A move is always stressful. It requires a high level of organization, both physical and mental. Many believe that a long-distance move is harder than a nearby one. However, New York is different from any other city in the world. Moving within NYC can often be a lot more work than moving to a different state. The narrow streets and crowded street parking can be a mover’s worst nightmare. While it is hard, it’s not necessarily undoable. With enough preparation and planning, it can seem like a breeze. Here are expert tips for a smooth transition for you local move.
Find movers experienced in moving within NYC
If you have lived in your old apartment for a while, you are likely to have a lot of things. If this is the case, don’t think you can do it all by yourself. Save yourself the pain and hassle by hiring a professional moving company. However, make sure that you find a reliable and experienced local moving company. There are many scam moving companies in New York which won’t follow the agreed schedule. They might even take your money without doing the work. If the company asks you for a deposit or to pay upfront, don’t fall for it.
You will want a company that has experience with moving within NYC. Navigating the tight streets and dealing with tall buildings should be in their resume. Additionally, make sure that no one in your building is moving out on the same day. Lugging furniture down an elevator can take a long time. It will make it all that harder if there is someone else trying to move out using the same elevator.
Have everything packed before moving within NYC
When packing for moving within NYC, it’s a good idea to start as early as possible. Consider the apartment you are moving to. Think about the things you actually want to take with you. Those you decide against can be sold or donated to your local Red Cross. The packing itself should be done before the movers arrive at your place. Don’t expect them to have the time or the energy to help you out.
Aside from moving services NYC, some companies offer packing services at a cost, which can save you a lot of time. In this case, the packers bring their own packing supplies, which are reliable and tested. However, if you decide to do it yourself, start gathering supplies on time. Here are some essential packing supplies:
- Packing tape
- Multiple-sized boxes
- Box cutter
- Sharpie for labeling boxes
- Black trash bags
- Mattress bags
- Cleaning supplies
Moreover, there are ways in which you can save money and find free moving boxes in NYC. For example, visit a local liquor shop and ask them if they have any spare bottle boxes. These boxes have slots and separators and are perfect for packing glasses and fragile items.
You need more time than you think when moving within NYC
If you have planned every detail, you probably have a good picture of how long it will take to move. However, you have to plan for the unexpected when moving within NYC. There are a number of things which can go wrong on moving day. If you live in a building with an elevator, it can be out of service. You might lose the keys to your apartment and have to unpack boxes to look for them. For this reason, don’t stick to tightly to your schedule. Set a flexible time frame to accommodate for possible mishaps.
Make sure to measure your new place
New York offers many different types of buildings and housing. Rooms and door frames come in many different shapes and sizes. This is why it’s a good idea to visit your new apartment and measure everything. Consider the furniture you are moving and if it will fit in your new place. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you realize your favorite rocking chair can’t fit through the hallway. Moreover, measure the elevator as well. This is especially important if you live on a high floor. Carrying a couch up twelve flights of stairs is a task you should avoid.
Time your move
It’s not always easy to plan the time of your move. Unexpected things can happen which force us to relocate. On the other hand, if you can choose the time, try to avoid winter moving. Moving within NYC amid snow and ice is an accident waiting to happen. The first three months of the year are the snowiest in New York, so try to avoid moving during this period. It’s much easier to move and even get to your new place if you don’t have to avoid frozen ponds and icicles.
Moreover, the middle of the month is the ideal time slot for a move. Most people move out at the beginning and end of the month. It’s much easier moving out of a building that’s not already packed with movers and furniture. You are also more likely to find an available moving company in the middle of the month.
Don’t forget to tip your movers
Remember why you hired a moving company in the first place. You couldn’t not have done it without them. You saved the time and the strain on your legs and back. When calculating the tip, take into consideration all the factors that went into calculating the cost of the move. How many boxes there were, how far away you were moving, etc. A general rule is that you should not tip less than $20, so try not to go below that.
If you are not sure how much the move itself will cost, there are places where you can get moving quotes NYC. Make sure you have a clear idea of the costs to avoid any unpleasant surprises when the bill comes.
It’s finally over
After you have moved and the bustle is over, take the time to appreciate what you have accomplished. It’s no easy feat, moving within NYC, but you have done it! Enjoy your new apartment and your fresh start.