Moving Checklist for New York: What You Need to Know

Published on June 21, 2025 by

So, you’re moving to New York? Welcome to the madness. Whether it’s the city that never sleeps or a quiet corner of upstate, you’re about to enter a place where pizza slices are religion, the rent is too high, and pigeons act like they own the sidewalk. It’s exhilarating, exhausting, and honestly, a little overwhelming.

Planning a move here isn’t like moving to, say, Ohio. In New York, there are rules—some written, some whispered among locals—and if you don’t do things right, you might just get yelled at by a cab driver or overcharged by a mover. No worries though, I’ve got your back. Here’s your full no-fluff, no-filter moving checklist to get you from chaos to cozy in the Empire State.

1. Decide Where in New York You’re Actually Moving

This might seem obvious, but let’s be real: “New York” means a lot of things. Are you headed to Manhattan, where studio apartments are smaller than your last closet? Or maybe Brooklyn, where hipsters roam free and coffee costs six bucks?

Each borough has a vibe:

  • Manhattan – fast-paced, pricey, full of energy

  • Brooklyn – artsy, diverse, and a little obsessed with vintage furniture

  • Queens – food heaven and surprisingly suburban in parts

  • The Bronx – rich in culture, sports, and serious community pride

  • Staten Island – quiet, more affordable, and yes, the ferry is free

Or maybe you’re heading upstate—Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse—where people have yards and snow shovels and no one charges $5 for an oat milk add-on.

2. Book Your Moving Company (Before It’s Too Late)

New York movers book up fast, especially in spring and summer. If you wait too long, you’ll be left with the guy who shows up with a van and a questionable handshake.

Here’s what to do:

  • Compare quotes early—don’t trust the first one you get

  • Read reviews, especially the ones with 3 stars (they tell the real story)

  • Ask about elevator access, stairs, and extra fees for walk-ups

  • Check if they’re licensed, especially for interstate moves

  • Reserve building elevator time if you’re moving into an apartment—seriously, do this, or the doorman will make your life miserable

And always ask what happens if your couch doesn’t fit through the door. This is New York. It happens.

3. Plan Your Moving Date Wisely

In some places, you can move whenever. In New York? Not so much.

If you’re moving in the city, the first and last days of the month are chaos. Everyone’s moving. Elevators are booked. Streets are jammed. Moving in the middle of the month, on a weekday, can save you money and headaches.

Also—check if there are street cleaning days. You don’t want your U-Haul to get towed before you even unload it. That would be a uniquely New York nightmare.

4. Change Your Address, ASAP

Don’t wait to update your address. Do it the moment you know your new zip code. Otherwise, your mail might end up in the hands of your new neighbor (who might open it, shrug, and toss it).

Things to update:

  • USPS address change

  • Driver’s license (Yes, even if you don’t drive. New York IDs are still a thing.)

  • Banking info

  • Amazon or other delivery services

  • Insurance companies, especially renter’s insurance

Also, tell your grandma. If you forget, she’ll still send your birthday card to your old address and then ask why you don’t write back.

5. Utilities and Internet Setup

New York isn’t a plug-and-play kind of place. You need to arrange utilities in advance, or you’ll move in to a dark, cold apartment with zero bars of Wi-Fi. Not fun.

Call these in advance:

  • Con Edison for electricity and gas

  • National Grid if you’re moving outside the city

  • Spectrum or Verizon Fios for internet

  • Building super or landlord for heating rules (some places still use radiators that clank all night like ghost tap dancers)

Pro tip: internet techs get booked fast. Schedule them early. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck hotspotting from your phone like it’s 2009.

6. Declutter Like You Mean It

Let’s be blunt—New York apartments are small. Like, “you can hear your neighbor sneeze through the wall” small. You don’t need three blenders or that broken printer you’ve been emotionally attached to since college.

Purge ruthlessly. Sell, donate, recycle, trash. Then do it again.

Not sure what to ditch? Here’s a list:

  • Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

  • Extra kitchen gadgets (nobody needs three whisks)

  • Old books you’ll never read again

  • Decor that doesn’t fit your new vibe

  • That cursed lamp from your ex

Trust me. Less is more, especially when your new living room doubles as your office, dining room, and cat’s kingdom.

7. Pack Like a Strategic Genius

You’ll thank yourself later if you pack smart now. New York apartments are jigsaw puzzles. And when you’re climbing four flights of stairs with boxes labeled “random stuff,” you’ll wish you labeled better.

