Moving to New York City from out of town or trading your Manhattan rental for a dog-friendly condo in Brooklyn? Long-distance, local or hyperlocal: NYC moves are tricky. Besides hiring an experienced, local moving company, there are a few things you can do for a stress-free move. 

Planning your NYC Move

• Always check with both building management companies for their specific move requirements. Many buildings have elevator reservation windows, time restrictions, moving blackout dates, and mover vaccination policies.

• Pick a date. It’s never too early to reserve with your preferred mover. Peak service date moving reservations like the first and last day of the month, tend to book up the fastest. Movers may schedule larger pack-and-moves over two days, making scheduling early that much more important. 

• In most cases, it’s best to move when you can be present for the whole day. Moving is complex enough without trying to fit it into your lunch break.

• Review estimates for moving. If you’re comparing multiple quotes, make sure that you’ve provided each company with the exact same details. Informing your moving company of building access details in advance makes for a more accurate quote. Especially low quotes may be a sign of hidden fees or uninsured moving services.

• Choose a reputable, local mover. Speaking to friends and checking out online moving reviews is essential before requesting moving estimates. Avoid receiving lowball estimates from moving companies with reputations for up-charging on the day of the move. 

• Get your building management’s Certificate of Insurance requirements. Even if you’re renting in a privately owned house, your landlord may prefer the security and accountability of a COI.

• Decide if you’ll do your own packing. Cool Hand Movers can pack up your entire apartment or just a single room. But, if you want to save on the total cost of your move, packing yourself is the most affordable option. 

• Whether you have the moving crew pack for you or pack up yourself, consider reusable bins. Our local partner, BoxUp, can deliver containers in advance anywhere in NYC and pick them up after your move. You pick the rental window that’s comfortable for you.

Preparing for your NYC move

• Monthly rent, broker fees: NYC real estate is expensive enough. Don’t pay to move something you won’t use in your new living space. Downsize your moving inventory to save money on your flat rate move and maximize your new space. Start three to four weeks before your move date, so you have time to find new homes for your unwanted stuff.

• Gently used items may be eligible for Reuse for Refugees and other household donation programs. Your movers can also remove items for off-site disposal.

• Plan how you’ll get from the first location to the next. No licensed moving company would allow clients to ride in a truck or van with the movers. Remember, moving vehicles are not allowed on the FDR, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other major roadways. It typically takes movers longer than a personal vehicle to make the same trip.

• Switch your utilities and internet. Check that your preferred internet provider is available at your new address. Most New Yorkers utilize just a couple of utilities. Transfer your services so that you’re not covering two bills.

• Mail forwarding takes several days to get going. It doesn’t apply to some mailings, including those from banks, which you’ll have to change directly with your provider.

• Sometimes an NYC move requires storage. Maybe your lease is up before your next one starts. Or, you’re moving out while contractors refinish the floors. It’s a good idea to hire movers to move you into self-storage.

Moving day

• If you can, reserve parking. But if you can’t, don’t worry. Professional movers are experts in securing the nearest safe parking space available. 

• Communicate with your Team Lead during the walkthrough. Did you change your mind about taking that chair? Do you have some items going to a different location than the final drop-off? Have that conversation so that each item gets where it’s going.

• Find your local hardware store. There will always be a couple of items you can use from a hardware store–starting with a copy of your new keys. Shop local. Almost every neighborhood has an independent or family-owned option that will appreciate the business from their new neighbor.

• Have cash on hand for gratuity. Moving in New York City is especially difficult. Our crews are hardworking, driven individuals who thrive on giving you the best local moving experience possible.