Moving to the New York City area, huh? Well, we can hardly blame you. Ever since immigrants trying to escape poverty started arriving at Ellis Island in the late 19th century, people of all ages have been flocking to New York City in droves. Luckily, it's a vast and diverse area, abounding with culture, and while you may not be trying to escape poverty, with a little bit of planning, moving to New York City shouldn't leave you broke either.

Leaving for the New York City

The first order of business when relocating to New York City is deciding when to pack up and go. This may seem like an obvious detail but it.s a crucial one. NYC moving companies, or anywhere else for that matter, have their peak season in the summertime. The demand for trucks, vans, movers, and supplies are higher and more expensive. If you have any control over it, try and schedule your relocation to New York City sometime after October. It may seem slightly counterintuitive but the fact is this: Since everybody else is moving into New York in the warmer months, you.ll find rates are significantly cheaper, resources easier to find, and that your move is generally less stressful if you relocate a few months off-peak.

Choosing a New York City Moving Company

Movers in New York are like movers anywhere else; some are good and some are bad. In order to avoid potential catastrophe, here are some tips of choosing your New York City moving company.

• Get a written estimate and get it in person, never over the phone
• Make sure to determine with the movers whether the estimate is binding or non-binding
• Ask your NYC moving company for references and check them
•  In addition to the references, contact the Better Business Bureau about moving companies in New York City and their complaint records
• The DOT (Department of Transportation) is another good source. Any moving company in New York City, if they are legal, will be licensed with the DOT.

Borough-Specific Concerns

There are a few moving companies in New York that are like a box of chocolates. Never knowing what you.re going to get, of course, isn't what you want from a moving company. It's extremely important to do some research on this one. Moving companies in Manhattan will be vastly different from moving companies in Brooklyn, which will in turn be vastly different from moving companies in Queens, and so on.

Don't assume that a written, binding estimate from a Bronx moving company means that an estimate from a moving company in Staten Island will also be a binding. Furthermore, different cities and towns have their own laws and regulations and it's important for your New York City movers to be aware of them. Certain neighborhoods for instance, prohibit trucks that weight over a set limit. Does your Lower East Side moving company know about them? Ask questions! Are your Manhattan movers fully licensed for their area? Does your Brooklyn moving company have experience moving estate antiques over long distances? Whatever your specific needs may be, be sure to address them with your movers to ensure that your move to the New York, whatever borough, is successful.

Relocating to New York City with Children

Moving to New York City with children involves a slue of entirely different considerations than moving to New York City without them, i but don't despair, or leave them behind, just plan ahead a little bit. If your children are already in elementary school, of course, you'll want to try and leave for the New York in the summer. Relocating to a new school district during the school year can be traumatic for kids so it's best to avoid it. In order to enroll your child into the New York City public school you will need the following:

• A Birth Certificate
• A copy of your child's History of Immunization
• A copy of a School Entry Medical Exam (which can be done by a physician before the move to the New York City)
• For a complete list of New York City School Districts visit here.