Packing tips:

  • Use small boxes for heavy stuff

  • Label by room and priority (“open first,” “bedroom,” “emotional support snacks”)

  • Wrap fragile items with socks or towels (eco-friendly and clever)

  • Leave a “first night” box with essentials: toothpaste, phone charger, coffee, pajamas, toilet paper

And please, don’t pack your keys. Sounds obvious, but the number of people who’ve done this… well, let’s just say they learned the hard way.

8. Get to Know the Rules of Your Building

New York buildings are… unique. Some have doormen. Some have strict co-op boards. Some have mysterious smells in the hallway that no one ever explains.

Before you move in:

  • Ask about moving hours (some buildings restrict weekends)

  • Reserve the elevator in advance

  • Check if there are pet rules

  • Confirm trash day, recycling guidelines, and if the super lives on-site

  • Learn how to buzz people in (this will save you awkward shouting down the stairwell)

If you’re renting, know your lease inside out. Some landlords require renters insurance, others want your soul in the form of a deposit. Read the fine print.

9. Say Goodbye to Your Old Place the Right Way

Don’t just vanish like a ghost. Make sure you leave your old place in good condition—especially if you want that security deposit back.

Here’s what to do:

  • Patch up nail holes

  • Clean out the fridge (no one wants your expired hot sauce)

  • Vacuum and mop

  • Return all keys, fobs, or mailroom cards

  • Take pictures of the cleaned space—just in case

Oh, and leave a note for the next tenant if you’re feeling generous. Something like “The left burner only works if you wiggle it twice and whisper sweet nothings.”

10. Settle In and Soak It All Up

You made it. The boxes are in. The couch barely fit through the door. And now? It’s time to make this place feel like home.

Take a walk around the block. Find your local deli. Try the pizza place on the corner (it might be life-changing or a total scam, no in-between). Introduce yourself to the super—trust me, this person might save your life one day when the radiator explodes.

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Conclusion: If You Can Move Here, You Can Move Anywhere

Moving to New York is a rite of passage. It’s stressful, chaotic, expensive, and full of surprises. But once the dust settles, the boxes are unpacked, and you find your go-to bagel shop, it all starts to make sense.

This place has a rhythm. It may take a while to find yours, but when you do, you’ll never look back.

And hey, if nothing else—you now know how to fit a queen-sized bed into a stairwell built in 1923. That’s a life skill.

Final joke? If you can move in New York without crying once… you’re either lying or already paying too much in therapy.

FAQs

1. What’s the best time of year to move to New York?

Honestly? There’s no perfect time. But if we’re being strategic, aim for spring (April to June) or fall (September to early November). The weather is tolerable, movers are slightly less overbooked, and you won’t melt or freeze mid-move.

Avoid July and August unless you enjoy carrying boxes while sweating like you’re in a Bikram yoga class. Winter can work if you’re brave and have boots. Just don’t expect sympathy from your movers when it’s snowing sideways.

I moved in January once. My shampoo froze. True story.

2. Do I really need a certificate of insurance (COI) to move into my NYC apartment?

In most cases—yes. Many buildings, especially in Manhattan and the nicer parts of Brooklyn, require movers to provide a COI. It protects the building in case something gets damaged. No COI? No move-in. Period.

Even if the building looks chill, ask your super. Better safe than watching your movers wait in the truck while you cry on the sidewalk.

Pro tip: professional movers in NYC already know this dance. If they don’t, pick another company.

3. Is it worth using a broker to find an apartment?

Ah yes, the broker debate. Brokers can be helpful—if you don’t have time to hunt listings or want access to apartments that aren’t online. But they do charge fees, often one month’s rent or 12-15% of the annual lease. Painful, right?

If you want to skip that fee, look for “no-fee” listings on StreetEasy, Zillow, or local Facebook groups. Be patient and act fast when you see something decent.

I once lost an apartment because I took 45 minutes to “think about it.” Rookie mistake.

4. How expensive is it to live in New York City?

Let’s be blunt—it’s not cheap. Rent alone can eat up 40–50% of your income, and that’s before you’ve bought groceries, a MetroCard, or an overpriced oat milk latte.

But you can survive. Budget smart, choose your borough wisely, and learn to spot happy hour deals like a hawk. Cook at home, thrift like a pro, and embrace $1 pizza as a food group.

You might not feel rich, but you’ll feel alive. And probably broke. But still alive.

5. Should I bring my car to New York?

Short answer: nope. Unless you’re moving to Staten Island or some quiet part of Queens, a car in NYC is more hassle than it’s worth. Parking is brutal, garages are expensive, and alternate side parking rules are designed to break your spirit.

Public transit is your best friend. And when it fails? Uber, bike, walk, or scream into the void. Your choice.

I had a car here once. It spent more time parked than I did at home. I sold it. Bought a MetroCard. Never looked back.