According to the NYC Planning Department, over 85,000 people moved to NYC between 2023-2024. Of course, that number doesn’t account for people who are moving within the boroughs, which likely would lead to higher numbers. With an already large population and more people looking to join the ranks of NYC, it’s no surprise that moving to NYC is hard. You have a highly competitive housing market on top of managing unique situations like narrow stairwells in walk-ups, NYC traffic laws and regulations, and, of course, dealing with building management and figuring out whether you need to get a certificate of insurance. In order to maneuver all of the different moving parts, the best way to handle moving in NYC is to plan ahead, budget properly, declutter, and hire a trusted NYC moving company.
Planning a move in NYC requires a lot of preparation beforehand. You’ll want to start at least a month in advance, but ideally 8-10 weeks, by setting a budget, booking movers, decluttering your belongings, and packing. Unless you have to make a last-minute move, you should know your move-out date, so work backwards from that and then start marking your calendar on the various tasks you need to complete so you’re not scrambling.
How Do I Set Up a NYC Moving Budget?
On average, local moves cost around $500 to $3,000, depending on the size of your move. If you’re making a long-distance move into or out of NYC, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $3,000. Of course, there are ways to reduce the cost of your move by:
- Packing yourself or hiring movers to provide partial packing for certain rooms or items
- Sourcing packing materials for free from friends, family, neighborhood groups, etc.
- Negotiating with moving companies
- Reducing the amount of stuff you’re moving
You might need to tighten your belt in the lead-up to the move to make sure you have enough set aside and don’t forget about the tip for the movers after you’re in your new place. When you create your budget, make sure to add on an extra 20% for some cushion in case you need to spend a little extra money.
How Do I Hire an NYC Moving Company?
There are dozens of moving companies to choose from, which can make this process overwhelming. You should start doing your research about 6-8 weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning to move during the summer and/or at the end of the month. Before calling up a bunch of companies, make sure you know your budget as well as other services you might want, like packing, storage, etc., and look for companies that offer these options.
DIY Move vs Professional Movers in NYC
| Comparison Factor | DIY Move in NYC | Professional NYC Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Comparison | $300 – $1,200 (truck rental, supplies, labor help) |
$500 – $3,000+ (based on apartment size & services) |
| Time Required (Hours) | 8 – 20+ hours (packing, loading, driving, unloading) |
4 – 10 hours with an experienced crew |
| Physical Effort Level (1–10) | 8 – 10 (heavy lifting, stairs, tight spaces) |
2 – 4 (minimal effort beyond supervision) |
| Risk of Damage (%) | 25% – 40% (limited experience, no insurance) |
5% – 10% (trained movers, insured handling) |
| Best for Which Apartment Type | Small studios, ground-floor units, very short-distance moves |
Walk-ups, elevator buildings, large apartments, long-distance moves |
From there, you’ll want to do a bit of research on each company and make sure they have a website, contact information, and a New York State Department of Transportation Number. The NYDOT number is especially important as the state requires all professional movers to register and provide proof of insurance. Plus, you can look up the number to make sure the company doesn’t have any black marks on its record. If it all checks out, call 5-6 companies and get a quote, and then compare the rates. While you have them on the phone, ask the following questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you provide a certificate of insurance?
- Do you offer a written estimate?
- What is your rescheduling/cancellation policy?
- Do you have any additional fees I should consider, such as stairs or long-carry?
Oh, and don’t forget to read online reviews on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau, and see if there are any glaring issues or consistent complaints against the company.
How Do I Find an Apartment in NYC?
NYC has one of the most competitive housing markets in the United States, and as such, you’ll need to be prepared to move quickly once you’ve found the right place. Start by narrowing down to neighborhoods that match your budget, lifestyle, and proximity to work and public transportation. You’ll also want to research rental prices and be prepared for upfront costs like security deposit, first month’s rent, and, if you’re working through a broker, a broker’s fee. Some helpful tips to make your apartment hunt easier:
- Set a budget – know what you can afford when it comes to rent, but don’t neglect things like paying for your utilities and public transportation!
- Know your must-haves – whether it’s proximity to work, building amenities, or size of the apartment, make sure you know exactly what you want
- Act fast – once you’ve found a place, you’ll have to move fast, so make sure you have your documents ready, including proof of income, tax returns, money for a credit check, and so on
- Read documents carefully – always read your lease agreement carefully for any issues. If the broker said the place was rent-stabilized, but the contract doesn’t say it, clarify. Ask about the terms regarding rent increases, subletting restrictions, pet policy, etc.
