Are you planning to move from NJ to the Big Apple? Well, the city that never sleeps is ready for you. Moving away, no matter how close or far away is always stressful, and the more tips and hints you know, the easier it will get. Most people from New Jersey are finding NYC to be the best city for their new home. Although it is one of the most expensive cities to live in, it will provide you with an opportunity to live a fast, and fulfilled life. Let us see what are the best tips for moving from NJ to NYC.
Save money before you move from NJ to NYC
As we already mentioned, NYC is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Rent can be extremely high, even for a one-bedroom apartment. The property tax is lower in NYC than in NJ, 2,72% to 0.72%, but all the other taxes are higher in NYC, so that evens out. The cost of life in NYC is 84% higher than the nation`s average. That is why it makes the most sense to start saving money as soon as you decide to move to the Big Apple.
- Find a roommate — The best way to cut down on living expenses in NYC is to find someone to share the rent with.
- Get free packing supplies — Craigslist is the place where you can find some free packing supplies. Also, use your old blankets for moving blankets, newspapers instead of packing paper and bubble wrap. Furthermore, you can use your suitcases and bags before you start filling out the moving boxes.
- Get help — Call your friends to assist you with packing and transportation. Have someone take care of your kids and pets while you are moving your furniture.
Downsize
Knowing that the rent in NYC can be a lot higher than in NJ, downsizing seems pretty reasonable. Think of this as the best opportunity you have to get rid of everything you don`t need anymore. Old clothes, books, toys, tools, shoes, souvenirs, china, basically everything. Make it a challenge to relocate only the items you truly need. While it may seem cruel to get rid of the items you are sentimentally attached to, it helps you let go of the past, and you will feel much better. Here is what you can do with the items you no longer need:
- Sell them — You can sell your items online, or make a yard sale. Whichever is easier for you, although the online sale is becoming a popular choice nowadays.
- Donate — You can donate pretty much anything you own as long as it is in good condition. A charity will sell your items and spend the money on what they need. Never miss out on an opportunity to make someone happy.
- Give them to your friends and family members — If you don`t have enough space for all of your plants, books, scarves, or other items in your new NYC apartment, give those things to your dearest ones. They will take great care of your belongings. Plus, they will have something of yours to remember you by.
Find an apartment
NJ is a state where you can have a bit more slow-paced and calmer lifestyle. While NYC is considered to be the total opposite, it is not entirely true. There are plenty of absolutely great suburbs that you can choose from, where you can experience a calmer way of life. Since NJ and NYC are not that far away, we recommend that you visit the apartment in person before renting it. When it comes to rent, location, and size of your new apartment, usually you have to give up one or two things, depending on your priority. But if you take your time choosing an apartment, you may have more luck.
Get some help
Now is a good time to call your friends or family members to help you out with the relocation. Packing, unpacking, transporting, cleaning, collecting all the documents take time, patience, and skill. Luckily, you can make your relocation from NJ to NYC somewhat easier if you get some help. If you don`t have anyone who could assist you, hire professional movers. Here are some tips on how to find reliable movers when moving from NJ to NYC:
Check their USDOT number
Ask your movers for a USDOT number, and then run your search on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or simply FMCSA. You will be able to see the claims they had in the past, the state of their vehicles, whether they had any accidents, and much more.
Recommendations
If someone you know has moved recently with the help of a moving company, ask them for their experience. A recommendation from someone you trust is the best way to find a reliable NJ moving company.
Check out the reviews
Yes, some reviews on the website might be fake. But they are also super easy to spot. Just disregard the comments where the company is overpraised, or undermined. Also bear in mind that people are most likely to leave a review if they are not satisfied with the service, so if there are not many bad reviews, the company is worth contacting.
Compare several moving companies
Don`t just hire a moving company with the lowest price, though. High-quality service will cost you, but that is nothing in comparison to damaged items, unprofessional staff, and uncertainty of the outcome if you choose an unreliable moving company. Compare several moving companies and choose the one with the best quality to service ratio.
Keep the stress away while moving from NJ to NYC
Just because you are moving from NJ to NYC does not mean you should be stressed out all the time. The organization is the key to a successful relocation. If you used to jog, do yoga, hang out with friends, don`t just throw it out the window. Keep all the habits that make you happy, and deal with the relocation in some other time frame. Good luck!