How to move to New York City
Whether you are moving to New York City for the first time or just relocating to a new apartment within the city — moving in New York is complicated, time consuming and, above all else, expensive.
Unpakt, new, instant pricing comparison site that helps consumers find reputable moving companies and book their moves, has provided the below tips for moving in NYC.
Have a Plan — You don’t just get the idea to move to New York City and head in its direction — moving to or within NYC demands at least a small plan. First and foremost, you should have a clear picture of which borough you want to live in and the expected rental costs for each borough. Figure out which boroughs are most suitable for your lifestyle, price range, commute and more before you even begin apartment hunting or speaking to a broker. Web sites such as Curbed NY do a great job of breaking down the five boroughs and sharing current apartment rental rates, trendy spots, etc.
Get a Roommate — Visions of a luxurious penthouse apartment or simply living on your own are often a disillusioned reality in New York. Eventually, we realize living in the city can be hard on your own and you will begin the often frustrating task of looking for a roommate or offering a room for rent.
There are also roommate matching services available. Your first instinct may be to rely on Craigslist, but NYC newbies often fall victim to scams from this site. Scammers know there is a constant flow of individuals eager to move and use this to their benefit. Using an actual rental site or service is typically a safer way to find a roommate you will feel comfortable with for a short time.
Get the Lowdown on Shares Before You Sign — Once you begin apartment hunting you will notice lots of listings that mention “shares” or “two bedroom flex three.” While these can be legitimate options, make sure you fully understand the restrictions that can come with apartment shares before entering a lease. Many buildings now have coding restrictions that don’t allow tenants to put up walls, or have limits on how high up the walls can go, the materials they can be created with, etc. Familiarize yourself with all of the building’s rules and restrictions so you don’t end up living behind a sheet in an open living room with four other people.
Try No-Fee Rental Sites Before Calling a Broker — In New York City, working with a broker to find an apartment can be a necessary evil given the complications of the real estate market here and how fast it moves. However, there are options to try to do it on your own. Web sites such as RentHop.com, NYBits.com, NakedApartments.com and even NYMag.com list no-fee rentals that could save you a ton of money.
Free Boxes — If you are ahead of the game and have an apartment secured and movers booked, you are probably feeling a dent in your budget already. There is no point spending money on boxes and moving supplies. You can pick up free boxes at retail stores, bars, restaurants and liquor stores — there is no shortage of places to hit up for free boxes. Skip the bubble wrap and use towels, linens, t-shirts, blankets and other similar items that need packing anyway.
Most Importantly, Have a Nest Egg — Whether you’re coming to New York City for the first time or you’re relocating within the city, moving here can cost a lot. After first (and sometimes last) month’s rent, security deposits, broker fees, hiring a mover, etc. — you need to save and plan for plenty of extra cash in advance of your move. Often times you will have to be prepared to put down a deposit immediately if you don’t want to lose an apartment you like, so have that money ready to go.
Above all, hire the right NYC movers. Picking one randomly out of the phone book or choosing one with the lowest price is a big mistake — often, bad movers will cost you more in the long run. You need your move to go smoothly, if you want to survive this city. It can be the time of your life when you start the adventure on the right foot.