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Brooklyn apartment fishing guide

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New York City can seem endless, and living in it can often make you feel lonely. Now imagine how it feels to quest for a residence in NYC. So many possibilities and so many factors to consider – where would you start? Well, one step at a time and we will get you there. So here is a guide from a U.Santini Moving and Storage Brooklyn who have a lifetime of experience when it comes to moving and living in the Big Apple. This is a Brooklyn apartment fishing tutorial that can give you a head start on finding the perfect new NYC home – be sure to read it thoroughly and enjoy.

Take an early start on Brooklyn apartment hunting

Planning your NYC relocation is not something you do overnight. Preparation well in advance can determine whether you will be living in a Brooklyn double-bedroom apartment or a New Jersey house. And even though you might think that it’s all the same, it’s not. Even though you can find a whole lot of neighborhoods and opportunities in New York, not every one of those is suitable for you personally. It also depends on the location from which you are moving from. If you are moving a from a place far away then you should check out some long-distance moving companies New York so that you can find the best offer. Not all neighborhoods are that affordable or even that desirable for a new home. So before you even start packing all your life possessions for that Brooklyn apartment fishing project, be sure to research your destination. And this is something you should do a couple of months in advance.

A woman talking on a phone and using a laptop while doing some Brooklyn apartment fishing
Be sure to check out all the options before making a decision

Fall is the best season for Brooklyn apartment fishing

Hunting for apartments in NYC (or anywhere in fact) during the summer months is never a good idea. You might wonder why this is. Summer is peak time for seasonal jobs in NYC. College grad students pour into the city in waves with the intent of earning some quick cash. As a result, demands for apartments go through the roof and so do the leasing prices. So if you are in no hurry to relocate, our simple advice would be to wait out the summer months and start looking for places at the beginning of October. It gives you ample time to find a place and schedule your relocation before winter. Understandably, your options will be more limited but there are some advantages. There will be less competition for finding that perfect Brooklyn place. Post-peak season equals more room for negotiation and lowering prices so you might get a better deal. The whole process will be a lot easier and you thus will be over before you know it.

A couple walking in the street moving with boxes and plants
Fall is the best season to relocate to Brooklyn

Do a budget calculation before moving to Brooklyn

It’s no secret that New York City is very expensive. And you will especially feel this if you are coming from a smaller town. So you might want to consider researching some basic living costs for NYC by consulting some online COL calculators. Basically, this will give you the chance to cross-compare your current and future salary with your current and future living expenses. Even though Brooklyn is considered sort of a middle ground transition (not too expensive or too cheap), it will still differ from your everyday Cleveland or Denver. Before getting into monthly bills be sure to explore some of the best movers NYC to get an idea of your relocation price. This is why your first task would be making sure that your NY salary will cover things like:

  1. Rent – The median rent in Brooklyn is around 3000$ which is around 20% lower than in nearby Manhattan. Keep in mind that these prices vary and this is just a median price.
  2. Utilities – The average basic utilities plus stable internet connection in Brooklyn is 190$.
  3. Transportation – with gas prices skyrocketing nowadays any estimate is highly susceptible to change but at the moment monthly bus pass is 130$.
  4. Groceries – It depends on your dietary habits but our estimate is that a minimum of 400$ is needed for groceries in Brooklyn.
Black calculator and a bill with a pen on it
It’s important to calculate your budget before starting Brooklyn apartment hunting

Running on a tight budget – consider having a roommate in Brooklyn

We assume that based on the chart which we provided above you’ve already made some calculations – you see that it can be pretty pricy to live in Brooklyn. Making it on your own is always commendable, but not always necessary. If you are running on a tight budget, you really should consider finding a roommate. This is something that you will learn fast in NYC – one of the keys to the city is having someone to share your troubles with. And often enough, that someone will be a simple roommate who can grow into a lifelong friend or even partner (it happens). This does not mean finding just anyone to join your Brooklyn apartment fishing. There are criteria to consider: location, expenses, and lifestyle. After all, the last thing you want is a roomie you will constantly argue with. There are many websites that offer assistance or you can just use social media to reach out – we are positive that someone will answer your call.

