Relocation Tips: Make Your Move to the New York City Area Quick and Easy

Ask friends or family to recommend a reputable mover who will handle your valuable furniture and precious possessions with the utmost care. Be sure to schedule your move with a moving company at least six weeks in advance.

Begin gathering packing supplies and start packing early. The last time I moved, I got free boxes from my supermarket.

Notify your landlord or management company at least 4 weeks in advance of your move.

Contact utility companies--water, electricity, gas, cable, and telephone--to terminate your service.

Call your local phone company a month before your move to transfer your number or request a new number for your new home.

Get gas, electric and water services connected at your new residence the day before you move in. Make a request to have services turned off at your old address the day after you move.

Be sure to arrange to have your pets transported safely to your new residence—it’s a good idea to have them travel with you, if possible—this will make the move less stressful for them and you.

Remember to pack bare essentials to tide you and your family over for at least a day such as toiletries, towels, soap, and toothpaste. Sponges cleaners, broom, and a dustpan will make straightening up a breeze! Having a hammer and nails handy will make hanging pictures easy.

A couple of weeks before your move, take the time to explore your new home in the new york area, so you and your family will know where to find the nearest subway and bust stops, grocery stores, dry cleaners, and the post office. Native New Yorkers always know where they're going and are good at finding the fastest way there.