Guide to moving from LA to NYC in 2022
If you are planning to move from the East to the West coast, you are in the right spot. Coast-to-coast moves come with many potential problems that you should be aware of, but they can easily be avoided. Being prepared will make your move much quicker, easier, and less stressful. To help you, our experts from Moving and Storage NYC prepared this guide on moving from LA to NYC in 2022!
Why should you move to NYC?
There are many reasons why people consider moving to the Big Apple. Some of those reasons are:
- Job opportunities
- Different weather
- Diverse population
- Culture scene
And there are many more reasons. When moving from LA to NYC you are moving to a much faster city, that famously never sleeps. There is a huge difference in the mindsets of Newyorkers and Angelinos. While people in Los Angeles are laid back and easygoing, New York people are considered to always be in a hurry. But, alongside those differences come some differences in jobs, culture, and even food.

Moving from LA to NYC
Since moving cross-country is very stressful, it is key to be as prepared as possible. Organizing this move from LA to NYC will require a lot of work, but it is possible. There are a few steps that you should take. Those would look something like:
- Know where you are moving to
- Make an inventory of your items
- Find yourself a moving company
- Plan out the packing process
- Pack safely and on time.
Now, let’s go over all of those steps in depth!
Know where you’re going
If you’re relocating to a city loft, that second bedroom set will just get in the way, and the cross-country skis can definitely go as well. Considering your new surroundings will help you determine what is appropriate to bring with you and what is not. You’ll also get cues from the available space, your new lifestyle, and the weather.
If you have pets, you should research state and local rules governing vaccinations, leash laws, and limits on the number and sorts of pets you can keep. Begin accumulating information about schools, car laws, insurance laws, and even your housing complex’s bylaws. That way you will be sure that you are not breaking any laws or bylaws when you move into your NYC place.
Making inventory
Take everything out of your closets and cupboards to see how much you actually have. Trust us when we say that you own a lot more than you think you do. Make a list of your possessions and snap photos of everything. Keeping track of your inventory can help you figure out how much you’ll need to box and move. By having an inventory you will also protect yourself from any lost or damaged items during your move. Getting insurance for your move could be a smart move that could protect you. That is why it is crucial to get insurance, and more importantly, research your movers well before moving from LA to NYC in 2022.

Hiring a moving company
Since you are moving from LA to NYC, your friends and family won’t be able to help you out a lot. That’s where professional movers like Los Angeles Transfer and Storage step in. Contacting multiple moving companies and getting estimates is a very important step that shouldn’t be skipped. You should get as many estimates as possible from reputable moving companies and compare them to your budget. That way you will be sure to get the best possible option that fits your budget.
Before asking for estimates, you should spend some time looking at online reviews and finding out which moving companies are trustworthy and which you should avoid. Online reviews are not always fully reliable, so make sure to also ask your friends and family if they would recommend any moving companies. Word of mouth is usually the most reliable view of review!
Planning out your packing
You’ll need a plan because packing can take weeks. Starting with the things you will not be using before your move is generally the best place to start. Those things include holiday decorations, heirlooms, winter/summer clothes, packing memorabilia, and similar things. Pack them in well-organized and properly labeled boxes. If you just pack things randomly your unpacking process will be a nightmare. Be nice to yourself and plan out your packing ahead of time.
Packing
Now that you have a plan, you should start packing. Packing room-by-room is the most popular approach. Get yourself plenty of packing supplies. That part shouldn’t be too hard because you have a list of all of your things and you know how many packing supplies you need. But, always get a bit extra to have some wiggle room just in case you find more things. If you don’t want to DIY this part, you should ask your mover if they offer a packing service. Most moving companies don’t just ensure a smooth transfer, but also offer packing. That way you won’t have to lift a finger.

During the packing process, you should filter out everything you don’t need. This part is commonly referred to as decluttering. If you are a frequent mover, you probably won’t need these decluttering tips, but you should read them just in case! First of all, you should divide all excess items into three piles:
- SELL
- THROW AWAY
- DONATE
The “sell” pile is optional but highly recommended. You can host a garage/yard sale and cover a part of your moving costs this way. The second pile can also be subdivided into a recycle pile and throw-away pile if you want to be green. This pile should include all broken and useless things that you don’t use. Donating is a great option for old clothes, toys, and similar items that can be reused.
In conclusion
There are many things to take into account when moving from LA to NYC in 2022, but after reading this guide you will easily conquer this challenge. By being thorough and organized this move will be a breeze and you will be walking through Central Park in no time!