5 Tips for Making Your City Move Easy and Worry-Free!
- Thinking of moving into the city to be closer to that exciting new job?
- Seeking a new neighborhood with a more exciting, more vibrant atmosphere?
- Looking to upgrade to a spacious loft or beautiful new high-rise?
- Interested in experiencing city life for the very first time?
Whether you are moving from the suburbs to the city, moving from one city to another, or simply trying out a new neighborhood within your local urban area, city life offers plenty of exciting opportunities both for employment and an active social life. Up and coming restaurants, theaters and museums, bars and hotspots, and diverse ethnic and cultural neighborhoods: downtown metropolitan areas across the United States offer so much to experience all within a walk or ride-share away. So whatever your reason, city life is certainly something everyone should experience at some point in their lives!
Yet as exciting as urban life is, it’s true that moving residences within an urban downtown area presents some…well, let’s just call them “unique”…challenges! If you’ve previously moved into or within a major metropolitan area, you are probably already aware of some of the hassles; if you are moving into a city for the first time, some of the challenges might take you by surprise. As with so much in life—especially city life—a little advance planning can go a long way towards making your move a smooth one.
So with that hint in mind, here are five important tips for making your move in the city smooth and successful.
- Plan for parking
Potentially the biggest hassle associated with urban moving is legally parking that giant truck with all your stuff in it! It’s important to know the rules and regulations regarding loading and unloading in your specific neighborhood (and don’t assume they are the same across the entire city, as they may differ from neighborhood to neighborhood). You may need to synch your move with specific “move in/move out” times dictated by city ordinance and/or you may need to get a permit that will enable you to legally load/unload a vehicle. Once the move is planned, you may be allowed to mark out a space for a specific time with orange parking cones.
- Coordinate with building superintendent(s)
Get to know the superintendent or manager and/or doorman of your new building before your move, as you will likely need his/her assistance and cooperation on move-in day. He or she may be able to arrange access to a rear parking area and entrance for the duration of your move. In the best case scenario, he or she may provide a quick tour any areas designated for moving and help you understand and meet building regulations regarding move-ins. And if you are moving out of an urban building, don’t forget to coordinate the move-out the same way!
- Utilize a freight elevator if possible
While coordinating with the building manager, be sure to ask if the building has a freight elevator that you could utilize during your move, or find out if one elevator can be designated or reserved solely for your use; many loft and high-rise buildings, especially new ones, will have a specific elevator set aside to accommodate residents moving in and moving out. You will need to coordinate your move-in time in advance to be sure that you have access to a pass key. And don’t abuse the privilege: arrive promptly at your move-in time, know how long you will have access, and complete the move (as much as possible) within that designated time!
- Time your move carefully
When moving into a new neighborhood and building, the last thing you want to do is antagonize your neighbors on your very first day! Utilizing a freight elevator or restricting your use of the common elevators will help—everyone understands the demands of a move—as long as you are respectful. But also be sure to time your move carefully: it’s best to avoid busy times in the morning and evening when other residents are rushing out to work or coming home after a long day, yet moving too early on weekends or at night can disrupt your neighbor’s sleep. Also be sure to check any municipal regulations regarding specific moving times.
- Safety and security
Urban moving involves two specific safety concerns that must be accounted for in your plan for the move. First, belongings left in an open, unsupervised truck make a tempting target for a would-be thief. A good moving plan should ensure that at no point are your “things” left unattended, in the truck, on the street, or in the building. Second, unsecured doors are a security threat to the entire building, not just to you. Your move-in plan should ensure that doors are not left propped open at any time, even if you have only one pass key.
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