Moving to Pittsburgh from NYC

Only a few people decide to alter their addresses only for the change of scenery. Usually, there is some bigger reason for relocation. Maybe you are starting college in a different state or you’re moving for a different lifestyle, and perhaps you or your spouse are going after a great new job.

There are so many reasons why people chose to move and whatever the case might be, it is unlikely that you will meet a New Yorker who is leaving the City willingly, with no bigger reason. But, after they get there, the story somewhat changes. When it comes to moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, although it sounds difficult at the beginning, it usually ends up in a good way.

There are inherent distinctions between the City of Bridges and the Big Apple, and while Pittsburgh may be deemed the ultimate place to reside by some, it may be perceived as the complete opposite by others. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that the extent to which one experiences positive or negative aspects of their relocation is solely determined by their own perspective.

Consequently, directing one’s attention towards the favorable aspects undoubtedly facilitates the discovery of contentment, regardless of location. Presently, let us examine a few fundamental aspects that one should acquaint themselves with prior to transitioning from New York City to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Downtown - Aerial

What to know before moving to Pittsburgh from NYC

The biggest difference between these two is definitely the size of the population. As we know, New York City is the most populous city in the USA by far. With more than 8 million residents, it is also one of the world’s largest cities. And once you add so many tourists that are in the city at all times, the number grows pretty quickly and NYC looks even more populated than it truly is.

Knowing that you can see why it can be different living in Pittsburgh with a much smaller population of around 300.000. So, before you call the movers Manhattan, think about the differences and similarities between these two great cities. The Big Apple never sleeps, compared to Pittsburgh, which is a more laid-back city. According to your preferences and needs, you will enjoy more one or the other. Also, the current family situation can make a distinction.

Whether you prioritize a single and career-focused lifestyle or embrace the role of a family person, the choice of location can significantly impact your experience. While some individuals successfully navigate the challenges of raising a family in New York City, many would concur that smaller cities like Pittsburgh offer a more manageable environment for child-rearing.

To ascertain your stance on relocation and its suitability for your circumstances, it is advisable to visit the prospective destination and gain firsthand impressions before making a final decision. In the event that such a visit is not feasible, alternative means such as utilizing online platforms like Google, Facebook groups, reviews, and blogs can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Pittsburgh.

The weather

Moving to Pittsburgh from NYC - yellow taxi

Although we can say they are both in the North East of the USA, there are some differences between the climates. If you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, the first thing you’ll notice is there is no ocean. Even though there is a lot of bridges, Pittsburgh isn’t on the coast like New York. And that has some effect on the climate.

They both have all four seasons, which is great if you are used to it in NYC. It may come as a surprise, though, that Pittsburgh has less sunshine than the Big Apple. All in all, climates are similar. It will not be nearly as shocking as it would be if you were moving from Miami to NYC. It’s just that Pittsburgh is a little colder and has a bit more snow in winter. You are already used to snow in NYC, so it won’t make a big difference. And remember how awful was to have sunburns in the City during summers? Well, you can avoid that problem here, because the summers are a little colder, too.

Cost of living

It is safe to say that if you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC you will love this one. Guess what! You are moving into a lot cheaper city. Everything is more affordable in Pittsburgh than in NYC − starting with real estate. Whether you are buying or renting, you will have left more of your paycheck left in your wallet at the end of the month. Your average median home cost in Pittsburg is currently around $218,400 while it’s $654,300 in New York City.

If this wasn’t enough to make you happy about moving, you should know that the same goes for food, clothes, services, restaurants, entertainment, and taxes. The cost of living index is 87.5 in Pittsburg, which is pretty low compared to the national average of 100. And once you compare this to NYC which has the cost of living index of 187,2, you’ll get an even better idea of how exactly affordable your new home is compared to Big Apple.

New York is known to be expensive in every way. So it should not come as a surprise that, compared to it, Pittsburgh has a low cost of living. If nothing else, that is a good reason to look at the moving companies’ prices and think about options. If there isn’t something that is stopping you, Pittsburgh can be a great place to live in. So if your income remains the same as while you were in NYC, you will have left much more money to spend or save.

