Guide to Relocating to New York for a Job
You've got the job of your dreams, and it's in a city many people long to call home — New York. Pop a bottle of champagne and celebrate.
However, remember to create a moving game plan before the ball starts rolling. Relocating to any new place is an intricate process, and NYC provides its own set of challenges. With confidence and smarts, you can handle it.
Here are seven helpful tips to consider when moving to New York.
1. Create a Budget
Rent is NYC varies by neighborhood. For an apartment on the Upper West Side, expect to pay $3,280 each month. An apartment in the East Village, however, fetches $2,840.
While you may be stable enough to avoid scraping pennies together, you'll need to establish a budget early on, especially if it will take a few weeks for your new paychecks to come through. Maintaining your finances is smart no matter where you move.
The Big Apple offers plenty of entertainment, including theater shows, museums and festivals. You may feel the urge to indulge in everything at once. The occasional night on the town won't hurt, but spend wisely. Align your rent, transportation, utilities and other expenses with your salary. Regularly monitor your bank accounts and stay on top of credit card bills.
If you need to buy new stuff — like curtains, bed sheets or kitchen appliances — decide what's essential and what can wait.
2. Hire a Moving Company
If you decide to splurge, the one thing to consider is your moving budget. Ensure your belongings reach your new place safe and sound — especially if you're making a long-distance move.
Going the DYI route with shipping containers and U-Hauls can save you money, but it will also put more stress on you. It will be your job to pack and organize everything.Plus, an interstate drive with a big moving truck can wear you out, which poses a danger to you and others. This is why many people hire long distance moving companies.
3. The Ins and Outs of Subletting
If you must move suddenly to start a new job, you may have to break your lease. Instead of paying extra fees to get out of the contract, sublet your apartment to a new tenant. Discuss it with your landlord and draw up the terms and conditions. If you don't have someone in mind, conduct a screening of prospective candidates.
On the flip side, you may want to consider starting with a sublet yourself. Do you want to move to NYC right away? It can sometimes be a hassle to find the perfect place from afar. Instead, sublet someone else's apartment once you arrive, typically a contract of a few months instead of a full year.
Once your sublet is up, you can move to a better place and hone in on your favorite neighborhoods. If you like the place, you can always talk to the landlord and any potential roommates about signing a new lease.
4. Research the Neighborhoods
Home is where the heart is. Once you arrive, pick a neighborhood you love. NYC possesses hundreds of communities, each with its own culture and way of life. You're bound to find something to relate to.
The most important factors to consider are the current residents, mix of housing, neighborhood amenities and community feel. Do you have adequate access to public transportation, markets and other everyday needs? Do you feel safe and welcome navigating the neighborhood? And do the available housing options accommodate a range of renters and homeowners?
Don't pick the first apartment you see. Take some time to mull over your decision and settle on a place that genuinely feels like home.
5. Handle the Paperwork
If you're lucky enough to secure an NYC home, you'll need to shut off your utilities for your former address and transfer them to your new place. Check if all your utility companies are available in the area — find new ones if not.
Forward mail to your new address, and don't forget weekly magazine subscriptions. Change the address associated with your bank and credit cards to avoid verification issues.
Stop by the DMV to register to vote, get a new driver's license and obtain an IDNYC. These IDs come with benefits, such as access to medical facilities, libraries, botanical gardens and museums.
6. Locate the Necessary Spots
After a long day of unpacking, you realize you have no food in your fridge. Time to hit the grocery store! But where is it? Know where essential spots are ahead of time to save the stress of hopping on the subway without a clue.
Technology makes traveling easier by providing real-time maps and high-quality GPS, but it's always good to prepare. Ask your new neighbors for recommendations and take time to walk around the neighborhood before you’re desperate for a bite to eat or to locate a convenience store. You’ll appreciate the time investment.
7. Rethink Car Ownership
You might reconsider bringing your car to the city. NYC is the capital of public transportation, with its well-known subway system, yellow taxis and bike-sharing programs. The public transportation system sees more than 2.6 billion riders each year — around 8.6 million every day.
With so many options for getting around, you may find you're better off spending money on rent or bills. You should also invest in a few pairs of sturdy tennis shoes, as you'll do an equal amount of walking.
If you're not a fitness lover, look on the bright side — you'll gain stamina, lose weight and get some fresh air on your commute.
Moving for a New Job in NYC
Turn your move into a fun, exciting experience with these relocation tips. Remember, fear is natural. You can overcome it with confidence and determination. New York City is big, but you'll learn it like the back of your hand in no time.
Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.
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