Summer is a busy time to move in New York, and the last few days of any month can feel like the whole city is carrying boxes at once. Moving into a New York City apartment comes with its own set of puzzles: elevator reservations, walk-up stairs, building paperwork and a truck that needs somewhere to park. The right local pros make all of it easier.
This guide covers who to line up before move day, who to call in your first week and what to ask each of them.
Before the move: book movers who know NYC buildings
Moving in New York is not like moving in the suburbs. A good mover here knows the building rules as well as the streets.
Ask your building what it requires
Call your new building's management or super, and your old one, before you book anyone. Ask:
- Are there set hours or days for moves?
- Do I need to reserve the elevator or a loading entrance?
- Does the building require movers to send a certificate of insurance before move day?
- Is there a move-in deposit or fee?
Many buildings ask movers for a certificate of insurance, and some will not let a crew in without one. Find out early so your mover has time to send it.
Get a clear quote
Moving prices in New York depend on how much you have, how many flights of stairs are involved, how far the truck is from the door and how long the job takes. Ask every mover:
- Is the price hourly or flat?
- Are there extra charges for stairs, long carries or heavy items?
- What happens if the move takes longer than planned?
- Can you do a video or in-person walkthrough first?
Get the final quote in writing. If you are moving from another state, ask for the mover's USDOT number too.
One example listed on Listings Junkie is Simplify valet Storage & Moving, whose listing describes household and corporate moves in New York City, along with storage. You can compare others on the New York moving and storage page.
Move-in week: the first pros to call in your new New York City apartment
Once you have the keys, a few calls in the first week can save you a lot of trouble later.
A pest inspection before you unpack
This is the one many people skip and later wish they had not. In a city of shared walls and old buildings, it is smart to check for pests before your furniture and clothes go into closets.
Look closely at the kitchen, bathroom and closets. If you see signs of roaches, mice or bed bugs, tell your landlord right away and ask how they handle it. If you own your unit, or want your own inspection, a pest control company can help.
Deekay Pest Control, listed on Listings Junkie, describes pest control for homes and businesses in Jamaica, Queens, including bed bug treatment. The New York pest control page lists other options.
A deep clean while the place is empty
An empty apartment is the easiest one to clean. A deep clean before the boxes come in, or right after they are out of the way, makes a new place feel like home. Browse the New York cleaning services page for companies that do move-in cleaning.
Locks and keys
You do not know how many keys to your new place are out there. Check your lease and talk to your landlord or building management about changing or adding locks, since many buildings have rules about it. If you own your unit, a locksmith from the New York locksmiths page can rekey or replace locks.
Outlets, wiring and that window AC
August is when window air conditioners, fans and chargers all run at once. If outlets feel warm, breakers trip or lights flicker, take it seriously.
In a rental, report electrical problems to your landlord or super. If you own a condo or co-op unit, hire a licensed electrician and check whether your building has rules about contractors. YT Electrical Services Inc, listed on Listings Junkie, describes itself as a licensed electrical contracting company serving homes, businesses and industrial clients across New York City's five boroughs. See others on the New York electricians page.
Appliances
Test the fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher and any laundry machines in your first few days. In a rental, problems usually go to the landlord. Owners can find repair help on the New York appliance repair page.
Renters and owners call different people
One of the most useful things to know in a new apartment is who is responsible for what.
If you rent, most repairs to the building, plumbing, wiring, heat and included appliances usually go through your landlord or super. Put requests in writing and keep a record. Your lease is the place to check the details.
If you own a condo or co-op, you are often responsible for what is inside your unit, while the building handles common areas and shared systems. Your building's rules usually spell out the line, and many require contractors to show insurance and follow set work hours.
When in doubt, ask management before you hire anyone.
How to vet a New York service pro
The city has thousands of service companies. A few habits help you find good ones:
- Confirm they serve your borough. A company in Queens may or may not want a job in Upper Manhattan.
- Ask about licensing and insurance for trades that need them, and whether they can provide paperwork your building requires.
- Get estimates in writing before work begins.
- Read reviews for patterns. Look for comments about showing up on time and handling building rules well.
On Listings Junkie, listings are confirmed by email and checked before they go live, and customer reviews are confirmed by email too. For bigger jobs, our guide on how to choose a reliable contractor or electrician has more questions to ask. The New York businesses page groups local companies by category if you want to browse.
Your first-month checklist
Confirm move rules with both buildings
Book movers and send any required insurance paperwork
Inspect for pests before unpacking
Deep clean while the apartment is empty
Sort out locks with your landlord or a locksmith
Test outlets, appliances and the AC
Save the numbers for your super, a plumber and an electrician
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to know before moving into a New York City apartment?
Ask both buildings about move hours, elevator reservations, deposits and whether movers need a certificate of insurance. Then get a written quote from your mover that covers stairs, long carries and timing.
Should I get a pest inspection in a new apartment?
It is a smart step before you unpack, especially in older buildings. If you rent and find signs of pests, tell your landlord right away.
Who fixes problems in a rental apartment in New York?
Usually the landlord or super handles building systems and included appliances, but check your lease. Put repair requests in writing and keep a copy.
How do I find movers who know NYC buildings?
Look for movers who mention New York City moves in their listing, ask whether they handle building insurance requirements and get a written quote before booking.
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