Are you thinking about moving to Queens? Queens is an exciting and wonderful place to live, and we have what you need to know to make your move easier.
About Queens
Queens is home to over 2.2 million people, and if each of the five New York City boroughs were separate cities, it would be the 5th largest city in the US. It is an excellent option for moving to New York. Can’t afford to live in Manhattan or want to be able to find a home with a little bit more space? Queens has everything from the dense apartment buildings that come to mind when you think about New York, all the way up to single family homes. Whether you want that urban in the middle of everything feel, or a more laid back almost suburban feel, Queens has you covered. Queens has all the amenities you need, and easy access to some of the greatest cultural attractions in the world throughout New York City. It is the home of the NY Mets, the US Open, an innumerable amount of restaurants covering the entire globe, and JFK and La Guardia airports.
Choosing a Neighborhood
Queens gives you many options, so you should narrow down what you want before you start looking for a new home in the area. Where will you be working? What type of home will you be looking for? Each different neighborhood has its own personality and culture. This site gives reviews for the different Queens neighborhoods from the people who live there.
Getting Around in Queens
Where do you want to go? Queens has buses and subway lines that keep things moving and give you access to the rest of the city and beyond. You can find a subway map from the MTA here. New York’s public transportation system makes it one of the easiest places to live without a car. Learn more about mastering public transport here. If you do plan on owning a car it will be easier in Queens than it would be in Manhattan. If you are not one of the lucky ones with a parking spot, be sure to read the signs carefully for street parking. You wouldn’t want to get ticketed right after moving in to your new home.
When To Move
You will want to talk to your new land lord or the building management prior to your move. Timing can be very important. Many buildings either have restrictions on when you can move in, or you may need to schedule a specific time. If there is a loading dock or freight elevator, time may need to be scheduled for those as well. As with all moves, it is best to move on a weekday during the middle of the month, as the weekends and the end of the month are the busiest moving days. If you do have to make your move on the weekend be sure to make a reservation early.
Moving Tips
Parking can be tight. If you only have access from the street then you should have someone park in the spot prior to getting your truck so that it is still available when the moving truck arrive. Another tip is to rent a cargo van. The smaller cargo vans are small enough to easily maneuver in city traffic and parallel park. They have doors that open to the side as well as the back. If you don’t have good parking options, you may want to hire Moving Help that can get you unloaded quickly and at a reasonable rate. Another thing to keep in mind is that certain parkways and bridges have restrictions on vehicles. Learn more about driving restrictions in New York here.
Storage Space
Unless you moved from one of New York’s other boroughs, chances are you will have a little bit less space in your new home. That doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your keepsakes though. A storage unit can give you space for seasonal items and other things that you might not need to access on a regular basis.
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!
Are you moving to Queens? Feel free to ask any questions or share your tips in the comments.