Pittsburgh skyline

People

We can’t say that there is a lot of difference between the people of Pittsburg and New York. The main thing is that the people in Pittsburgh are a little more laid back than the others. For example, there are much fewer drivers on the streets, so of course, there will be less tension. And more parking space, which is always great. But don’t make the mistake of confronting someone when it comes to sports. They are pretty pumped out about that. Everyone is a fan of either Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, or Penguins. So try to pick a sport, and soon before later you will be attending the matches and learning the rules.

There are multiple universities around, so there is a lot of young people. Even in the neighborhoods known for a primarily older population, the change is coming. Younger professionals are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC and other cities, taking the places of the older generation. Of course, one of the reasons for that is the fact that Pittsburgh is safer than NYC. So, people with children prefer it over the Big Apple.

Their laid-back areas are very social, though. You will not have any problem using your neighbor’s garage for some of your stuff while you decorate, for example. On the other hand, even if you have good friends and neighbors in NYC, you will probably have to use some cheap storage in NYC for your belongings. It’s not that people aren’t polite enough to help you − it’s just that there is a shortage of space for everyone.

Baseball court at daytime

Entertainment

Even though there is no city like New York, after all, its nickname is the City That Never Sleeps, you will find that Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. It will certainly be slower than NYC in every way, but it still has its charms and in case you’re not so much into the NYC nightlife scene, you may enjoy Pittsburg more than you think. For example, you can always visit some of the theaters or movies. If you prefer world-class museums that are full of tourists and residents, you can visit:

  • The Carnegie Museum of Art,
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History,
  • Carnegie Science Center,
  • Andy Warhol Museum.

As you will see, most museums are a legacy of the business magnate of the steel industry and a great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. So if you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, make sure to hire piano movers for your great love because there will be a lot of opportunities and venues to show your talent. And after you finish with the educational part, you can enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants that the city has to offer.

Two Men Are Drinking Craft Beer In A Bar

Driving

One of the biggest changes you may face when you move to Pittsburg from New York City is driving. While you’ll rarely know a person in NYC that owns a car and most people rely on public transportation. Things are quite different in the City Of Bridges. Pittsburg is definitely a driving city so the sooner you get a car and start driving the better. You will certainly be glad that you own a car since public transportation is not exactly the best so this is something to keep in mind when planning your relocation.

In case you’re wondering how much it would cost you to move to Pittsburg from NYC, the good news is that you can get Brooklyn moving quote free of charge. Any reliable and professional movers and storage NYC, like Big Apple Movers, will provide a complimentary in-house moving estimate and tailor a personalized plan for your upcoming move. Go ahead and contact us by phone or email to start planning your move to Pittsburg!

Finding Affordable Moving Companies In NYC

Moving companies offer a huge variety of discounts: for the military, veterans, senior citizens, students, and on various occasions: for long-distance moves, off-peak season, and with coupons. So there is a variety of affordable moving companies NYC can offer and with whom you can negotiate terms of moving professionals hire.

What to Look for When Searching for Affordable Moving Companies

Moving as an activity brings a lot of burden and baggage. And the one thing you need to always think of is your budget. Although there are plenty of ways to save money when moving – from getting second-hand moving boxes to hiring an NYC mover to do all the work.

These would be cases where you have the upper employer hand, and you have the opportunity to even ask for more! In case you’re clueless as to how to go about doing this, how about following some of the experienced advice below.

Reading Reviews Can Save You Money

Conducting research on reviews can result in significant cost savings when seeking a reputable moving company. At Big Apple Movers, we offer an extensive selection of top-tier NYC movers, accompanied by feedback from satisfied clients. This firsthand insight into the performance of various New York movers can inform your decision-making process and enable you to select the most suitable option for your needs.

