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NYC Moving Guide

NYC Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before, During, and After Your Move

Moving in New York City comes with rules most checklists skip — freight elevators, certificates of insurance, alternate side parking. This guide covers all of it, week by week.

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Person reviewing an NYC moving checklist at a desk in a New York apartment with moving bins in the background
Quick Answer

The NYC moving checklist starts 8 weeks out: confirm lease dates, research movers, and check your new building’s move-in rules. Key NYC-specific steps include requesting a certificate of insurance from your movers (required by most buildings), reserving the freight elevator 2–4 weeks in advance, and planning for alternate side parking on moving day.

Moving in New York City is different from moving anywhere else. Building rules, co-op boards, freight elevator reservations, and tight windows add layers that most moving checklists don’t cover. This one does — broken out by week so nothing slips through the cracks.

8 Weeks Before Your Move

The earlier you start, the more options you have — especially for movers, who book up fast in summer.

Confirm your move-out and move-in dates with both landlords
Check your lease for notice requirements (usually 30–60 days)
Research moving companies — get at least 3 quotes
Check if your new building has a co-op or condo board requiring a move-in application
Begin decluttering — sell, donate, or discard what you don’t need to move
Research building move-in rules for your new address (freight elevator hours, certificate of insurance requirements)
Start collecting financial records and important documents in one place

6 Weeks Before Your Move

Book everything now. Waiting until the last month means losing your preferred date — especially for movers and elevator reservations.

Book your moving company — NYC movers fill up fast in summer months
Reserve the freight elevator at your new building (many require 2–4 weeks notice)
Book your moving bins or order boxes (EazyCrate recommends booking 1–2 weeks in advance)
Notify your employer of your upcoming address change
Begin packing non-essentials: books, seasonal items, decorative items

4 Weeks Before Your Move

Address changes and utility transfers take longer than expected — start them now so nothing lapses on moving day.

Request a certificate of insurance from your moving company (required by most NYC buildings)
Notify your bank, credit cards, and financial institutions of your address change
Notify subscriptions, deliveries, and memberships of your new address
Schedule utility transfers: electricity, gas, internet
File a USPS mail forwarding request at usps.com
Notify health insurance, doctors, and any medical providers of your address change
Continue packing — aim to have non-daily items packed by now

2 Weeks Before Your Move

Confirm all the moving parts so nothing surprises you on the day. This is the week to follow up on everything you booked.

Confirm all details with your moving company: date, time, addresses, elevator reservation
Confirm bin delivery date with EazyCrate (or confirm box delivery if ordering)
Pack all books, art, seasonal clothing, and anything not used daily
Disassemble furniture that needs to be broken down for the move
Take photos of electronics setups before disconnecting cables
Notify your gym, doorman, and any regular services of your new address
Update your driver’s license address with the DMV (required within 30 days of moving in NY)

1 Week Before Your Move

You should be almost fully packed. Use this week to confirm logistics and handle anything left undone.

Pack almost everything — leave only daily essentials unpacked
Confirm freight elevator reservation at your new building
Confirm parking or loading zone access for the moving truck
Pack an “open first” bag: chargers, toiletries, medications, coffee, change of clothes
Defrost your refrigerator if it’s moving with you
Clean and prep your current apartment (check lease for cleaning requirements)
Discard or donate anything you don’t want to move

Moving Day

Stay present, stay organized, and document everything before you hand over the keys.

Be present (or have a representative) for the movers from start to finish
Do a final walkthrough of your old apartment: check all closets, cabinets, and under beds
Take date-stamped photos of your old apartment on the way out
Hand over keys, fobs, and any access cards to your landlord
Direct movers at the new apartment — tell them which bins go in which room
Check all furniture and bins for damage before movers leave
Set up your “open first” essentials before unpacking anything else

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After Your Move

The physical move is done — but a few important tasks still need to happen in the days and weeks that follow.

Sign up for your new building’s package delivery or intercom system
Test all locks, windows, and appliances in your new apartment
Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and voter registration
Register your vehicle at the DMV with your new address
Schedule EazyCrate bin pickup (or break down and recycle cardboard boxes)
Write an online review for your movers if they did a good job
Return your old apartment keys by your agreed date
NYC apartment building service elevator with moving blanket pads installed — the standard setup for a freight elevator reservation
Only in NYC

NYC-Specific Rules You Need to Know

Generic checklists don’t cover these. Not knowing them can delay your move or cost you your deposit.

Certificate of Insurance

Most NYC co-ops, condos, and rental buildings require your mover to name the building as an additional insured. Request this at least 2 weeks before moving day.

Freight Elevator Reservation

Many buildings limit moves to a 2–4 hour window and require advance booking. Contact your new super the moment your moving date is confirmed.

Alternate Side Parking

Check the NYC parking calendar before your move. Plan for the alternate side schedule and arrive early to secure a loading spot for the truck.

Walk-Up Buildings

Schedule heaviest loads first while everyone has energy. Use proper dollies — reusable bins stack better on hand trucks than loose boxes.

Make Packing Easier with EazyCrate Bins

Skip the cardboard. EazyCrate delivers sturdy, reusable moving bins to your NYC door — picked up when you’re done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a COI to move in NYC? +
Yes — most NYC co-ops, condos, and many rental buildings require your moving company to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) naming the building as an additional insured. Request this from your mover at least 2 weeks before moving day and submit it to building management right away.
How far in advance should I book an NYC mover? +
Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving between May and September. Summer is peak moving season in NYC and reputable movers fill up quickly. If you’re moving at month’s end (when most leases turn over), add another 1–2 weeks.
How do I reserve the freight elevator in my building? +
Contact your building’s superintendent or property management company as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Most buildings require 2–4 weeks advance notice and limit moves to specific time windows — typically 2–4 hours. Get the confirmation in writing to share with your movers.
What is alternate side parking and how does it affect my move? +
NYC’s alternate side parking rules require vehicles to clear certain street sides during scheduled cleaning hours. If your moving truck parks on the wrong side, it can be ticketed or towed. Check nyc.gov/parking before your move and arrive early to secure a legal loading spot. NYC occasionally suspends alternate side for holidays.
How much notice do I need to give my NYC landlord? +
Most NYC leases require 30–60 days written notice before moving out. Check your specific lease and send notice via certified mail or email with a read receipt so you have documentation. If you’re breaking a lease early, review the early termination clause — NY has specific tenant protections that may apply.
When should I forward my mail before moving? +
File your USPS mail forwarding request at usps.com at least 2 weeks before your move — ideally 4 weeks to be safe. Mail forwarding is active for 12 months for first-class mail. Note that not all mail is forwarded (magazines, catalogs), so update your address directly with important senders.
What should be in my open-first bag on moving day? +
Pack everything you’ll need in the first 24 hours: phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, any medications, coffee and a mug, your laptop, keys and documents, snacks, and toilet paper. Keep this bag with you — not on the truck — so it’s immediately accessible at your new apartment.
Can I use reusable moving bins for an NYC apartment move? +
Yes — reusable moving bins are ideal for NYC apartments. They’re sturdier than cardboard, stack cleanly on hand trucks, and don’t collapse when loaded. EazyCrate delivers bins to your NYC door and picks them up when you’re done — no trips to the store, no cardboard to recycle.