New York City is a place full of excitement and opportunities, but living here does bring a fair share of inconveniences. That’s why many unprepared newcomers get disillusioned when they move to The City That Never Sleeps. From incredible restaurants to world-famous sights, living in NYC means you’ll always have something to see and do. Here are 6 things to know before moving to NYC. 

1. NYC is Expensive. It’s no secret that New York is one of the most expensive places on earth when it comes to rental prices. However, if you are not mindful of how you're spending your money, eating out or buying groceries may exceed your budget. Nancy Zafrani, the manager of Oz Moving & Storage, points out that people are leaving the city mainly for economic reasons. In her interview with Fox 5 NY, she said that there has been an increased number of people moving out of NYC during the pandemic. Hence, if you don’t have deep pockets and a high-paying job waiting for you, it might be better to postpone the move or go to plan B (if there is one).

2. You’ll Need a Storage Unit. If you are used to living in a house or spacious apartment, moving to NYC will come as a shock. Namely, the condos — depending on the neighborhood — there can be quite restricting. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to get rid of your personal belongings. Like most New Yorkers, you will have to rent a storage unit to store out-of-season clothing out of your room. These units are sometimes your only hope of living cozily in New York City. Not sure how to stay organized in a small unit? Check out some ways to maximize smaller spaces here.

3. Hiring a Moving Company is a Must. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving to or out of NYC, this tip holds. No matter how much you want to save some money and do everything yourself, it isn’t such a good idea to do so — unless you can fit everything in your car. Here's why: Most buildings in NYC have fairly small elevators. That means you’ll have to carry your large, bulky items up or down the stairs on your own. And even if you invite a couple of friends to help you, you will still find this task challenging. Also, you may or may not damage your things while moving. Although you might think you got packing under control, one awkwardly positioned box might lead to a disastrous outcome. On the other hand, moving companies will handle your belongings with the care they deserve. 

4. You Might Have to Pay a Broker’s Fee. Broker’s fee is a commission tenants pay to real estate brokers for finding them an apartment. In NYC, this fee can go anywhere from 12 to 15 percent of one year’s rent. And although there are no-fee apartments available, they usually get rented quickly. Therefore, you can either pay the fee or get ready to negotiate for a no-fee apartment.

5. Forget Everything You Know About Transportation. If you live somewhere in the suburbs, you probably see cars as the perfect mode of transportation. However, none of this is the case in NYC. Owning a car is convenient, but finding a parking space can seem impossible at times — not to mention the constant traffic jams that can last for hours. Besides, if your target destination isn’t within walking distance, the MTA should be one of your top choices for getting around the city. For all its shortcomings, we have a solid transit system that will get you almost anywhere in a relatively short time. So, if you are moving to New York, you should try to figure out the subway system as soon as possible.

6. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely. The city is a mix of culturally and socially diverse neighborhoods — like Queens, where a multitude of languages are spoken. You'll need to think about a few things, like your budget and where your work is located. And although the NYC Subway connects all neighborhoods fairly well, it’s ideal to find an apartment within a reasonable distance from work. 

Once you settle into the city, you’ll soon realize why it’s noted as one of the best, but expensive, cities in the world. And, if you find yourself looking for things to do, you can start by learning about these famous architectural wonders landmarks.