Military Discounts

Risking your life for your country is one of the most honorable acts known, and everyone appreciates this. Moving companies are no exclusion to this. Military discount is the least they can do considering the sacrifice one makes for his family and country. These would be your type of movers that offer the maximum level of service and punctuality. Transporting anything from back home to the nightmare of a military base is ludicrous.

They protected us over there, so we have their backs back home.

Discounts for Veterans

There are moving companies out there that give discounts to veterans. So this is another opportunity for you to save some money. These are discounts given in percentage of the price that can go to 50% and more on long distance moving. This discount will also reduce the cost of storage and extra insurance of your belongings during moving.

Moving companies that extend this discount typically furnish a moving specialist who will address all inquiries pertaining to the relocation procedure. Additionally, you will be provided with a reduced rate estimate for the moving expenses. You may be curious as to how you can avail of this opportunity.

All you need is your DD Form 214 – bring it to the office of the moving company. In case you do not have it, a discount is still an option, but the mover will have to provide you with detailed instructions.

Senior Citizens in the Eyes of Affordable Moving Companies

Nowadays you can find senior citizens’ discounts anywhere, and the moving industry is no exception. While some companies will advertise a 10% discount, for example, others will require that you contact them for more information. The purpose of such discounts is again customer satisfaction – moving companies today strive to provide a stress-free move and giving discounts to senior citizens is a great admirable way to do that.

The discount may apply to decluttering, packing, transportation, unpacking, and more – see which senior citizen promotions are active when you decide to move. Look for a mover that has experience with senior citizen communities – you can even call one to find out which moving companies they work with. Such companies are good because they know how to treat customers according to their needs.

Students should always be embraced with the best deals.

Student Discounts

Professional Rewrite: Moving companies provide exceptional student moving promotions through the use of coupons. They assure clients that opting for full-service moving will result in the highest quality of service.

For college students or those planning to attend college, these coupons offer a percentage reduction in expenses for moving labor and transportation services, as well as packing materials. To activate the discount, simply mention the code on your coupon when booking with a discount moving company.

Coupons

Coupons give the opportunity to get moving companies discounts with a particular mover with special codes. First, you need to request a coupon online and as you receive it, keep it. It will grant you an exclusive discount on a percentage of the rates – it could be for truck and trailer rentals, packing supplies or for the moving labor and transportation services.

In order to get the advantage of this opportunity when you contact the mover on the phone state the code on your coupon and that’s it! Just find the moving companies that offer coupons and decide which promotion to get the advantage of.

Off-Season Moving Discounts

Usually, the summer months are the time when the majority of people move. Weekends, holidays, and the beginning and end of the month are the days when the movers are most busy and thus charge higher. You can avoid that by moving during the week, between the days of the month and off-peak season like in winter.

These periods receive more discounts than the peak season and weekends. Movers may even charge extra if you ask for a particular day of delivery in summer! Don’t agree to that and negotiate.

How to Get Discounts from Movers?

  • Ask the affordable moving companies New York you contact for a free NYC moving quote if they offer discounts and what type. Some of them may just offer great deals.
  • Long distance moves are often discounted so there’s another option.
  • When you negotiate the date and time for moving, agree that the movers do the move at their convenience – provided that they offer you a discount.
  • Ask for a discount on the packing and moving material from the company you’re hiring.
  • Secure part of your money back in case the movers are late on moving day.
  • Bulk moves should be made cheaper and appealing after all. If you are moving to a large house and/or long-distance, ask for a discount on the moving labor and transportation.
  • If you ask for a number of services from a mover ask for a discount on one or more of them.
  • In case you are not moving for the first time with a particular mover, ask for a discount as you are already a regular customer. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for lower prices as an established and reliable client.
  • When the move is over, if you have missing or broken boxes contact the mover immediately and try to work it out with them. If they refuse to cooperate, explain to them that you can file a complaint against them.

Affordable moving companies NYC made easy to find

Choose The Correct Time

Timing is everything when it comes to moving. Starting to look early for the affordable moving companies New York has to offer will enhance your chances of finding the excellent movers that are fitting into your moving budget.

