Guest Blogger: Costs to Consider when Moving in NYC

Guest Blogger 1K+, Entry #2635, July 9, 2013

Psychologists consistently list relocating among the top five stressors in a person’s lifetime. It is the complete upheaval of life, as you have known it, and presents one of the biggest financial challenges you will have to face. While it is true that moving can be a stressful experience under the best of circumstances, being inadequately prepared for the financial demands will make you far more anxious than you need to be.  By following a few simple guidelines, NYC moving can be as stress-free as moving gets.

Tips to consider when moving in NYC

Image via: Tara Benet Design

Neighborhood Affordability Should Be Your First Consideration In NYC Moving

Choosing the neighborhood that is a match for your pocketbook goes a long way toward a smooth transition. You may think an apartment in an affluent neighborhood is within your range, and you could be right, but do your homework to make sure. You may need an income of 40 times your rent to qualify. A deposit equal to two months’ rent triples your upfront costs. If you need a broker, who averages 15% of your annual rent, that’s another out of pocket expense. Don’t get caught short on money, because you failed to fully think through everything entailed in NYC moving.

Consider Taking An Apartment With A Roommate

Stories of nightmare roommates may give you your own nightmares, but having the rent covered every month may be worth the risk. Network with friends, coworkers, and family if you can to lessen your chances of choosing unwisely. The benefits of finding that special roommate are obvious and immediate. If they already have the apartment, you may avoid the credit check that requires your number to be in the 700s. If you’re really lucky, they’ve already secured a rent-controlled situation you can slide into, which will also keep costs down. Even if you both move into a new place together, it cuts the deposit, the rent, and the costs of the NYC movers in half.

Consider hiring movers for your NYC move

Image via: Pepe Calderin Design

Think About Ditching The Car, And Definitely Hire NY Movers

With such abundant and excellent public transportation in New York City, why would you even think about keeping a car? This unnecessary expense puts additional strain on the NYC moving budget. Even if you don’t consider car payments and insurance costs, parking is nearly non-existent and astronomically priced. Don’t forget about those New York winters. Parking in the wrong place on snow removal day will cost you big bucks. Ideally, moving into an affordable neighborhood not far from work would save you both time and money. Hiring NY movers will also render a car useless, as they take care of everything for you anyway.

Make Sure NYC Moving Leaves You With Disposable Income

It is easy to fall under the spell of the Big Apple mystique, as Alicia Keys’ New York State of Mind replays unchecked in your head, but don’t lose sight of your priorities. Once you get moved in, you still have to live. You don’t want to your expenses to be so high that you can’t ever leave your apartment. Taking advantage of the many free sites and attractions the city has to offer can really stretch your dollar. If you are creative, you can live well in New York City no matter what your income.

Keep Costs Low And Hire A NYC Moving Company

With so many other costs to consider, before, during, and after your move, do yourself a favor and save some money by hiring a NYC moving company.

This post was written by Sharon, CEO: http://www.amazonrelocation.com

For more moving tips on Stagetecture, click here.