If you’re moving soon in Manhattan, you’re probably already freaking out. At the best of times, moving is stressful – but in the confined, crowded, and expensive environment of Manhattan, moving can be a serious ordeal.
But though moving in Manhattan does represent its own unique set of challenges, it’s not impossible. And with this list of 7 great tips, you can make sure your next move is a success – whether you’re moving on your own, or have hired local moving services. Read on, and prepare to rock your next move!
1. It’s Time To Purge! Get Rid Of Your Old Stuff Before You Move
The simplest way to make your move easier is to move less stuff. That’s just a fact. Local movers usually charge by weight and size, so if you have less stuff you won’t pay as much. And if you’re DIY moving, you may be able to get away with a small car rental or a van for your move – instead of a giant U-HAUL.
So ditch your old, worn-out stuff. That recliner you’ve had since college? Toss it out, or regift it to a neighbor. Those records that you never listen to? Sell them on an app like Letgo, or on Craigslist.
You can also put up flyers in your building to let your neighbors know that you’re getting rid of your stuff. You don’t have to get rid of stuff you use, but you should carefully consider what you do and don’t need when you’re moving.
If you can reduce what you’re moving by even 10%, you’ll have a much easier time when you’re moving in Manhattan.
2. Measure Every Door In Your New Apartment
Do you want to know what’s not fun? Moving a sectional couch up 5 flights of stairs – and realizing that there’s no way that you can fit it through the door of your new apartment.
You should measure every door in your new apartment, and in your apartment building. Measure the entrance, if there is one. Measure the elevators, and the staircase doors. Ask if there’s a freight elevator you can use before moving – and measure it! Measure the door to your apartment, and the interior doors.
With these measurements in hand, you can make a more informed moving plan, and decide what you’re keeping – and what pieces of furniture could be replaced, if they simply won’t fit.
3. Get Your Keys Before You Move In
Even if you’re hiring a moving company, you don’t have to move everything at once. In fact, you should ask for the keys to your new place a few days in advance, if you can. This will allow you to move some of your more lightweight stuff or valuables into your new apartment early, simply by taking the subway or hiring a cab.
Extending the moving process by doing this is a fantastic way to minimize stress. If you know that you’ve already moved your most important stuff, and you have less to move all at once, you’re going to have a much easier time on the big moving day.
4. Get A Car – Or A Van – For The Big Stuff
If you’re moving on your own, you’re going to need to rent a car or a van for your larger items, such as mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. Ideally, you should be able to fit all of your stuff into a large rental van.
This is because U-HAULS are considered “trucks” – and have to take truck lane routes throughout the boroughs, which can be very time-consuming, and lead to a ticket if you fail to follow the proper routes.
You can use a traditional van rental company like U-Haul, or a newer rental service like Zipcar, which allows you to rent cars by the hour. Regardless, expect to spend somewhere between $100-$150 on rentals throughout your move. You’ll pay more if you need a larger car, or if you need to rent a car for multiple days.
5. Use The Buddy System When Moving – And Avoid Tickets
Parking can be incredibly difficult in Manhattan, even during less-busy times. You’ll often have no choice but to double-park your van, car, or truck while you move your stuff. If you’re not careful, this can lead to some very angry folks – or even tickets from the police.
You should always use the buddy system while moving, and have someone in or around your rental car, truck, or van while you’re moving stuff into your new Manhattan apartment. This way, you’ll always be able to move the vehicle around when you have to, and you can avoid tickets from the police.
6. Move During Off-Hours
Moving during off-hours in Manhattan is a great idea. There will be far less car and foot traffic, and you’ll have an easier time moving your stuff into your new place. Early morning mid-week moves are typically the best. You won’t have to deal with quite so many people, and your move will be much less stressful.
In addition, local moving services will often offer you lower rates for off-peak moving hours. You’ll pay quite a bit less for a mid-week move, compared to a move that’s during a peak time such as a Saturday afternoon.
7. Hire Professionals
If you really want to stay sane while moving in Manhattan, you should hire professional movers. Whether you opt for full-service local movers, or pack up yourself, professional movers are experts at moving your stuff in Manhattan. They’ll come in, grab your stuff, move it across town, and drop it off – quickly and efficiently.
Local moving services aren’t cheap, but compared to the logistical nightmare of DIY moving in Manhattan, they’re a great bargain. So if you’re really looking to streamline the moving process, consider hiring professionals.
Big Apple Moving – Your Trusted Local Movers In Manhattan!
If you’re moving to Manhattan from any other borough – or just moving to a new apartment in Manhattan – Big Apple Moving is a fantastic choice for your needs.
We’ve been in business since 1979, and our professional full-service movers can take care of every aspect of your move. Our well-trained employees are always timely, and are experts at moving even the most delicate items. We offer services such as 24/7 online tracking of your stuff, and reasonable rates for both standard and full-service moves.
So if you’re in Manhattan, don’t go crazy trying to plan your move. Let Big Apple Moving take care of your moving needs, and preserve your sanity.
