New York City is notoriously hot during the summer, so if you’re planning to move here then, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared. Horror stories about “fourth-floor walkups” and “pre-war apartments” abound, but take these with a grain of salt. If you’ve done your research and prepared, a summer move to New York City can be a breeze. Don’t forget that hiring the right movers in NYC can make or break your move (and your things too!). Here are our tips for keeping your cool during a move to the Big Apple.
Book Movers in Advance
It’s not just interns keen to find apartments who move in from May to August; tons of people take advantage of warmer weather to move to New York during the summer months. To make sure your move isn’t the last priority, make sure to call a reliable mover at least 8 weeks before you plan to move into a new place. If you’re headed to the Big Apple from another state or country, you should try to book at least 12 weeks in advance. Those just moving between boroughs will likely have more luck booking a last-minute move, just a week or two before the deadline.
Pack Efficiently
In addition to booking your mover in advance, packing efficiently will make the moving process much simpler. Figure out what you want to donate and what you want to toss before you begin packing the items you won’t be able to live without. Decluttering pre-move will cut down on the cost of your move and increase the efficiency of unpacking. Don’t forget to sort all your belongings by room, too! Your movers can help box everything up, but sorting all your items in advance will make everything go much faster when the movers arrive for the big day.
Something else that can help is having a move-centric binder that contains the essentials like receipts for the move, your movers’ contact information, and a schedule of all the important move-related dates. You may also want to download moving apps to keep all your move details organized in your phone.
Scout Out Your New Neighborhood
Packing and planning for a move can be time-consuming. It’s important to take some time to scope out fun things to do once you arrive, so you can balance unpacking and setting up your new place with getting acclimated to the neighborhood. NYCGo is the city’s official guide to the coolest happenings, but the New York Times also has an excellent entertainment guide. New York City is amazing in the summer – there’s always something going on.
One of the most distinctive summer events in New York City is Shakespeare in the Park, a free series of Shakespeare plays in Manhattan’s Central Park. For 2017, Julius Caesar will run for the first part of the summer, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run in the second half. Other ways to stay cool and enjoy an NYC summer include basking under that A/C at your nearest public library location, indulging in a frozen treat at Ample Hills Creamery, or splashing your way through the fountains at Heckscher Playground.
With a bit of planning, your summer move can be easy and stress-free despite the soaring temperatures. Once you’re settled in, be sure to take the time to enjoy NYC’s sunny days.
