Heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click and make a booking or purchase, I’ll make a commission (at no extra cost to you). I partner with companies I personally use and the $$ goes towards creating more awesome, free travel content.
It’s renowned as the city that never sleeps, and when it comes to real estate, New Yorkers are constantly on the move, literally. Moving in and out of NYC is unlike relocating anywhere else because it is unlike any other metropolis. Moving to NYC is a totally different world, whether you’re moving into a one-bedroom apartment in Queens’ quiet Forest Hills neighborhood or out of your townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Take it from NYC’s top-rated and most-loved moving company, Empire Movers & Storage. This renowned NYC mover has seen it all and has a few suggestions to impart to help you with your NYC relocation.
Establish your NYC real estate goals
Choose your neighborhood wisely. NYC can be everything and anything… if you choose the right neighborhood. Finding the proper fit in terms of location within the city’s five boroughs can greatly enhance your experience of large urban living. While Manhattan is what most people think of when they think of New York, the inhabitants of Queens and Brooklyn also consider themselves New Yorkers. The Bronx and Staten Island residents may be a little further afield, but they will claim that their part of the city is the best.
Likewise, evaluate your commute from this perspective – for example, if Manhattan is your borough, it’s quicker to travel north to south than east to west across Central Park. Understanding your usual locations (work, school, favorite eateries) can assist you in determining the best or simplest path from your selected home base.
The apartment hunt. Finding an NYC apartment to call your own requires precise timing as well as a determined hustle. The summer is the busiest rental season in New York City, whereas the winter months see a decline in housing inventory. The city provides numerous safeguards for tenants, such as a cap on application fees and a requirement that landlords retain your security deposit in an interest-bearing account and return it to you with interest after you quit. In NYC, however, no matter when you sign the lease, it will always expire at the end of the month (as a rule). This implies that the last few days of each month are very hectic for movers. When moving, make sure you coordinate with the building management team to secure a move-in date and time. After you have that information, you can obtain a certificate of insurance (COI) either on your own or in collaboration with your moving company. It is, however, your responsibility to ensure that you connect your building manager with your moving firm.
Rental with all the appropriate documentation. Because apartments in the city are in high demand, it is recommended that you prepare all of the necessary papers to establish that you are a desirable tenant ahead of time. Payment stubs, job letters, tax returns, bank statements, and past landlord referrals are all documentation you should have on hand.
Renters are typically expected to make 40 times the rent in order to sign a lease, or they may be asked to provide a guarantor who can reach the minimum level. Dealing with a broker or renting an apartment that charges a broker’s fee may further increase your moving costs. Yet, some apartments are marketed as “no fee,” which might save you thousands of dollars when signing a contract. Apartment application processes vary, although co-op complexes typically take longer.
Getting ready to relocate to New York
Please save the date. The end of the month in New York City can be a flurry of activity. It is prudent to plan your move in advance with your existing and prospective landlords. If the move-in/out dates are flexible, it may save you money on moving charges (and it may also benefit your landlords!). Check the calendar to determine whether your moving dates coincide with important cultural events in the city (such as the West Village during the LGBT Parade or Midtown East during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations). If this is the case, you should look at alternative relocation options to avoid city street closures or crowds of tourists.
Confirm your moving date and time. Once you’ve set a date, work with your building management to determine the best time of day for your relocation. They’ll want to make sure that no multiple moves are scheduled at the same time, and that the service elevator (if your building has one) isn’t used twice. Whenever time is decided upon, it is best to put it in writing – an email will suffice. Repeat this process at the new site so that you can organize the timing of your move in and out with your moving company.
Anything legal. Every mover who helps a New Yorker relocate must get a COI (Certificate of Insurance). It is required to protect structures from costly accidents, and they are worth millions of dollars. Every COI must be personalized to each building and sent to the proper individual at the right place, as generated by your mover’s insurer. You will be responsible for ensuring that everyone on both ends of your move has a copy of the COI prior to the move (this can be accomplished by communicating via email with your moving company and your building(s)).
Be mindful of parking restrictions. Observing parking signs on NYC’s streets is a difficult task. To park legally in the city, one must be aware of landmarks, bus and bike lanes, and other special zones. It’s a good idea to contact building management ahead of time whether there are any parking issues near your building (s). Parking limitations are familiar to NYC movers, but knowing about them ahead of time might help them handle them with more time and avoid delays (and extra charges) in your move.
