Moving to New York City: A Complete Guide
If you’re getting ready to move to New York City, then buckle up – you’re in for a wild and exciting ride! Moving to the Big Apple can be a life-changing experience. It’s a place filled with unmatched energy and opportunity that people from all over the world flock to. And while the energy of the city is electric, moving here can be intense if you’re not prepared.
At U-Haul, we’ve seen it all. From late night apartment moves to double-parked moving trucks in the West Village – we’ve helped countless people move to New York City. After all these decades of experience, if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that the success of any move comes down to smart planning and the right tools.
In this guide we’ll cover every step of the process from budgeting, picking a neighborhood, and handling the move itself.
Understanding the Cost of living in NYC
You’ve probably heard that New York City is expensive. But what does that actually mean for you? Before you make the move, it’s important to understand the financial realities of living there.
Housing: Rent will be your biggest monthly expense. For a one-bedroom in Manhattan, expect to easily pay over $3,000. Other nearby spots will also hover around $2,500-$2,800. There are areas that can be more affordable, but the trade-off is usually a longer commute.
Utilities & Food: Add $150–$250/month for utilities. Groceries for one person can run $300–$500, depending on how often you eat out. Which might be often after you first move.
Transportation: Most people rely on the subway. If you drive, be sure to factor in parking (which can be brutal) and gas. Monthly parking garages can run over $300 in many neighborhoods.
Pro tip: Before you even start the hunt for housing, build a realistic budget based on what you can spend. It’ll help you narrow down your choices and prevent financial stress down the line.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
New York City features so many distinct neighborhoods, each with their own personality, lifestyle, and price tag. Whether you’re chasing the vibrant NYC life or a more renter-friendly area, finding the right fit is crucial.
Young Professionals: Consider Bushwick, Williamsburg, or the Lower East Side. Here you’ll find the nightlife, modern coworking spaces, and trendy (overpriced) coffee shops. These neighborhoods are perfect for those looking to be fully immersed in the fast-paced lifestyle NYC offers.
Families or Long-Term Residents: If you’re making the move with family or would prefer a quieter area to settle long-term look at areas like Park Slope, Forest Hills, or Riverdale. These neighborhoods offer larger living spaces, more greenery, and a slower pace without completely ditching the city feel.
Students & Other Budget-Minded Movers: Check out Washington Heights, Inwood, Crown Heights, or the Bronx. You’ll trade square footage for commute time, but the savings can be worth it.
Navigating the NYC Housing Market
If you’re new to the city, the apartment hunt can be a bit of a reality check. The NYC housing market moves fast, and finding the right apartment will require some resolve.
Types of Housing: Most NYC residents live in apartments. If you’re moving alone or on a tight budget, consider renting a room in a shared apartment or a similar arrangement.
No-Fee Apartments: One way to save money is to focus on no-fee listings, which don’t require a broker’s commission. Many management companies and landlords now list directly on rental sites, allowing you to avoid paying a broker’s fee.
Application Process: Be prepared to act quickly when you find a unit you like. Desirable apartments often get taken within 48 hours.
Tips for Success:
- Set up alerts on rental apps.
- Visit in person when possible.
- Be flexible with your move-in dates. Moving mid-month can often get you better deals.
Planning the Move: What You Need to Know
Moving to New York City is not your average move. Between traffic, elevator reservations, and narrow hallways – the logistics can get tricky. But we’re here to help.
A Few Weeks Out:
- Reserve your U-Haul moving truck or U-Box container.
- Gather moving supplies for packing.
- Notify landlords or property managers on both ends.
- Change your address and transfer utilities.
Choosing the Right U-Haul Equipment:
- Studio or 1 Bedroom? A 10ft moving truck usually does the trick.
- Bigger apartment? Consider a 15ft or 20ft moving truck.
- Need to transport your vehicle? Don’t forget an Auto Transport.
- Not interested in driving a moving truck through NYC? Then U-Box containers are your friend.
New York City Specific Reminders:
- Check if your new building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for moving companies.
- Reserve elevator/move-in time with your building.
- Look into parking permits if you're moving into a high-traffic area.
- Watch out for alternate side parking and street sweeping days.
And if you need an extra hand? Moving Help can connect you with local moving companies who can load or unload your stuff – which is especially useful if you need to move a couch up several flights of stairs.
Adjusting to NYC Life
Once the boxes are unpacked and the craziness of moving fades, it’s time to settle in and start living like a New Yorker. From cultural norms to navigating public transit, there are a few things every newcomer should know.
Master the Subway: It’s the fastest way to get around, but it takes a minute to figure out. Express vs. local trains can be confusing at first. If you can, try to avoid rush hour (8–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) when possible. And always consider a backup plan in case of delays.
Build a Routine: Whether it’s your morning coffee spot or weekend run in the park – finding a rhythm in your new environment can help you feel grounded and adjust quicker.
The Pace: NYC is loud, and people are in a rush. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones and comfortable walking shoes. People walk fast, talk directly, and expect the same in return.
Be Open to the Unexpected: New York is full of surprises. Say yes to new experiences and exploring different areas. And despite what you’ve heard – New Yorkers can be friendly. So be open to meeting new people from all walks of life.
Grocery Shopping: Big chain stores exist but navigating to and from with an entire grocery haul can be dauting. So, you’ll probably end up frequenting smaller local markets or corner stores (aka bodegas).
Make Moving to New York City Easier with U-Haul
When you’re moving to New York City, you need a plan – but having the right resources to pull off the move matters even more. That’s where U-Haul can help. Whether you’re moving from across the country or across the Hudson, U-Haul is the perfect solution for all your moving and storage needs.
Moving Truck Rentals: With multiple truck sizes and convenient pickup locations across the NYC metro, U-Haul moving trucks are perfect for everything from small studio moves to multi-room relocations.
Self-Storage: Need extra space after the move? Our New York City self-storage facilities make it easy to store items short or long-term.
U-Box Containers: Want to avoid city traffic on moving day entirely? U-Box portable moving containers allow you to pack at your own pace. We deliver, you load, and then we ship it to your new address or store it until you're ready.
Moving Supplies: From moving boxes to mattress bags – we’ve got everything you need. Buy online or stop by a nearby U-Haul center.
Moving Help: Save your back and some time by using Moving Help. Get connected with local labor services to help load and unload your stuff.
Moving Made Easier®
U-Haul has the largest selection of trucks for your move.
How far in advance should I start planning my move to NYC?
Start planning at least 6–8 weeks in advance. The sooner you research neighborhoods, lock in housing, and book your moving equipment or help, the smoother the process will be.
Can I drive a moving truck in New York City?
Yes, but it can be tricky. Streets are narrow, parking is limited, and traffic is constant. If you're not comfortable driving a larger vehicle, consider using U-Box portable moving containers.
Can I park a U-Haul moving truck on NYC streets?
For a short time? Yes. But finding a legal spot is tough. Double-check street signs and consider having a friend watch the truck while you unload. Some neighborhoods may require permits for longer stays.
Is self-storage available in New York City?
Yes U-Haul offers secure, convenient storage near New York City. It’s ideal if you’re downsizing, between leases, or just need extra space after the move.