Apartment Moving Checklist: Manhattan & Brooklyn

Moving apartments in NYC has unique challenges that you won't find anywhere else. Between elevator reservations, building rules, and tight streets, there's a lot to coordinate. Use this checklist to stay organized and stress-free.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

• [ ] Give notice to your current landlord (check your lease for required notice period)
• [ ] Research and book movers — don't wait until the last week
• [ ] Start decluttering — donate, sell, or toss items you don't need
• [ ] Create an inventory of everything you're moving
• [ ] Order packing supplies — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

• [ ] Contact both buildings about move-in/move-out procedures
• [ ] Reserve the elevator at both locations (many NYC buildings require this)
• [ ] Get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your movers if your building requires it — RiteMove-NYC provides COIs for all jobs at no extra charge
• [ ] Start packing non-essential items — off-season clothes, books, decor
• [ ] Update your address with USPS, employer, bank, and subscriptions
• [ ] Transfer or set up utilities — electric, gas, internet

1 Week Before Moving Day

• [ ] Pack most of your belongings — leave only daily essentials
• [ ] Label every box with contents and destination room
• [ ] Confirm your moving date and time with your movers
• [ ] Prepare a moving day bag with essentials: chargers, toiletries, change of clothes, snacks, important documents
• [ ] Take photos of your current apartment for security deposit purposes
• [ ] Disassemble furniture that needs it, or confirm movers will handle this

Moving Day

• [ ] Do a final walkthrough of your old apartment — check all closets, cabinets, and storage
• [ ] Strip the bed and pack final linens
• [ ] Supervise the movers — point out fragile items and priority boxes
• [ ] Check that nothing is left behind before handing over keys
• [ ] Pick up keys at your new building if needed
• [ ] Direct movers on where to place furniture and boxes at the new place

After the Move

• [ ] Unpack essentials first — bedding, bathroom items, kitchen basics
• [ ] Check for any moving damage and document immediately
• [ ] Return old keys and get confirmation in writing
• [ ] Meet your new neighbors — a good first impression goes a long way in NYC
• [ ] Explore your new neighborhood — find your nearest grocery, pharmacy, and subway

NYC-Specific Tips

Building Rules Matter

Most Manhattan and Brooklyn buildings have strict rules about when you can move. Common restrictions include:

• No weekend moves in some buildings
• Elevator reservation required (often a $200–$500 deposit)
• Specific loading dock hours — usually 9am–5pm
• Hallway and elevator padding may be required

Parking Considerations

Your movers will need a place to park. In many neighborhoods, this means:

• Double-parking temporarily (movers are experienced with this)
• Requesting a temporary parking permit from the city
• Using a loading zone if available

Stair Carries

If you're in a walk-up, make sure your movers know the floor level ahead of time. This affects both pricing and the number of movers needed.

The Most Important Tip

Start early and stay organized. The more prepared you are, the smoother your move will go. And if things come together at the last minute? That's okay too — flexible movers exist for exactly this reason.

Need help with your Manhattan or Brooklyn apartment move? Call or text RiteMove-NYC at (929) 404-4557. We handle everything from packing to furniture assembly.