New York is one of the most popular cities in the world for expats. So, you’ll have no trouble finding a good moving company in NYC for this relocation. Though, looking up Big Apple moving companies online isn’t everything. You will also need some tips on how to prepare for NYC relocation beforehand. This is where our short guide of common NYC relocation mistakes and hacks comes in. So, here’s what every eager expat should know before calling the movers for an in-house estimate.

Before booking a move with your relocation company, you should consider where you’ll be moving to

Brooklyn - the most sought after affordable neighborhood in NYC.First things first, New York is not a cheap city. So, everything will be more expensive when you relocate here. Sure, there are some tips about an affordable NY lifestyle which you can learn. And, there are ways to cut the costs of your New York relocation available, too. Though, expect the prices to go up during and after your move. But, if you still want to live comfortably after relocating, we’d advise looking at some of the more low-cost, yet still good neighborhoods first. Here are some of our top picks:

• Bed-Sty – the favorite of all college students moving to NYC. Finding an affordable apartment in Brooklyn is usually a myth or a scam. Though, if you’re looking at a home in Bed-Sty, you may just be surprised. Here, you will be able to enjoy the fun side of New York without going broke.
• Bushwick – the spot for the working class. This is another hidden gem in Brooklyn. While it may not fit your budget just after you relocate to NYC, it definitely will once you find employment. When you want to prepare for NYC relocation, this is the neighborhood to consider.
• Astoria – the land of dreams for the middle class. This is a neighborhood which has topped all charts for expats in the recent years. And, for good reason. Located in Queens, it is one of the most affordable spots for new denizens on NYC.

And with a destination in mind, prepare for NYC relocation with a good purge

Clutter is a normal thing in a home. If you don’t have any, you’re probably some form of a supernatural being. Though, it’s when you want to prepare for NYC relocation that this common thing becomes a real nuisance. This is why we always suggest leaving more time before your relocation that what you estimate you’ll need. The first step you should take is to go through your belongings. Start with your garage or another place which you use for storage. Decide which are the things that will be going to New York with you, and which are those you’ll part with. Think about the size of your future apartment and your current home. So, will you need some affordable NYC storage? And, while doing this, we suggest that you also begin your packing process. After all, there is no early with packing for an NYC relocation. Which brings us to our next topic.

In order to prepare for an NYC move well, you will need a few things, too

If you’ve ever moved house before, you’ve probably learned that cutting the costs on moving boxes isn’t a good idea. If you haven’t, we’re here to tell you so. Your belongings will go into moving boxes and then into the van. In case you re-use boxes or get some from a supermarket, you may find yourself with more than a few damaged items. This is why we always offer our customers moving boxes for an affordable price. Our NYC packing and unpacking services can prevent your headache. But, if you opt for a DIY packing job, you will need high-quality supplies. And, as a tip, we’d also suggest cutting handles into boxes in case they don’t have them. This will allow your movers to easily lift the boxes.

When moving to New York, you should have an easy-to-follow packing system in place

A well-packed box for a move is easy to lift and clearly labeled.Label, label, and then label some more. A common moving mistake with homeowners is that they assume they will know what is where. Though, in the chaos of a move, this is usually just a hope. So, in order to prepare for NYC relocation, you should have a labeling system in place. We suggest printing out color-coded labels for each box. This way, you will not only be able to list the items inside, but also the room which they should go to. Your movers will be able to easily place them in the correct spot. And, here are a few more tips on how to prepare for NYC relocation. First, never overpack a box. If you can’t lift it, don’t assume that your movers can. So, heavy things should go into smaller boxes and lighter into big ones. Also, in case you have anything fragile, mark it as so. In case there are boxes with the right side up, also place that warning clearly on the top lid.

Finally, here are a few rules of moving to NYC etiquette you should be aware of before the moving day

On moving day it's essential that you have the tips ready.Moving day is on the horizon. Are there any courtesy rules you should be aware of? Of course! Here’s what you should do before and on moving day. First, everything needs to be packed and ready for the movers. Also, in order to prepare for NYC relocation, you should let the movers do their job. You may want to help out, but they will likely have everything covered. Remember that they are a well-oiled machine. Ask them if you can do anything to make their job easier. Your valuables should be ready in a separate bag which you will be taking with you. Any documentation which is important should be included here, as well. Having some light snacks and water bottles to offer the workers is always a welcome thing, too. If you want to prepare for NYC relocation well, we advise having your future address and contact number written down for the driver. And in the end, have a tip for the movers ready in cash. Usually, this is about 10-20% of the cost of your move. Now, you’re ready for your NYC move!