New York City consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world thanks to its high rent rates, increasing demand for limited housing, taxes, and more. Given its reputation as a notoriously pricey place to live, a move to the Big Apple is off the cards for many. However, if relocating to the city that never sleeps is in your sights, we’ve got good news. The move experts at Gentle Giant are sharing the cheapest time of year to move to (and in) New York. You’re not going to want to miss this!
Moving in NYC during off-season
The peak moving season in NYC is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the weather is the most predictable and ideal for schlepping boxes and heavy furniture indoors and outdoors. Given that many people choose to move during this period, it is also the most expensive time to hire NYC moving companies. Moving in the colder months (December to February) is not exactly ideal either. The streets of New York City tend to be covered in snow or clogged with tourists during the holiday season. Maneuvering a moving truck amidst this chaos can be tricky.
However, if you are looking for the cheapest way to make your NYC move moving companies will have their most competitive rates and open availability throughout the winter months (December to February). In comparison, the months of July to September will see rates at their highest, given the high demand. Availability will also be limited, with weekend days booked out weeks in advance.
NYC Apartment Cost and Availability
As well as higher mover fees, rental and broker rates tend to be more expensive during the summer season. According to NBC New York:
“New York City rents really are cheaper in the winter months, by as much as 5 percent than during the peak summer leasing season.”
If you are living on a strict budget, we recommend a winter relocation as the cost of rent is considerably lower during this period.
On the flip side, inventory tends to be at its lowest during the winter months (go figure!). In general, apartments tend to open up most often in July, when rental prices are at their highest (it really is true what they say…if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!) According to StreetEasy:
“Renters can expect to see 11% more listings in July versus 12% fewer in December. This means that in any given year, summer renters have access to nearly 6,000 more units than winter renters.”
Other things to consider when moving to NYC
The Weather
From the ice-cold wind that settles in your bones for hours to the slippery snow-lined streets. These don’t sound like the most ideal conditions to move in, am I right? If you want to avoid soggy boxes and water-damaged furniture, you should consider hiring a professional NYC moving company like Gentle Giant. They are adept at handling these conditions and much more!
School Enrollment
While a winter move will be cheaper in terms of rental and mover rates, this may not be an option if you have kids in tow. With the school term typically beginning in September, your child will need some time to acclimate to their new home and surroundings. We recommend moving about two months before the term begins. That way, they will have plenty of time to explore their new neighborhood and get to know other kids in the area.
Holidays and Tourist Season
If possible, you should avoid moving to NYC at the end of the year. This is the time when New York City is bustling with excited tourists taking in the city’s holiday happenings. You can imagine getting a moving truck around the crowded streets and holiday pop-up events is a nightmare.
So, when is the best and cheapest time to move to NYC?
Given all that, February is likely the best and cheapest time to move to or within NYC.
- Mover rates will be at their lowest during the winter months.
- New York City apartment rental prices and broker fees tend to be less expensive in the winter.
- February is the best of the winter months to move as you will avoid the craziness of the holiday season in New York.
Are you planning a local or long-distance NYC move? Speak with a reputable New York City moving company like Gentle Giant. We have some great resources to get you started on your NYC move. Check out our moving checklist for information on how to prepare and use our free move estimate tool to determine the cost of your relocation.