Moving In NYC Ain’t Easy…

In New York City, a task like moving apartments can be a real challenge. If you decide to do the moving yourself with a box truck, it can be even more challenging. Knowing how to properly load and unload your things from a moving truck is quite tricky. Moreover, all of the city’s different parking rules and street-cleaning regulations doesn’t make it easier. Don’t forget about all the bus lanes, fire hydrants and driveways that take up more parking space. The most important thing to remember if your moving in a rented moving truck is that you are operating a commercial vehicle. Therefore, to prevent additional headaches, you should always plan your routes ahead of time and try to follow the commercial vehicle regulations to a tee.

How Movers Can Use The Law To Their Advantage

Thankfully, commercial vehicles have certain privileges over regular drivers at least when it comes to parking in the city.  In most situations, if there is no unoccupied curb space within 100 feet on either side of the street, drivers in commercial vehicles can stand alongside a vehicle that’s parked at the curb during hours where no stopping, no standing, or no parking signs are not in effect. Of course, you got get your move on and can’t stand there all day!

So what does this mean?  If you’re in a rented moving truck, although it’s still illegal, many drivers double park pretty much anywhere around the 5 boroughs. You may get away with this as long as you’re not on a very busy street or intersect, in Midtown Manhattan and parts of the street designated as “No Standing” or “No Parking” zone. You also cannot park in front of a fire hydrant, a construction zone, in a bus lane, a bike lane. So don’t try to move your things in these places, you will wind up getting a ticket for sure!

Tips Movers Should Keep In Mind When Trying To Park

While you might be able to get away with leaving your truck unattended for a couple minutes you still may really get a ticket! Whether you have to constantly move your truck to avoid parking tickets or just take the loss and choose to get a parking ticket, neither are really good options. This is why it’s important for drivers to plan out their moving day in advance to lock in a good parking spot that has enough space for parking a bigger vehicle as well as space to easily packing things on and off the truck.

Check For Parking In Advance

Starting with the block you are moving from and ending at the block you are moving to, check out the local parking regulations and places where you might be able to legally load and unload. Check out this DOTMap which will allow you to view alternate side parking rules around you. Zoom in to the street level of the location you want to see, and then select “Parking Signs” from the GIS Layers menu on the right.

Alternate Side Parking And Moving

When you’re moving from your location, you may want to time your move depending on the Alternate side parking regulation times. You could either wait in your truck on one side of the street until the street sweeper comes by. After which, you can move to the side where the street sweeper passed while you stay in the driver’s seat until the regulation times expire. Alternatively, you can time bring the right when alternate side parking regulations end on your block. Usually, at this time, one side of the street is completely open giving you ample space to park in from of the place you are moving from.

Other Tips Movers Should Keep In Mind

If someone is moving into a parking space behind the truck while you’re unloading or loading, you could always ask people the incoming driver to leave a little room behind you. NYC drivers are nice for the most part and will probably be happy to accommodate. Finally, remember never parking in front of a fire hydrant!  You’ll probably get a ticket that won’t be able to shake.

Instead of double parking in front of the building, you’re moving from you may be able to get away with  choosing the nearest ‘’No Standing’’ zone to park your truck and figure out how many sets of hands you’ll need to safely transport your goods from that point to the door of your new home. You could still get a ticket, but if you take the rental agreement to the hearing, your ticket will most likely be dismissed.

How has your parking experience been during a move? Let us know in the comments below!