Remove any clutter and unnecessary stuff from your home. In New York City, real estate is at a premium, so every square inch counts. This implies that a move is an excellent opportunity to get rid of undesirable or unneeded goods so they don’t take up valuable room in your new home. Also, there are guidelines and restrictions regarding the disposal of certain sorts of objects (such as appliances and electronics), so be sure you have enough time to dispose of them appropriately. Check out the NYC Department of Sanitation’s website to be sure you’re doing the right thing when it comes to throwing stuff out.
Hiring specialists will save you time, money, and stress. Dealing with experienced movers who are familiar with the intricacies of transferring to NYC is your best chance of avoiding surprises, damage, and even harm when relocating to the city. It may appear that doing it yourself or hiring inexpensive movers will save you a few hundred dollars, but the prices may add up if you run into unanticipated problems or require specialist assistance (carrying a large, oversized couch down 5th-story stairs, anyone?). Being upfront about the type of assistance you require will help you save more than just money.
The average cost of relocating to New York City
Tiny spaces may result in cost savings. Many apartments in New York City are 700 square feet or less. While living in what some could call a shoebox has its drawbacks, the advantage is that you won’t have the space to gather a lot of furniture or stuff. This results in decreased moving expenses! If you’re merely moving locally, you might be looking at hiring two movers for a modestly-sized apartment at a cost of $450-$750. There may be an additional price for specific conditions such as hauling stuff upstairs or moving big furniture.
Moving your belongings may result in a minor rise of $600-$1200 for a one-bedroom with a considerable amount of furnishings. While you may discover movers or moving assistance offered at significantly lower prices, be sure to read the fine print on what they are offering. They may not outline any additional fees for fuel, tolls, or insurance that you may need to cover for your move. Overall, with less expensive movers, you may encounter unexpected expenses.
Transferring stuff from many rooms. If you’re moving from a two-bedroom apartment, you’ll most certainly have more goods to move in general… This will increase the overall cost of your relocation. Apartments of this size often require three or more movers and can cost anywhere from $1000 to $3500 depending on the contents and building structure. The more specialized the requirements and equipment required for the move, the longer it will take. Additional elements that may influence the cost and duration of your move include the day of the week or month you’re moving, packing assistance, the distance between the places, and the necessity to utilize stairs, among others.
Supplies are being packed. Whichever size home you’re leaving, you’ll need some solid containers to pack your belongings in. Even if you live in a studio apartment, you need a budget of $200-$250 in clean cardboard moving boxes to transfer all of your stuff safely and securely. Moving supplies may be available through your moving company. You might also rent plastic moving containers to save money and the environment. They are usually rented for one week at a time for $50-$100 for 20 containers. They also stack nicely and are waterproof, which may influence your choice of moving materials.
Aside from the security deposit and the first month’s rent. Applying for an apartment in New York City is unlike applying in other parts of the country. Not only will you be paying for the standard security deposit and first month’s rent upfront, but there may be additional fees. If you’re applying to live in a co-op, there may be an application charge, a credit check fee, and possibly a screening fee.They can cost hundreds of dollars and are almost certainly non-refundable. If you choose co-op, you may want to consider other options while you wait an average of 2-6 weeks for the application process. Thus, unless you have some friends in the city who don’t mind you living on their couch for a time, you might be adding the cost of a hotel stay (on average $235/night) on top of that.
Your time is valuable. With competent movers, you may be able to complete a local move in a single day, implying that you only need to spend one day away from your usual activities (work, caretaking) to assist with a move. Taking time off from work may be required and excellent, especially if you intend to unpack your items after they have been transferred. If you are unable to take a day off work, you may have to grin and bear it by scheduling a move on Saturday, the busiest moving day of the week. Whether you can arrange for a less busy day or not, hiring professional movers to assist you with your relocation will almost certainly save you both time and money in the long run.Making a do-it-yourself decision. Of course, you can always rent a vehicle and handle your own relocation. If you choose this route, be sure you read the fine print. Inquire about unrestricted miles on local trips, or select one-way rentals to save money on mileage by dropping off the truck closer to your final destination. Truck rentals frequently have lower daily rates, but you should figure in any additional costs and understand that you will be solely liable for your relocation. Typical truck rental bookings will vary from $1,000 to $1,500 on the high end but may be as low as $90 for a one-day local transfer. Do your homework and understand the benefits and drawbacks of going DIY before deciding.
