Brooklyn Moving Checklist

Study verified companies, their prices, insured coverage, and reviews to see who is best at moving clients out of a walk-up, narrow staircase, or busy street. The earlier you book, the more options you have for dates.

Most Brooklyn buildings require a written notice for moving out, standard of cleaning the apartment for move-out, or elevator reservations. If you run into these issues later, you could be charged a fee, incur an extreme delay, or be forced to stay in the apartment longer than you planned.

Brooklyn apartments fill up fast when you move in, pace yourself in advance selling, donating, or recycling items you won’t want in your new apartment. Less junk ultimately means a cheaper and easier move.

Measure the doorways, stairwell, hall, and elevator — if it is a brownstone or a prewar building. This allows the movers to prepare their equipment based on the apartment and avoids obstacles on moving day that you weren’t prepared for on the moving day.

Begin on creating a list of the costs you expect to incur when moving (i.e., the movers, boxes/supplies for packing, parking permits, and/or possible storage). Having a breakdown of the costs involved and timeline will allow you to take full control of the process, and minimize stress at the last minute.

Reach out to a few Brooklyn movers and provide your details through the marketplace in order to receive their official price quotes. Make sure that they provide clear estimates, and that the service is spelled out in their proposal.

If you are in a newer building in Brooklyn, many buildings require a reservation for moving. Make sure to understand if there are fees associated or duration of time you are permitted to reserve, and if they provide some sort of protection during the move.

Rules for trucks and parking in NYC regulations vary block by block — you may be responsible for reserving temporary parking for the moving truck. Speak to your mover about loading zones and parking restrictions.

Boxes can be purchased, or free boxes can be found at local liquor stores and a grocery chain such as Trader Joe’s. Your boxes must be strong enough to last in a 3-4 level building, strong boxes can make a difference.

This would include books, personal decor, and seasonal items. Label every box you packed with the room it file in, and some notes when the items in the boxes get there (short description). It would help the movers put every box in the right location.

At this point, Brooklyn movers fill up quickly — especially around the 1st, 15th, and weekends. Lock in your reservation and review all of the services it will or will not include.

Nearly every Brooklyn building will require COIs, and you will need to submit them to management in advance. Pay special attention to the name, date, and coverage levels, to be sure that they match your building requirements.

Schedule your installation or transfer with Spectrum, Verizon Fios, or Optimum. Internet installation and transfer appointments in Brooklyn and NYC can take weeks, so the sooner, the better.

Don’t just combined everything into a bag or box! Group your items together logically, and pad your breakable belongings well. Since Brooklyn does not have much in way of wide staircases, this is especially important when packing.

This will be helpful if part of your moving experience ends up damaging something worth keeping. You can keep the pictures with your receipts and warranty information.

Share building access information, elevator times, parking notes, and any other special instructions to ensure good communication ahead of the move to avoid confusion on moving day.

Either submit an address change request to USPS or update all of your important accounts with your new address. This will avoid losing any physical mail along the way.

Start to reduce what is left out, and only keep out essentials. We want to prevent a last-minute packing marathon.

Brooklyn hallway and staircases can get packed with people moving in/out. Pre-arranged someone will provide safety for everyone.

We don’t want to transport any liquids, opened containers or frozen foods. Maintaining clean boxes and preventing future leaks is a priority.

Make sure to pack linens, personal hygiene items, phone chargers, snacks, and a change of clothing in the First Night Box. You do not want to rummaging through a box (or boxes) on your first night in Brooklyn.

Disassemble as much as possible (Take IKEA apart!). Put all hardware in labeled bags. While the movers will be handling the heavy lifting, taking the time to prep and organize the furniture is always going to expedite the move canvas.

Keep documents like your passports, lease agreements, keys, personal records, etc. in one organized folder. You will want to carry these items with you and NOT in the move truck.

In most cases landlords expect you to leave your apartment in broom-clean condition. Make sure you have emptied and wiped out all cabinets, closets, and appliances.

Confirm your elevator reservations and COI approval are still in place before the movers arrive. Building management in NYC is strict, and it is better to confirm these details twice that risk an issue on your move in day.

Only leave out what you will need in the morning. Last-minute chaos leads to a longer and more stressful moving day.

You will be moving, walking, and supervising all day, so comfortable clothing is encouraged. You will also want all of your other essentials in one place.

Ask your building or your movers if you need padding or floor coverings. Many Brooklyn apartments require them for protection from damage.

You may be tipping in cash or digitally, but if everything is ready, it makes checkout easier.

You need it for communication, directions, and gaining access to your building. A portable battery is not a bad idea, either.

Also, make sure the hallways are free of clutter, and your building staff is aware you are moving today. Being prepared beforehand captures a good tone for the day.

Identify the fragile items, and any other room that needs more attention. A quick walkthrough will reduce time spent and mistakes.

Things like jewelry, important documents, medications, and electronics should always stay in your bag. This will minimize the chances of something going missing.

Make sure to check the closets, cabinets, and under the sinks. It’s also good practice to take some photos for your final record of the apartment and proof of the condition in which you left the apartment.

If an item is broken or missing, make sure to let your moving company know immediately. You’ll be able to resolve the issue much more easily if you urge them to take action right away.

Prioritize getting items into your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. The sooner you can get these areas functional, the quicker you can feel at home.

Make sure your new Brooklyn address is updated with your bank, driver’s license, insurance, employer, subscriptions, etc. We want you to get your mail without issue down the road.

Brooklyn neighbors are always looking for free packing boxes. You can offer them up through FB groups or on community boards.

You want your account to be echoed back to other prospective Brooklyn residents, and future Brooklyn residents want honest reviews to help them determine moving reliability, and good moving companies input is for the betterment of our community as a whole.