Proactively strategizing your move can facilitate the attainment of your desired outcome and alleviate undue stress. Even individuals who excel in high-pressure work environments may struggle to manage the burden of overdue and overwhelming moving responsibilities. Time is a precious commodity that rapidly dwindles and is often insufficient in such circumstances, regardless of perceived availability. Therefore, it is prudent to preemptively plan your move to avoid unnecessary complications and difficulties.

Also, if you have the luxury to choose your moving day, you should know it is exactly the thing which can help you save a lot of money. Maybe it hasn’t even crossed your mind, but there is the cheapest and most expensive time of the year, month, week, and even a day for your relocation.

Moving in the Autumn or Winter

The best way to find affordable moving companies NYC is to book your relocation for the colder months. Summer and spring are the most pleasant month to move because of the nice and dry weather, but at the same time, it is the very peak of the moving season. Meaning the movers will have the most business and they won’t lower their rates. As a matter of fact, the prices in the industry are actually going up at that period.

On the contrary, when the cold wind starts to blow and the day gets shorter, the conditions to find reliable yet cheap movers will present themselves. The more the temperatures are dropping, the more will price of moving services fall.

For the biggest savings, move in January or February. Those are the slowest months for all service industries, including the moving one. With discounts flying all around, you can also find premium additional moving services for very affordable prices.

Move in Middle of the Month and Week

If you have no power regarding the season when you’re moving, at least try to control the day. Regarding the time in the month, the ideal moving date for your budget will be between the 11 and 20 day.

The reason for that is quite logical – rent leases usually expire at the beginning or at the end of the month. It is also a less busy time for moving companies who tend to lower their rates at that time. Not always, but it doesn’t hurt to try and ask for discounts.

When considering the optimal day for relocation, it is advisable to choose a workday as it is the most cost-effective option. Typically, weekends are reserved for leisure activities for the working class, resulting in a higher demand for moving services during this time.

Consequently, moving during weekends can be more expensive due to the increased demand. Opting to move during the week, however, can significantly reduce the cost of relocation. This is particularly beneficial when searching for affordable moving companies in New York.

How to Be Sure that Moving Agency Is Trustworthy?

It isn’t easy judging who is deserving of your trust these days. The same goes for when you are choosing movers. It isn’t a deep bond, but it is an important detail to pay attention to. Trusting your gut is the best way for avoiding fraudulent movers. Right beside it is the research of the affordable moving companies you should conduct.

Be sure to check:

  • Movers licenses and insurance policies – In order to legally provide moving services in the territory of the USA, each moving company has to have a unique USDOT license number. By checking it through the FMCSA website, you will learn if the company is legit.
  • Reviews from former customers – While you may not believe them, it is crucial to check this feature. Look at the reliable sources and moving reviews sites. Those are the best chances you have to get honest testimonials.
  • Broaden your research – First few hits on the search page can be misleading. It is easy to miss the small sign stating that the paid ad is in question. So go beyond page 1 and make a selection of 10 possible movers.
  • Now narrow it down – Do a little digging up, and select three affordable moving companies from your wider list as your top choice.
  • Focus on the features of your move – If you’re relocating long-distance, the movers who only conduct local moves won’t be suitable for your particular case. Only take into consideration affordable movers that check all your boxes.
  • Great reputation – In the moving business, a good reputation can’t be bought. That is because mouth-to-mouth recommendation plays the biggest part of the industry. The amazing advertising team can’t pull the company from the gutter if it has a bad reputation amongst the people. It is one of the few industries where customer reviews really say it all about the services that the company provides.
  • Hiring one of the many reliable and affordable moving companies New York has to offer, will make all the difference. If you wish that your relocation goes smoothly and without the stress, while saving some money on the way, this is the right direction to take.

