Your NYC Moving Checklist: A Week-by-Week Timeline

Moving in New York City rewards people who plan ahead. Freight elevators get booked, buildings want paperwork, and the best move dates fill up fast — especially in summer. Use this week-by-week checklist to stay ahead of all of it.

8 weeks out

• Set your budget and get estimates from licensed movers. Book early to lock in your date.
• Start a "move folder" (digital is fine) for your lease, building rules, and quotes.
• Begin decluttering — every box you don't move is money saved.

6 weeks out

• Confirm your mover and move date in writing.
• Check both buildings' move-out and move-in rules: allowed days/hours, freight elevator reservations, and whether they require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). A good mover provides the COI for you — just give them the building's requirements.
• Order packing supplies, or arrange full-service packing with your mover.

4 weeks out

• Reserve the freight elevator at both ends for your move window.
• Start packing rarely used rooms (closets, storage, off-season items).
• File a change of address with USPS and note any subscriptions or deliveries to update.
• If your timelines don't line up, arrange storage to bridge the gap.

2 weeks out

• Confirm parking for the truck — in many NYC neighborhoods you'll want to clear space or arrange a permit.
• Transfer or set up utilities and internet at the new place.
• Pack in earnest, labeling boxes by room.

1 week out

• Pack an "essentials" bag: medications, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, basic tools.
• Confirm the final details with your mover — arrival window, contact, payment.
• Defrost the fridge and finish perishables.

Move day

• Be reachable and have your essentials bag with you.
• Do a final walkthrough — closets, cabinets, behind doors.
• Check the building's COI is on file and the elevator is reserved.
• Note the meter reading / condition photos for your records.

The shortcut

Most of the NYC-specific headaches — COIs, elevator reservations, building rules — are things an experienced mover handles every day. Scanio has been navigating New York buildings since 1941. Request a free estimate and we'll help you build the timeline around your dates.