entryways, hallways, rooms, stairways, and tight spaces to make sure your sofa, bed, and other large furniture items will fit. Sell pieces that won’t fit.
  • NYC Curb Junk. You’ve seen mattresses and other big stuff tossed onto NYC’s curbs. Before you toss your mattress on the curb, be sure of NYC junk laws. Check out nyc.gov to learn how to responsibly dispose of your electronics and bulk items. Otherwise, you could be fined.

4. Schedule your move-out and move-in.

  • You’ll save time and lots of hassle if you can be the only person in your building who’s moving on a given day. Check with your super. It’ll be far easier to schedule the freight elevator, navigate public spaces, and park the moving truck if you’re not competing with other movers. With so many New Yorkers moving on any one day, this likely won’t be possible if you’re relocating to or from a building with over 75 apartments. But it’ll be worth it if you’re moving out of and/or into a smaller building.
  • Try to move when there are no major city events happening in your neck of the woods. Moving in NYC is tough enough, but streets are even more congested than normal and parking is non-existent during major events. Take a look at NYC The Official Guide to see what’s happening around the Big Apple on a monthly basis.

5. Know your new building’s move-in policy.

Do they require your moving company to provide a certificate of insurance? Does the moving company need to provide a protective covering for floors in common spaces like the foyer and hallways? The more familiar you are with your new building’s policies, the smoother your move will be. And not to worry – The Movers NYC can happily provide a COI and ensure that your move otherwise complies with your building’s regulations.

6. Transfer utilities and services.

  • Transfer your utilities. Check with your landlord, realtor, or building super for a list of utilities needed at your new address. Notify each of the old utility companies of your new service address no less than two weeks before you move.
    • Stop the utility service at your old address on the day after your move so you’ll have functioning light and heat or AC on moving day.
    • Start utility service at your new place on the day before your move for the same reasons.
  • Transfer your services, such as internet/phone/cable company. Notify your service companies at least a month before your move. They need plenty of lead time to schedule crews in case any on-site installation is required.

7. Complete address changes.

It’s quick and easy to change your address online at usps.com. But it’s important to also personally change your address for banks, credit cards, insurance, medical institutions, social security, magazines, and online accounts like those for Amazon, Target, and more.

8. Tackle the packing.

Even though you’ve ruthlessly purged your stuff, boxing it up will still be the most time-consuming and difficult part of your move. If packing just seems too stressful, The Movers NYC can quickly do it for you, with our full-service moving option. But if you’re packing on your own, plan out a strategy before you get started:

  • Gather packing materials. You’ll need various size boxes, packing paper and tape, permanent markers for labeling, and heavy-duty trash bags. A tape gun will save tangles of tape sticking to itself and is probably one of the most convenient tools you can buy. Get one!
  • Set up a packing station so you’ll have materials at hand whenever you need them.
  • Start with essentials. Save yourself the pain and frustration of having to search for important things when you need them the most.
    • Pack a duffle bag or small suitcase with essentials like toiletries, medications, laptop, tablet, chargers, a change of clothes, and small tools like a multi-tool knife or utility knife and screwdriver.
    • Include valuables like jewelry and your passport – they should stay with you during any move.
    • Label the bag clearly and keep it with you throughout your move.
  • Now pack off-season items like clothing, decorations, and items you don’t need until after you get settled in your new place.
  • Then pack things that need the most protection. These will probably be items in your kitchen but also include electronics, and fragile and breakable items like artwork, framed photos, vases, and lamps.
    • Use clothing and linens to wrap and pad – it’s a win-win – you’ll save on packing supplies and end up packing fewer boxes.
    • Be sure to take photos of how the cables and cords attach to your electronics. When it’s time to reassemble, you’ll thank yourself for taking the time to do this.
  • For hanging clothes, simply pull a garbage bag up over a group of ten hangars at a time, and tie. Keep folded clothing in drawers. You can always pull out the drawers if the furniture piece is too heavy.
  • Make sure all boxes are taped closed and labeled by general contents and room. For example, “Kitchen” “Glassware”. Be sure to write “Fragile” if the contents are breakable.

9. Take care of the details.

  • Work: If you’re moving during the week, schedule well in advance and let everyone know that you won’t be coming to work on moving day.
  • Where will it all go? You’ve already taken measurements to ensure your furniture will fit in your new place. Now sketch out a simple floor plan with furniture placement so you can tell the movers where to put your furniture.
  • House plants? Ask your mover if they’ll take house plants. If the answer is no, and you don’t have a car, arrange an uber, zip car, taxi, or ask a friend who has a car to move them for you. You’ll probably have some hand-carry items anyway so planning for plants and other stuff in advance will save you stress and headaches.
  • Pets: Moving is a major stressor for most pets. Schedule cat boarding or doggie daycare to make sure they’re safe and taken care of on moving day.
  • Cleaning: You probably put down a hefty security deposit before you moved into your old place. To make sure you get it back, arrange a cleaning service to arrive right after the movers leave. The cost will be well worth it and you’ll be able to focus on your new digs.

10. Finish up the day before your move.

  • Verify that everything is packed, labeled, and ready to move.
  • Confirm the time The Movers NYC crew will arrive.
  • Head over to your local bodega and pick up some bottled water and snacks for the movers. Your thoughtfulness will be very much appreciated.
  • Hit the ATM and withdraw cash to tip the movers. Although tipping isn’t required, remember that tips are not included in your bill. A suggested rule of thumb is to tip each mover $5 for each hour of work. In general, you’ll want to tip more when your moving company’s team goes above and beyond.

Your New York City move will be efficient, easy, and hassle-free when you team up with The Movers NYC. You can be assured that you and your belongings will receive the highest degree of care and attention. Request your free quotes now!