Now it’s time for real talk. New York City is one of the most crowded places in the USA. Planning a proper move here without encountering multiple scammers along the way is quite a challenge. You know you have Moving APT behind you, even when it comes to the most difficult relocation spot in the US.
Why is NYC a harder place to move than others
Moving here can be very challenging due to many factors unique to the city’s urban feel and jam packed roads. Here are a few reasons why. We don’t mean to scare you, but it is important to know before planning your move.
1. City Limited Parking and Loading Zones
NYC has limited parking spaces and strict laws regarding parking, especially for moving trucks. Trying to get a parking permit is usually a nightmare unless it is within your private apartment building.
If it is a street front home you are moving to, getting permits means lots of advanced planning and coordination with city government laws.
If you book with Moving APT and let your vendor know in time, they can handle this nightmare on your behalf.
2. Traffic Madness
NYC isn’t notorious for heavy traffic congestion for nothing! If you are planning a move during peak hours, think again! Navigating narrow alleys, busy intersections, and crowded streets can really slow down the moving process and add time and stress to the move.
You will need a moving truck driver that knows what he is doing after living many years in the city. It takes a New Yorker to understand NYC.
3. Security and Scammers
When moving valuable belongings in NYC you have to think about the sheer number of scammers out there that can take your belongings on the street.
Ensuring the safety and security of your things during the move requires choosing reputable moving companies and taking precautions to prevent theft or damage.
We recommend ensuring the truck is never left alone when sitting outside, even if it is you who is personally guarding it. Make sure this is covered in your insurance policy.
4. High-Rise Issues
Many NYC apartments are located in high-rise buildings with limited elevator access due to the way the city was built years ago. Moving furniture and belongings up and down multiple floors can be expensive, as it adds on added costs to the move basic package, physically demanding on your team, and requires extra planning ahead of time.
Make sure to give all the details to the moving company ahead of time so they can properly plan their schedule. Some buildings don’t allow you to use the service elevator for fire regulations and you could even get fined if the movers do get caught.
5. Small Apartments
NYC apartments are known for their “compact” size which means limited storage space for maximum prices. Packing and moving belongings in and out of small spaces can be challenging, requiring unique solutions.
If you are moving from a big family house into a tiny NYC apartment, take this into consideration when planning the move. Get rid of any furniture that dimensions wise won’t make sense in your new tiny apartment. The more you can rid yourself of beforehand the better off you will be.
6. Staircases and Entries
Many older buildings in NYC have an entrance stairwell without other options. Moving furniture and heavy items up multiple flights of stairs can be expensive and very demanding on the moving team and may require additional manpower or special equipment.
This will incur extra costs of course and might take many more hours than expected.
Pro tip: make sure your binding quote mentioned the entrance type and any stairwells so you won’t have a later dispute.
7. Cost of Living
The ridiculous costs of living in NYC doesn’t stop at your rent price but also extends to moving prices. This means you should plan for and expect higher costs for professional moving services, packing materials, and storage options and more.
Budgeting for a move in NYC requires fitting financial planning. If you can book your movers from your destination location and buy all relevant materials there. It won’t drastically change the prices but will save you a few bucks.
8. Weather
During winter months when snow, ice, and cold temperatures come suddenly you should expect challenges in transportation, parking, and logistics.
Movers might cancel last second if a snow storm rolls though or a torrential rainstorm. Take this into account when booking and discuss alternate dates.
Strategic Moving Plans and Reminders
When it comes to a NYC move it isn’t enough to simply book a NYC mover and think everything is dandy. You really need to be strategic in your planning and make sure you work with only the best.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Set your realistic timeline and do everything in your power to stick to it.
- Start early with the packing process with a big garage sale and ensure to declutter as much as you can so that your life will fit into your new little compact NYC apartment.
- Make sure to pack smartly. Use sturdy boxes, packing materials, and labeling to organize and protect your belongings. You will end up frustrated if you have to pack things twice because of cheap packing boxes.
- Take into account expenses such as moving services, packing materials, transportation, and potential storage fees. As well make sure you calculate any extra fees for strange entrances.
- Make sure you understand the neighborhood where you are moving in NYC for the many important factors for your family such as schools, dangerous areas, proximity to parks and activities and more.
- Don’t forget to update that new address with everyone needed and switch over all the bills and expenses.
Wrapping up your plans
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I safely move my fragile objects that are irreplaceable?
The truly special pieces with sentimental value I would recommend actually packing up in many layers of bubble wrap and towels and actually putting in your personal car if the option exists.
You can of course wrap these items and put them in a plastic bin with many layers of pillows, towels and more soft items and write “fragile” on top, but I think it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
How can I find the best place for relocation for my family?
There are many factors involved. Read up on the true costs of living, job opportunities in the area, transport options, schools for your kids if relevant, nature around and any other things that are critical for you. Go and visit live if you can to get a true sense of the vibe.
How can I know if a mover I chose is a scammer or cheater?
Firstly like everything in life, go with your gut feeling. If any company you are considering asked you to pay the entire amount up front or pay a huge down payment, this is a really bad sign of a scammer. You shouldn’t pay more than 10% to a mover that has yet to do the job.
While down payments are common, a huge amount of funds should not be spent on this. As well you should check your mover has a DOT registration number and no recent bad accident records or claims. Moving APT helps you avoid this mess.
What is an alternative and environmentally friendly alternative to cartons?
Plastic Bins! Strong plastic bins or containers are a viable and reusable option for packing belongings. They offer protection against water and rain and can be stacked easily. These are a great option for items for the garage and they can remain packed in them for years to come.
What is a binding quote?
This by definition just means that you are receiving a cost estimate provided by the moving company that guarantees the final cost of your move based on the services and items outlined in the quote. If you made mistakes inputting your info or left things out, know that prices could change.
