Moving day rarely goes exactly as planned. Even the most organized people find themselves staring at the clock, wondering where the time went. When you add the complexity of a bustling metropolis to the mix, small hiccups can quickly turn into hours of lost time.
Traffic jams, strict building codes, and unpredictable weather are just part of the package when relocating in an urban jungle. Knowing what might slow you down is the best way to stay ahead of schedule.
The Domino Effect of Paperwork
You might think you have everything signed and sealed, but missing documents are a surprisingly common source of delay. Leasing offices often require specific forms or insurance certificates before they hand over the keys.
If the office closes for lunch right when you arrive, or if the person with the authority to sign off is in a meeting, you and your movers are stuck waiting. Double check all your agreements a few days before the move. Call the management office to confirm they have everything they need from you.
Ask specifically if there are any last minute forms that need a signature on the actual day so you can prioritize them first thing in the morning.
Parking Permit Chaos
Finding a spot for a large truck in a crowded city street is never simple. Without a reserved space, the truck might have to park blocks away. This adds significant time to the loading and unloading process as the crew has to carry furniture down the street.
Secure your parking permits well in advance. Most cities have a specific process for reserving street space for moving trucks. If you are hiring a professional moving company in NYC residents often recommend, check if they handle the permit process for you. Some full service movers include this logistics coordination in their package.
Choosing the right partner can alleviate this stress entirely. When you work with an experienced team like Roadway Moving, they understand the local regulations and can help you navigate the tricky permit landscape so the truck parks right in front of your door.
Elevator Access
High rise buildings rely heavily on freight elevators. If you do not book a specific time slot, you might find yourself sharing the lift with other residents, delivery people, or maintenance crews. This slows down the flow of boxes dramatically.
Talk to your building management as soon as you know your moving date. Reserve the freight elevator for a generous block of time.
Forgetting the Essentials Box
Searching for tape, scissors, or cleaning supplies in a sea of identical cardboard boxes is a massive time waster. You end up opening sealed boxes just to find a screwdriver to take apart a bed frame.
Pack a clearly labeled “open first” box. Put all your tools, cleaning sprays, snacks, and important documents in there. Keep this box with you in your car or cab, not in the back of the moving truck.
Overlooking Building Restrictions
Some buildings have strict rules about when moves can happen. They might prohibit moving on weekends or after 5 PM. If you arrive late and hit the cutoff time, you might be forced to stop and finish the next day.
Read your building’s bylaws carefully. Ask the super directly about hours of operation. Schedule your start time early enough to account for traffic so you have a buffer before the building’s cutoff time kicks in.
