You’ve probably heard the old saying about New York City: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” That’s probably because the real estate market in The Big Apple is so highly competitive. But the struggle doesn’t end with actually finding an apartment. The moving process itself can be another hassle in and of itself. That’s why this article is here to offer tips to help make the experience go a little smoother.
1. Be Prepared
The first step with anything is preparation. In New York City, the standard rule for renters is that they should be making at least 40 times the amount of the monthly rent. Since you’ll likely have to pay the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and other fees to start, you should be prepared to drop a significant amount of cash upfront. That usually means writing a large check.
2. Work With A Broker
While no one likes having to pay extra fees, hiring a real estate broker might be worth it to avoid the process of having to negotiate directly with landlords and property managers. There’s also the matter of all the paperwork you have to fill out to finalize the deal. A broker can look over the lease for you and alert you to any concerning conditions you should be aware of before signing. In NYC, the typical fee a broker charges is 15 percent of the yearly rent, but that can sometimes be negotiated down.
3. Save The Date
Because leases usually end and begin on the first of the month, it’s best to try to move a few days before or after that date. Either way, you should coordinate your move-in and move-out dates with your new landlord and your former landlord respectively.
4. Make The Space
NYC apartments are notorious for their “modest” square footage. As such, it may be a good idea to take stock of all your possessions, as well as keeping in mind the space parameters of your new apartment and the exterior pathways. If you’re downsizing, you’ll probably want to sell, donate, or give away some items before the move. If you already have furniture that you’re taking, you’ll also want to be sure that you can fit it into the building and through the door. If not, you might want to make that furniture a part of the group of items you get rid of or give to a friend. If you’re adamant about holding on to that comfy couch, you can hire a service to disassemble furniture for transport.
5. Don’t Do It Alone
You don’t want to be caught having to move all those heavy boxes and furniture on your own. If you don’t have any willing and available friends for the job, New York City has plenty of affordable and reliable movers you can hire to help you out. For smaller moves, you should be able to contact companies like these New York City movers even up to the day before a move and have them be able to accommodate you.
6. Secure A Ride
Moving may be one of the few occasions where it’s a good idea to have a car in New York City. You might not want to take the risk of public transportation, especially if you have valuable personal items on you. Since chances are you won’t be able to catch a ride in the moving van, it may be a good idea to ask to borrow a friend’s car or have them drive you. You could also rent a car for the day from Car2Go or ZipCar. If you’re not moving many items, another option is to try hailing a cab or call an Uber or Lyft.
Moving can feel as hectic as The City That Never Sleeps itself, but hopeful these tips help ease the process at least a little bit.