Congratulations on finally moving to the Big Apple!
New York City undeniably has its own magic. Rumor has it that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Learning how to manage crowds of people and maneuver the infinite number of options is essential.
Let’s be honest: moving can be as exciting as it is stressful. When it comes to NYC, both thrills and challenges are ahead. New York City welcomes anyone and everyone. As long as you learn to respect some unwritten city rules and find beauty in the chaos, you will flourish in the city that never sleeps.
Thinking of all the future New Yorkers who might be feeling overwhelmed with the next chapter of their lives, FlatRate has gathered a special guide for moving (and surviving) in New York City. Take advantage of our pro moving tips so that when the big day comes around, you can immediately start enjoying your new home.
Book Your Move On a Week Day
As you will learn during your time in NYC, weekends are extremely busy in the city. Although weekdays are filled with commuters and rush hour traffic, the weekends are when everyone in the five boroughs seems to be out and about. With that being said, avoid moving on the weekends at all costs — weekend delays are common and the competition for your building’s elevator access will be rough. In NYC, many buildings usually have weekend restrictions so it’s best to inquire with yours before booking a date. Wednesdays are the best day to move since fewer people request it, followed by Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Hire a Local Moving Company
Knowing your way around the city is not only a valuable skill but also a massive plus when it comes to moving. When hiring a moving company, do your research but try to stay local. When hiring a moving company, do your research but try to stay local. NYC moving companies will always know the city better than an out-of-state service. When it comes to beating rush hour traffic, dealing with parking regulations, and knowing different routes and shortcuts to get you where you need to be, your moving company’s local knowledge will be more effective than any cab driver’s.
Organize Your Inventory
Moving is always an opportunity to re-evaluate your inventory. Planning on a fresh start? Now is the time to let go of old items you’ve been hoarding. Plus, the size of your inventory is a deciding factor in your move’s price. Start the moving process by taking a look at your belongings and separating them into 3 piles: what’s coming with you, what’s being donated, and what you can potentially sell. Not sure where to sell your old furniture or decoration? Read our guide to selling your furniture online and start making those extra bucks.
Get Familiar With the Subway
If you’re moving to the city, there’s a high chance that the subway will be your new method of transportation. Owning a car in NYC is not only extremely expensive but it’s also a constant struggle when it comes to finding parking spots and dealing with hours in traffic. Once you get to the city, build the habit of going everywhere by subway rather than ordering an Uber — that way you will get familiar with the lines much quicker and also save a good amount of money. The MTA is known for having one of the widest and most effective subway plans in the world, covering all five boroughs and taking you pretty much anywhere you need to go — take advantage of it and get used to the NYC lifestyle.
Explore & Try New Things
New York City is notorious for being a melting pot of different cultures. The city is filled with an endless variety of restaurants, bars, art galleries, sports events, and much more. Living in NYC means stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with new things. Now is your chance to try that Halal food truck for the first time or go out with friends to a Salsa club. Allow yourself to explore and learn about new cultures, flavors, and perspectives. You will thank us later!