Preparing for Your Manhattan Move

So you’ve made plans to move to Manhattan, and you're especially excited about the opportunities the world's capital provides. This is entirely natural, and like most people moving into New York's heart, you'll likely find the reality even more exciting than the fantasy. You're also likely to find the process more challenging than you'd hoped for, but this is something you can learn to manage.

Accepting a Smaller Space

Unless you're an exceptionally lucky individual, the home you're looking at in Manhattan is likely going to be smaller than the one you already occupy. As reported by BusinessInsider.com, the median size of a modern Manhattan home is equivalent to about four-and-a-half parking spaces. Coming from a larger home, this can require significant physical and mental restructuring.

Physically, a smaller space means selling, discarding, or gifting anything you can't store or take with you. Mentally, less room can either be a real struggle or a non-issue, depending on the individual. If you're unsure how it will feel, commit yourself to a test run of a smaller home beforehand, via a service like Airbnb. You will likely adjust over time, but it's best not to completely shock the system.

Preparing Financially

Space being at a premium in Manhattan also means costs can be high. This means preparing yourself financially by securing an income stream ahead of time, and not rushing into the move before you’re ready. Having savings as a backup is a good start, with at least enough to support you for a few months in Manhattan.

If you have a home to sell, you should also ensure the selling process is complete before you head to Manhattan. This process can traditionally be challenging, but newer solutions like Sold.co.uk can help streamline the sale. These online services can help you sell in your own time frame with no hidden fees, giving you a quick and fair price for your property. Once you’ve sold your home, you don’t have to worry about completing paperwork from a distance, which can help reduce moving stress.

Learn the Local Hacks

New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, as noted by PasteMagazine.com, and with this diversity comes community. One of the key parts of adjusting to Manhattan life is to connect with people who can offer life hacks and ideas to help you navigate the big city. Integrating yourself into your social community can provide a range of solutions to problems faced by others in your situation, so it shouldn't be overlooked. One way to do this is by joining local clubs and social groups.

The best overall advice we have for anyone looking to move to Manhattan is to be proactive. Consider the problems you've had where you live now, and search for solutions from others who have faced and overcome similar challenges. Prepare yourself, know what you're in for, and you could find yourself content for years among the 1.6 million other people who call the borough home.