Moving in NYC? Here Are the Top Things People Forget to Schedule on Moving Day

Moving is hard enough as it is. But it’s extra hard in New York City.

Every building and street seems to have its own rules, and you can’t always count on easy access to an elevator big enough to move large items. Every city move has a dozen moving parts, most of which have nothing to do with packing a box. And it’s easy to forget those rules until they’re causing chaos on the moving day.

Here are the easy-to-miss things you need to know before you move in New York City.

Reserve the freight elevator and make sure your movers can provide a certificate of insurance. 

In most apartment buildings and co-ops, you cannot simply show up and start hauling. Many buildings require you to reserve the freight elevator in advance and to provide a certificate of insurance from your movers before they are allowed in the door.

If you forget either one of these items, your move can stall in the lobby before it even starts. Make sure you have both and double check with building management as soon as you have a date.

Figure out where the moving truck is going to park.

Curb space is its own battle in the city. There is rarely a guaranteed place for a truck to park, and depending on the neighborhood you may need to plan around street cleaning, loading zones, or a permit. 

It’s here that a little coordination can save your movers the trouble of circling the block, all while the clock on your move is running.

Schedule junk removal for the items you don’t want to come with you.

This is the big one people leave until the last minute. You might have an old mattress or busted dresser, or simply some furniture that won’t work in the new place. You can’t just drop them at the curb, and the city has strict rules about how and when bulk items can go out.

Scheduling junk removal ahead of moving means those items will be gone before the movers arrive. That can save you both the cost of moving items you don’t want and the risk of a fine from the DSNY.

Figure out what to do with old items.

New York bans electronics from the regular trash, so old TVs and monitors need a real plan rather than a quick toss. Usable furniture and household goods are worth donating too. 

The Junkluggers of New York City handles both at once, carrying items out from any floor and sorting them so electronics are recycled and good pieces are donated and rehomed. 

Plan the clear-out first.

The simplest way to keep your moving day calm is to clear out as much as you can before the movers arrive. Book the junk removal early, get the old furniture and clutter gone, and let the movers focus only on what is coming with you. Every step of the moving process takes coordination in this city, and this is the best way to make the process as a whole easier.

The Junkluggers' Green Guarantees®

The Junkluggers of New York City backs every job with its Green Guarantees®:

• Honest Pricing: You'll never pay more than your on-site estimate.
• Eco-Friendly Removal: Items are donated, rehomed, and recycled whenever possible.
• Exceptional Service: The crew arrives on time, works efficiently, and treats your home with respect.
• Donation Receipt: You'll receive a receipt within 14 business days for all applicable donated items.

Need Help with Junk Removal in New York City Near You?

The Junkluggers of New York City offers same-day and next-day appointments. Call 1-800-LUG-JUNK or book your free on-site estimate online.

When in doubt, we'll lug it out®.