According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 27 million Americans move each year, with over 300,000 people moving to New York City every year. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead when hiring a moving company. However, life doesn’t always go as planned. If you need to move today in NYC, the fastest way to get it done is to hire a licensed same-day moving company that can arrive within hours to help you pack, load, and transport your belongings safely. Acting quickly, prioritizing essentials, and choosing movers with experience in last-minute relocations are key to making a same-day move possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move fast without unnecessary stress.
What Are Same Day Movers?
As the name suggests, these are licensed professionals who specialize in urgent relocations. Unlike traditional movers that require you to book weeks in advance, same-day movers can arrive in just a matter of hours to help with packing, loading, and transporting your belongings throughout NYC. These movers understand the unique challenges that come with NYC moves, including tight staircases, parking regulations, and traffic, so they can get you moved in quickly.
Besides companies that cater to same-day moves, many traditional movers provide same-day services, especially during the off-peak season between September through April. Should they have the crew available, they can get you moved ASAP!
When Would I Need to Use Last Minute NYC Movers?
There are plenty of reasons why you would need to make a same-day move. Some common examples include:
- Lease ending unexpectedly
- No-show movers
- Unexpected work or personal circumstances
- Emergencies such as fire, flood, or other hazards
Common Situations Requiring Last-Minute Movers in NYC
| Situation | Why You Might Need Same-Day Movers |
|---|---|
| Lease Ending Unexpectedly | Your landlord ends your lease early, or you forget to renew, forcing a quick move. |
| No-Show Movers | Your original movers canceled last minute, leaving you stranded on moving day. |
| Work or Personal Emergencies | Sudden job relocation, family issues, or other urgent matters require immediate moving help. |
| Natural or Home Emergencies | Fire, flood, or other hazards make it unsafe to stay, requiring fast relocation. |
Of course, sometimes it might just be a matter of timing. Maybe you already know you need to move out, but you haven’t found a place yet, and you find one the day your lease ends. Whatever the reason, it’s generally better to hire professional NYC movers instead of going the DIY route, as it helps reduce risk and saves you time. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find friends or family to help out on short notice or find a truck to rent!
How Do I Make a Same-Day NYC Move?
Finding last-minute movers can be challenging, but with a bit of organization, you can streamline the process and make a seamless move. Below are five steps to plan your urgent move:
- Contact movers immediately – find reputable NYC movers and check their availability, and get quotes. Make sure to confirm they have the capability to handle short-notice moves
- Prioritize essentials – Start packing as soon as possible, and start with your everyday use items like toiletries, clothing, and your important documents
- Declutter – Go through all your belongings and decide what you’re going to keep and discard. You likely won’t have enough time to donate or sell your belongings.
- Get supplies – if you don’t have a lot of time, you might have to purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels from your local hardware store. If you’re lucky, you might have some boxes lying around, but don’t count on it!
- Figure out logistics – some NYC apartments require certificates of insurance and scheduled elevator times. Make sure to contact your current and new building for requirements and procedures, and then send that information along to the moving company. Not complying might mean you can’t move in or out!
How Do I Pack For a Rush Move?
It might be tempting to just shove everything into a box without organizing, but that’s a recipe for disaster when you have to unpack. Not to mention, if you have any fragile items, they could get damaged during transit. According to Anytime Estimate, 30 percent of people moving find packing to be the most stressful and time-consuming part of the process. Last-minute packing is likely even more stressful, but there are steps you can take to make it easier:
- Pack room-by-room – keep all items from the same room together for easier unpacking, and make sure to properly label your boxes
- Protect delicate items – make use of your bubble wrap to protect breakables like glassware and dishes.
- Don’t pack everything – leave your clothes in the dresser and use some plastic wrap to keep the drawers from opening up. You can do the same with your desk and vanity. Keep all your hanging clothes on their hangers!
