How to Move to NYC: Planning Your Move Around NYC’s Summer Traffic

Let’s be real. New York City traffic is always challenging, particularly if you’re driving a large vehicle like a moving truck. Busy streets, pedestrians, construction, roadwork and all of the other quirks of NYC living happen in all five boroughs. Luckily, New Yorkers know how to make the best of everything, and with a little prior planning, the impact of traffic on your summertime move can be minimized. Here’s what you need to know:

Take Events, Festivals & Street Fairs into Account

New Yorkers love to have a good time. Throughout the summer, there are numerous events, festivals, and street fairs that can impact traffic. In some cases, you’ll see higher than normal traffic volumes; in other instances, streets can be closed to all vehicles. Obviously, this can impact your move. For best results, you’ll want to know about events in the neighborhood you’re moving into or out of ahead of time. While this calendar isn’t definitive, it does capture most major NYC summer events.

The Day of the Week Matters

Planning to move on the weekend? Good for you. You have the same idea as practically everyone else! Be aware that traffic going out of the city tends to be very heavy on Friday; traffic going into the city is similarly heavy on Sundays. This is the result of weekend getaways. If you’re going against the flow of traffic during your move, you should have smooth sailing; if you have to go with it, plan on everything taking just a little bit longer.  Midweek moves may not be ideal for your schedule, but you’re likely to experience the best traffic conditions.

The Time of Day Matters Too!

Traffic is heaviest during the morning and evening rush hours when commuters come into or leave the city. Morning rush hour happens between 7-9, although there are more than a few early birds who hit the road before that. Evening rush hour happens from 4-6, with traffic levels remaining fairly significant up until 7-8 on Monday through Thursday.   If at all possible, plan your move outside of those hours.

Do You Need Help Planning Your NYC Move?

Shleppers is New York City’s top relocation company because we’ve spent 40 years helping families and businesses move. If you have questions, need to arrange a local or long distance move, need storage facilities, or anything else, give us a call: we’re here to help!