Photo by Jay Woodworth on Flickr.
Brooklyn is a great place to live with vibrant communities , great amenities and quick access to Manhattan, all without the Manhattan prices. If you are moving to Brooklyn, congratulations and welcome to your new home! These tips should give you an idea of what to expect when moving to Brooklyn. If you are a current resident, then hopefully these tips will still be able to help you with your next move within the city.
Truck Size in Brooklyn
Smaller trucks are easier to maneuver in the city.
It can be more difficult to operate a larger vehicle in a busy urban area, and if you are moving into or out of a smaller apartment, then chances are a large 26′ truck is not your best moving option. Instead, consider something smaller. All U-Haul locations around Brooklyn offer a large fleet of 10′ trucks and cargo vans that are easy to maneuver and park, but are still large enough to move almost any large piece of furniture you have.
Restrictions on Parkways, Bridges and Tunnels
U-Haul trucks are not considered to be commercial vehicles where licensing is concerned and can be driven with a normal drivers license. However, the NYC DOT has different qualifications and may restrict where and when you may drive your moving truck, for height, weight or if the truck has commercial branding on it. You can learn more about NYC vehicle classifications here.
Parking
Parking can be scarce so plan ahead.
Parking can sometimes be troublesome in Brooklyn. If you have a car, then you may want to leave it in a convenient space until you get your moving truck, then switch it out when you are ready to move. If your building has a specific loading bay or space, then check with your building administration to see about the rules for using it. If you are parking on the street, be sure to follow all parking regulations. No one wants to have to deal with a parking ticket when they are busy moving. You can find the NYC alternate side parking restrictions here.
Reserve Elevator Time
In many buildings, you may have to reserve time to use the elevator to move. Some buildings even have freight elevators that can make it easier to move your large items. Talk with the administrator of your building as soon as you know when you want to move to find out when you will be able to use the elevator for your move.
Pack Beforehand
If everything is packed ahead of time, then all you have to worry about on your moving day is loading the truck once it arrives. This is especially important if your building limits how long you can take to move, or if your moving truck is temporarily blocking traffic.
Move During the Week
This tip is applicable most places you move. More people move on the weekends at the end or beginning of a month, so you are more likely to be able to reserve a truck at the most convenient location for you on a week day. Also, moving on week days can ensure that different utilities and other offices you will need to contact about your move are open.
Once you’re on the move, have a little fun and snap some photos on the way! Submit them here or via Instagram using #uhaulfamous to become U-Haul Famous!
Have you moved in Brooklyn? Please share your lessons learned in the comments below. If you have any other questions about moving in Brooklyn, we are here to help!
