Making the move to New York City can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. With so many districts and boroughs within the city’s large landscape, it can seem impossible to know where to begin when searching for a home. To make your relocation to the Big Apple easier, here’s our guide to help out with the moving process.
Study the Layout
Before making a move to NYC, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the city layout. Review a city transit map in addition to downloading the NYC Subway App. You should also take some time to research how the city’s streets and addresses work. For example, there’s a distinct difference between NYC’s streets and avenues. Learning the different street grids of the city will help you to better understand where you’d like to move.
Learn more about the many neighborhoods in the city before looking for an apartment.
Research Different Neighborhoods
Before searching for a place to live, find out which neighborhood in NYC best suits you and your family’s needs and tastes. Each neighborhood has something unique to offer, and you’ll want to know what each area can bring to the table before moving there. Try researching the different boroughs of the city to get an idea of each neighborhood’s character. You may also want to consider spending a day in the city getting to know the neighborhoods you do like and then targeting your apartment search to those areas.
Hire a Realtor
Apartment hunting in NYC is a completely different experience when compared to most other cities in the United States. In addition to housing being much more expensive, there is also a lot of work involved in actually securing an apartment. It’s highly recommended to hire a realtor during the moving process, as realtors can simplify the house-hunting search.
Along with your check and application, your realtor will make sure that you are prepared with proof of income, bank statements, and tax returns. Housing laws are very strict within the city, and realtors can help prove that you can afford to rent a space. Your realtor can also help identify properties that best suit your and your family’s needs.
Be prepared to pay up-front fees when making a rental agreement in NYC.
Be Aware of Costs
When searching for an apartment or hiring a realtor, be prepared for a lot of up-front costs. You’ll need to provide first and last month’s rent in addition to a security deposit of 1.5 months rent when signing a lease with a landlord. Real estate agents also typically charge one month of rent as their fee to help you find an apartment. As soon as you and your realtor see a place you like in the city, you’ll want to break out your checkbook and make a deal right then and there. Apartments move very quickly in Manhattan and it could be weeks before you find something if you are too picky.
Hire a Professional Mover
Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood and found an apartment, you’ll want to shop around for professional movers. New York City streets can be difficult to navigate, particularly in a large moving truck, so you may want to reconsider if you were thinking about moving things yourself. Plus, it’s nice to leave the heavy lifting to someone equipped with the right tools and knowledge to get the job done quickly, like this New York moving company. Before hiring anyone, verify the company’s licensing and insurance to make sure your belongings are protected. Intrastate moves are regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation, while interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can easily check a company’s credentials on these sites depending on whether you’re making a local or long distance move.
Once you’re moved in, take time to explore your new surroundings and discover the magic of living in New York City. Living here is an unforgettable experience filled with incredible opportunities around every corner.