What Should I Include in My Moving Day Checklist?
Your moving checklist is your guiding light to staying organized and ensures you don’t forget anything. Make sure you include the following on your list:
- Confirm your details with the movers, including time, address, and certificate of insurance (COI) submission if necessary
- Do a walkthrough of your apartment to make sure you didn’t leave anything. Don’t forget closets, cabinets, etc.
- Wipe down everything quickly after moving from your old apartment
- Coordinate building access, including elevator reservations, entry permissions, and parking arrangements if your building requires it
- Bring a basic tool kit so you can assemble your furniture in your new home
- Inspect your new place before unloading anything, and look for any issues like damage or missing keys
- Pack some snacks and water to keep yourself going during the move
How Do I Pack for My NYC Move?
Getting ready for moving day requires a lot of organization to avoid stress. Here are some ways you can improve your experience:
- Declutter – go through each room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. Remember, space is in short supply in NYC apartments, so keep only what you really need and use. You can either sell some of the higher-value items to add to your moving budget, give them away, or donate them to Goodwill.
- Get moving supplies – you will need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing paper, scissors/box cutters, plastic bags, tools, and plastic wrap for your dressers and desks
Packing Supplies Checklist With Estimated Costs
| Packing Supply | Recommended Quantity (1BR) | Average Cost Per Item | Estimated Total Cost | Free / Low-Cost Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Boxes | 10 – 15 | $1.50 – $2.50 | $15 – $38 | Liquor stores, grocery stores |
| Medium Boxes | 15 – 20 | $2.50 – $4.00 | $38 – $80 | Friends, neighborhood groups |
| Large Boxes | 5 – 8 | $4.00 – $6.00 | $20 – $48 | Reuse delivery boxes |
| Packing Tape | 3 – 5 rolls | $3 – $5 | $9 – $25 | Buy multi-packs online |
| Bubble Wrap | 1 – 2 rolls | $15 – $25 | $15 – $50 | Towels, clothing, linens |
| Packing Paper | 1 bundle | $10 – $20 | $10 – $20 | Newspapers, junk mail |
| Mattress Cover | 1 – 2 | $8 – $15 | $8 – $30 | Provided by some movers |
| Stretch Wrap | 1 – 2 rolls | $12 – $20 | $12 – $40 | Shrink wrap from movers |
| Total Estimated Packing Cost | $125 – $330 (1BR apartment) | |||
- Measure everything – that includes doorways, staircases, and your furniture, to make sure everything will fit
- Pack – start with an area or items you don’t use often, and then work your way through your stuff over the course of a week. If you’re using a moving company, everything needs to be placed in boxes, so make sure the fully assembled box will fit through the door!
- Label your boxes – Once you’ve packed, use a large marker and write the room name on two sides of the box, and include a brief description. If there are breakables in the box, make sure to write fragile in large letters and this side up with an arrow to prevent damage
- Pack essentials separately – in a separate bag and box, put your first night items such as toiletries, clothes, chargers, snacks, and important documents
Once the day of your move has arrived, make sure you are available and alert to answer any questions and to keep an eye on the movers. If you feel like they did a good job, feel free to tip your movers and leave a good review on Google or Yelp
Are You Ready For Your NYC Move?
Moving in NYC might be daunting, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to start early, set a reasonable budget, and break the process up into more manageable tasks. NYC Great Movers can help make your transition as seamless as possible, so make sure to give us a call for your next move.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book NYC movers?
You should book your movers 8-10 weeks in advance especially if you are moving during the summer, on weekends, and at the end of the month.
Do all NYC buildings require a COI?
No, many buildings do not require a COI, but you should always ask building management for their requirements.
What is the best time of day to move in NYC?
Ideally, you should try to move mid-day as there will be less traffic congestion as you will avoid the morning and evening rush hour.
Do I have to tip the movers?
While not required, it is always appreciated. Don’t feel pressured to tip if your movers did not perform to your standards, however.
Will I need to manage parking access for movers?
Unless the movers have to go through a freight entrance, you generally will not have to worry about parking access for them.
Do NYC movers provide deals and/or discounts?
It depends. If you are a student, senior, or veteran, many movers do provide discounts. Some will also provide deals if you are moving during the winter season. And if you manage to find a moving company that has a lower rate, you can always see if the only thing you want is price match.
