Moving to New York City for the first time can be an exciting experience, but moving there is not as easy as moving anywhere else. With a huge population and tons of things going on, moving in NYC can be a little confusing. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to do before moving here (including some important tips), how much it costs to move here, and finally some advice about finding an apartment and moving in New York City!

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How to prepare for a move in NYC?

  • Ask friends who have recently moved to New York for their advice.
  • Are you moving for a job? You can also ask your current or former New York employer for relocation tips and help with the process, which can help you get a leg up on finding new work in NYC.
  • Prepare yourself for all of the costs associated with moving--including transportation, new housing, new utility companies and even new wardrobes.
  • Research the neighborhoods you're considering--and don't forget to do research on what is near your new school or at work if those are considerations for where you want to live in NYC!

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What is the best month to move into an apartment?

If you are moving to New York, then the best month is October if you want your new home to come with a reduced rent. Otherwise, it depends on what borough and neighborhood you're going to be living in since the prices vary throughout all of New York City.

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How much money do you need to move out in NYC?

The amount of money you need to move out in NYC will depend on the size and number of people who are moving. If it's just one person, then anywhere from $500-$2000 is a good estimate for what new New Yorkers should expect. For more than two or three people, you can budget up to $5000.

There are also a lot of hidden costs new New Yorkers might not think about, such as furniture and appliances or the cost to register your vehicle in New York state.

You should figure out how much you can afford before going house hunting so that it doesn't become overwhelming when looking for places.

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Finding an apartment in New York City

Finding an apartment in New York City can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right mindset and a little luck, you'll find your new home before you know it! Here are some tips that may help make this process smoother:

  • Do research on different neighborhoods to get an idea of what's available in your budget
  • Ask friends and family for leads on available apartments - word of mouth is the best way to find a good deal!
  • Check out rental websites, like RentHop or StreetEasy, which aggregate listings from many other sites
  • Attend open houses around your desired area. You'll be able to see different types of apartments and strike up conversations with landlords
  • Research the neighborhood where you're looking to live. Crime rates, schools, noise level are all important factors in your decision
  • Negotiate a better deal for yourself! Landlords will be more willing to negotiate if they know that another tenant is interested as well
  • Hold off on applying for an apartment until you've talked to as many landlords/agents and seen several listings
  • If the landlord agrees, get a roommate. Renting with someone else can lower your total living costs by splitting things like rent, utilities, groceries etc.
  • Consider buying furniture or appliances before signing a lease - this way it won't be added to the total cost of your move
  • Have a pet? Make sure to find out if there are any specific breed restrictions or fees. Some landlords require dog owners to have dogs that are well behaved and trained so they don't disturb other tenants
  • If you're not happy with an apartment, negotiate! Landlords want someone who is satisfied with it as much as possible
  • Take time to consider your decision. Not all apartments are perfect, but that doesn't mean they won't be a good fit!


For those of you who love the idea of living in New York, but are not fully sure if it's for you, I hope this article has helped to answer some questions and given you a better sense of what life is like here. Keep in mind that every person's experience will be different! These tips should help get your started with understanding how to make the most out of your time here or at least give you an insight into what might work best for other people. Have any more questions? Drop our Brooklyn Movers a line and we can chat about anything else that comes up as well!