NYC is an exciting place rife with opportunities for both work and fun. But let’s be honest, exciting things almost always come with some overwhelming and intimidating baggage.
When you move into NYC, getting used to its quirks can be difficult. From navigating the subway to finding good eateries nearby, the first week can feel like a blur.
However, with a little bit of planning before and after your move, you can settle in faster and start enjoying the energy of the city that never sleeps.
So, we have compiled a list of practical tips to make your transition smoother.
Things To Do Before Your Move
Here are some common things you can do before the move to ease the stress of relocation.
- Choose the Right Moving Company
The importance of a good moving company cannot be understated. Whether you are moving to NYC from another state or just from nearby cities, a reliable mover will make that experience smooth and easy.
NYC has a massive urban sprawl of narrow streets, narrow apartments, with tight stairs and elevators. Pair that with limited parking, and you have most of your moving challenges right in front of you.
That’s why partnering with an experienced company like Dumbo Moving can save you serious stress (and back pain). We recommend Dumbo Moving in particular because this company has been operating for nearly 20 years in NYC. So, its crews are well versed in navigating the NYC urban sprawl and all the challenges that come with it.
No matter which company you choose, make sure to contact them at least one month before your move to get the best price and schedule.
- Downsize Ruthlessly
Even though NYC is a big city, paradoxically, the streets and apartments in it are quite small. So, don’t travel with a lot of luggage because you won’t have enough space to store it.
To reduce the amount of travel baggage, go through your belongings before you pack and donate or sell what you don’t need. A lighter load is easier to transport and unpack, and it causes much less clutter.
For things you can’t throw away but also cannot store in your house, you may need to look for storage facilities. Most NYC moving companies provide temporary short and long-term storage at reasonable prices.
Look them up because you never know when you might need them.
- Research Neighborhood Essentials
Before you move to NYC, it is imperative that you do some research on the neighborhood you are going to. Some common stuff that you should check out is:
- nearby grocery stores,
- laundromats,
- gyms,
- subway stations
Checking these out ahead of time and creating a mental map of your new neighborhood helps you feel grounded right away. It also eases a lot of the anxiety associated with moving into a new place and makes you feel better suited to fit in.
After Your Move: Settling into NYC Life
Once you have reached NYC and begun your new life there, take the time to do these things in your first week to make settling in faster and smoother.
- Master the Subway System
NYC has terrible traffic, so it’s almost always better to use the subway system. With the NYC subway, you can get to most places with ease. However, learning the ins and outs of it can be daunting and make you nervous.
That’s why apps like Citymapper or Google Maps will be your best friend in the first week. They include detailed info on most subway lines and stations along the way.
Also, don’t be afraid to get on the wrong train. It’s practically a New York rite of passage. And you can always get out and go back as well. So, make sure to have plenty of time to waste in your first week to do these kinds of things and get used to NYC.
- Explore Your Neighborhood on Foot
The subway system is for getting used to things farther away from your home. To get used to your immediate neighborhood, the fastest way is to take a walk.
NYC is a den of local small businesses. So, go on walks and discover local coffee shops, bodegas, and eateries. Most areas have a community park or two within a few blocks, so try to discover one on your walks.
Don’t be afraid to talk to some of the people you meet during the walks. Ask them about the neighborhood, you may learn something special.
In this way, you’ll start building routines that make the city feel more familiar.
- Get Your Essentials in Order
There’s a lot of excitement in the first week, but don’t let the practical stuff slip through the cracks. Some of the most important things you should handle right away include:
- Setting up utilities like electricity, internet, gas, etc (if applicable). The sooner you schedule, the less time you’ll be waiting around without Wi-Fi or hot showers.
- Updating your address with your employer, bank, and any subscriptions. USPS also lets you file a simple change-of-address form online so your mail follows you.
- Grabbing a MetroCard or setting up OMNY for the subway and buses. Public transport is your lifeline, and you’ll want to be ready to tap and go without fumbling for change.
Checking out these essentials early not only saves you headaches but also gives you a sense of stability in the middle of a big transition.
- Say Yes to Social Opportunities
New York is known for being fast-paced, but it’s also one of the most social and diverse cities in the world. Meeting new people in the first week might feel intimidating, but saying “yes” more often than “no” will help you feel at home faster.
- Coworkers or classmates might invite you to grab coffee, drinks, or just a quick lunch. Take them up on it.
- Many neighborhoods have community events or local markets, which are easy, low-pressure places to meet people.
- Even casual interactions at your local bodega, gym, or coffee shop can blossom into friendly familiarity over time.
Building a social circle early makes the city feel less overwhelming and helps you carve out your place in it.
Final Thoughts
Your first week in NYC is going to be a whirlwind. With all the new routines, new people, and probably a few subway mishaps along the way, you may feel somewhat overwhelmed. But that chaos is part of the fun. If you prepare wisely before the move, lean into the small adventures afterward, and take time to explore both the city and its people, you’ll find yourself settling in faster than you expected.