Moving is never an easy task, but doing it in New York City presents some unique challenges. If you’re a native, you already know the drill. If moving in and around New York is new to you, know that getting the job done will require lots of planning and a dash of intestinal fortitude.

Line Up a Car

Having a car in NYC is generally an unnecessary expense. On moving day, however, you’re going to want one. You don’t want your expensive flat-screen bouncing around in the back of a moving truck, but lugging it to your new home on the L train isn’t any better.

To make gently moving valuables and pets easier, borrow a car from a friend or rent one for the day. If you only have a few items to move this way you can call a cab or an Uber, but remember they’ll keep the meter running while you’re unloading.

Make Handles

A large number of NYC apartments are walk-ups without elevators. That means you and your helpers will have to carry all of your moving boxes up several flights of stairs by hand. You can make doing so a lot easier if you get moving boxes with handles.

If your boxes lack them, make your own by cutting a triangle into each side of the box and pushing the flaps in and up. You’ll be glad you did.

Leave It on the Curb

Moving is a great time to clean house. Donate items you’re not taking with you or leave them on the curb for the trash man. If you’re already living in NYC, you know that the trash service is excellent and will take almost anything.

There are a few exceptions, however, and it’s important to know them. If disposing of a mattress, you can place it on the curb, but only after sealing it in a mattress bag. You can get one at a local hardware store.

The law also forbids New Yorkers from placing certain items in the trash. You must instead drop these items at a disposal center. These forbidden items include:

• Batteries
• Electronics
• Auto parts and fluids
• Mercury-containing bulbs and products
• Flammable and corrosive liquids

Man Your Truck

Unfortunately, moving in NYC often involves double parking a moving truck. If you’re lucky enough to find a space, it’s important to make sure you’re allowed to use it. If you’re not careful, you could come back to your truck only to find that it was towed away – along with most of your earthly possessions.

Professional NYC movers know how to work around city parking issues. If you’re moving by yourself, always keep at least one person with the truck so they can move it quickly if they have to.

Of course, moving to NYC also requires the same basics as any move. Label your boxes, stay organized and make sure heavy furniture is where you want it before your helpers leave. With some solid basics and a bit of NYC insight, your move will go off without a hitch.

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