Essential Packing Tips for a Rush Move
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Pack Room-by-Room | Keep items from each room together and label boxes clearly. | Makes unpacking faster and prevents confusion. |
| Protect Delicate Items | Wrap glassware, dishes, and breakables with bubble wrap or a soft cloth. | Prevents damage during transport. |
| Don’t Pack Everything | Leave clothes in drawers and wrap them; keep hanging clothes on hangers. | Saves packing time and reduces box count. |
| Use Professional Packers | If short on time, hire movers who offer packing services. | Ensures fast, insured, and efficient packing. |
If you really don’t have any time, then consider adding on a packing service if the moving company you hired offers it. Not only will they be able to pack everything up more efficiently, but your items are also protected under the movers’ liability insurance if something gets damaged during the move, you will be compensated.
How Can I Find Reliable Emergency Movers in NYC?
Making a successful emergency move can definitely be stressful, and it’s also a perfect opportunity for scammers to take advantage of your situation. The Better Business Bureau received over 100,000 inquiries about movers, with 718 of them being complaints filed against movers throughout the year. Last-minute moves are highly stressful situations, and it’s easy not to do your due diligence before hiring a company or ignoring red flags. Still, there are ways you can verify the NYC moving company’s legitimacy:
- Verify their USDOT number on the FMCSA website – all professional moving companies are required to register their business. Movers operating in New York State must also be licensed by the NYS Department of Transportation
- Look for consistent branding, a physical NYC address, and contact information
- Check reviews on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau
Take the time to also speak to the movers over the phone. Pay attention to how they answer the phone. Do they answer with their company name? When you ask questions, are they knowledgeable and pleasant, or are they trying to avoid answering? Do they ask for a large cash deposit or full payment up front? All of these can be red flags that they are trying to scam you.
What Does it Cost to Move Same Day in NYC?
As with a standard move, costs depend on the size, distance, and services you add to your move. Many rush movers might end up being more expensive than a standard move, but that’s not always the case, so make sure you get several different quotes to compare. While costs can vary, you can expect to pay the following:
- Studio – $150-$400
- 1-2 Bedroom – $500-$1,000
Same-Day Moving Costs in NYC
| Apartment Size | Estimated Cost | Additional Factors Affecting Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $150 – $400 | Packing services, storage, peak hours, stair fees, fragile or high-value items |
| 1–2 Bedroom | $500 – $1,000 | Packing services, storage, peak hours, stair fees, fragile or high-value items |
| 3+ Bedroom | $1,000 – $1,800 | Packing services, storage, peak hours, stair fees, fragile or high-value items |
Notes: Costs vary depending on distance, building access, and extra services. Always get multiple quotes for accurate pricing.
There are several other factors that can influence costs, including:
- Additional services like packing, storage, and packing materials
- Stair fee
- Peak hours or weekend moves
- High-value items requiring extra care
Ready to Make Your Last Minute NYC Move?
If you’re facing a same-day move, don’t panic. Call a licensed same-day mover today to secure availability, discuss rates, and start your move. Whether it’s Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, professional movers can handle your relocation efficiently and safely.
FAQ
Can movers actually make a same day move in NYC?
Yes, there are moving companies that specialize in rush moves, though many local movers also offer last-minute moving services.
Do I have to pack everything myself?
Not necessarily. Many moving companies offer full or partial packing services, though these will cost you more money.
Are last-minute moves more expensive?
Sometimes slightly, but reliable movers will give you the rates upfront.
Are same-day movers licensed and insured?
All professional movers are required to have a valid license from the NYS Department of Transportation as well as a USDOT number from the FMCSA. You can verify their credentials online.
Can I get same-day movers during peak season?
Yes, but as you can imagine, availability is limited. Peak season is from May through September, so make sure to call as soon as possible.
Do same-day movers provide packing materials?
Many do, but you should always ask ahead of time if you need them. Purchasing directly from the movers can save you time and reduce the risk of damage since the supplies will be sturdier than those you might find for free or elsewhere.