 

Laptop and notebook

Compare Affordable Movers

One of the ways to find a reliable, yet affordable moving company is to compare moving quotes. First of all, you should choose at least three moving companies of your liking. Then, ask them for a moving quote. A moving quote is free and you will be able to determine which of the moving companies is the most affordable one. A moving quote depends on several factors, one of which is a moving estimate. The estimate can be done in several different ways, and we will now explain all of them.

a calculator, dollar bills, a piece of paper and a black pen on a white desk

Over-the-phone Estimate

This type of estimate is the type you should avoid if you have a lot of items to relocate. A member of the moving company will ask you a series of questions about your inventory and will determine the price of the move. However, there is a lot of room for mistakes here, and you may end up with a completely different price in the end.

In-house Moving Estimate

This is the better option when it comes to moving estimates. A crew member will come personally into your home and determine the total weight of your items. Based on the weight and potential additional services that you will need; they will conduct a price. Since they have much more experience in estimating the weight, the price will be more accurate.

There are also several types of moving estimates that you can choose from. When looking for affordable moving companies in NYC, you should be familiar with different types of moving estimates.

  • Non-binding moving estimate – This type of moving estimate is only suitable again if you don`t have much items to relocate. The movers will estimate the price, but they will not guarantee that this will actually be the final moving price. So, you may end up with a bill that is higher than expected.
  • Binding moving estimate – This is a better option when it comes to moving estimates. Movers will estimate the price, and that price will be on your final bill. However, if your items end up weighing less than expected, you would have to pay for the agreed price. And if your items end up weighing more than expected, you would be protected by the agreed price.
  • Binding not-to-exceed – This is the third and perhaps the best moving estimate option. If your items weigh less than expected, you would not pay extra money. And if they end up weighing more, you would not pay for that as well. But be careful not to add items on the very last day, as your movers will make a new contract with you on the spot.

Once you compare the moving companies you will know exactly which one is the best for you. These are the right steps you should take when looking for the most affordable moving companies in NYC.

Alternative in-house storage ideas

Are you looking for ways to add more in-house storage space to your home? In New York City, almost everyone is short on space. And people are constantly looking for alternative in-house storage ideas. So, if you are in a situation where you are tired of renting an expensive storage unit, just so you could keep your household items there. Try to find new ways to add storage space to your home, and maybe that would be enough to allow you to move from expensive to cheap storage NYC. Continue reading “Alternative in-house storage ideas”

Guide for apartment renovation in NYC

Did you buy an old apartment that you need to adapt? Or your flat just needs renovating? If you got a headache by just reading this title, we hear you! Nobody really likes to go into the apartment renovation in NYC because it is a long-lasting, dirty and often quite expensive work… And worst of all, you don’t know when exactly will it be finished. However, this does not have to be stressful if you find the right handymen… And, importantly, if you make a plan to know when exactly will you do which room. Along with how long will it last – and how much it will all cost. So, sit back, relax and let us give you all the answers!

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How to make your apartment appear bigger

Everybody likes more space. When you were a kid, you probably imagined a big house, with a wide open-space living room and big yard. But not everyone can afford that when they grow up. However, your apartment is a place where you should enjoy and where you should create your own world. So, be creative. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to buy a bigger home, you would feel more relaxed if you make the space around you more appealing. Therefore, don’t despair if your apartment isn’t very large, there are still a few tricks that you can use to make your apartment appear bigger.

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The value of stored property tenant insurance

Stored property tenant insurance is a way to protect your valuables in case of a burglary, or any other contingent or uncertain loss. Some homeowners and renters insurance policies cover items stored off-site. In case they do not cover insurance policies separate insurance and coverage is necessary. But the thing on this topic you need to understand is the following.

Insurance for property stored in your affordable storage is not as common like other forms of insurance. Therefore you need to choose reputable storage facilities that provide tenant insurance. In that case, you as a customer may purchase coverage on the spot. With that in mind, your valuable and special items need a special form of insurance. In that case, unless you choose a reputable facility you may need to buy separate insurance. So now that we possess your undivided attention let us dig deeper into this topic. 

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