Find the part of Brooklyn which is best suited for you before moving

When going on Brooklyn apartment fishing adventures, the important thing to remember is your comfort zone. Online research is important, and we do have access to most information online nowadays, but there are still things that require physical verification. And one of those matters is the all-out feel of a certain neighborhood. This is why we highly recommend exploring any potential area of Brooklyn you consider residing in. The first thing you should do is stroll around the neighborhood at different times of day and speak with some of the locals there. Make sure that the streets are as safe during the night as they are during the day. Take neighborhood prices into consideration and see how it fits into your budget. Check the commuting options and see if it is easy to navigate.

Look for broker deal specials to help you with Brooklyn apartment fishing

If you have extra room in your budget, consider acquiring the help of a professional broker. Sometimes you will even find that a licensed broker will be needed for signing the lease on your new Brooklyn home. Before you even consider this, it’s important that you understand that NY broker fees run between 8.5 and 17 percent of the annual rent. So in case, your wallet is too light on cash, don’t even bother going through this. Simply turn to Brooklyn apartment fishing without the use of broker deals. It will limit your search, but it will also keep your financials in check. If you can afford one, e advise you that you consider having a broker – they are very helpful and they will make your apartment hunting a lot easier. You can even get better deals on your rent since you will have an access to more apartments.

A family talking to a sales agent
Consider getting some professional assistance for apartment hunting in Brooklyn

Make a schedule for viewing your choice of Brooklyn apartments

With Brooklyn apartment fishing, timing is everything. Don’t be burdened by the sheer number of items that you have to move with – you can always check some storage companies NYC to temporarily store those things. No matter how small the competition during these months is, it doesn’t mean you should be callous and be sure that no one will beat you to that perfect apartment. After all, you are not the only one reading this and certainly not the first person to think this way. So don’t waste time and schedule viewings as soon as possible. The phrase ‘New York Minute’ is no joke, especially when it comes to Brooklyn apartment fishing. Odds are that at least ten others are interested in the same ideal apartment you are considering. If the viewing goes smoothly, you might just wish to fill out the application for the apartment right then and there. And if you plan on acting quickly, you’ll need to have your bank statements, a photocopy of your ID, a job offer letter, as well as a check for the first month’s rent and security deposit ready.

Most important things to consider before moving to a new apartment

When you do go in to check out that ideal Brooklyn residence, make sure to investigate every inch of the place. Having the right water pressure is of the essence so be sure to check it out. Cell phone and Internet signal is equally important especially nowadays when so many online business options are available. Storage options are another important aspect of your new home – make sure that you can fit all your essential things in your new home.  Mold and mildew can be nasty and destroy the atmosphere of your new apartment – try to avoid them when looking for an apartment in Brooklyn.  Make sure that your neighbors are not very loud or doing strange things.

Stay positive and good things will happen

Unfortunately, NYC apartments are pictured as penthouses this is somewhat far from reality, just in case you thought otherwise. Affordable lofts in New York are quite small in truth and lack the most basic of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. This is why Brooklyn apartment fishing is a choice for a lot of people. You can really find some spacious and affordable places here, you just need to be persistent.

Be sure to remember to compare the good and the bad before making any rash decisions. Be sure to take care of yourself in the process. We know that this can be overwhelming and you can’t possibly check all the apartments in a place that large – keep in mind that you just need one. If you like the apartment and if you think you can afford it then you should go for it. We are sure that you will soon be one of the proud new residents of Brooklyn.

These guys are TRUE PROFESSIONALS! We've now moved with them twice (once in 2017 and then again this week) and we really can't say enough good things about them. Simi is incredibly easy to work with for scheduling and quotes, and the crews - John, Super Mario, and everyone - are just awesome. They're quick, incredibly careful and conscientious, and super friendly. If we ever move again (and god I hope we don't have to) we're absolutely calling them.

Allison "Elnoods" N.

From Brooklyn, NY

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CALL: 718-768-6778

Frequently Asked Questions

U.Santini Moving & Storage Brooklyn has built its reputation on honesty and transparency. We are here to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease when choosing our Brooklyn movers:

What are your working hours?

We are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 AM–5 PM but feel free to contact us through our contact form anytime. We'll get back to you ASAP.

Does U.Santini offer insurance?

Yes. Our company offers several different types of insurance protection, including a full replacement for your belongings. The cost of the coverage will depend on the value you declare for your goods and the level of deduction you select.

How soon should I schedule my move?

It is recommended to arrange for the services of a moving company at least 8 weeks ahead of your planned move. If you plan to move during the holiday season or in the summer, it is advisable to schedule the move 12 weeks in advance. However, for moves that occur between September and May, you may be able to book movers with just 2 weeks' notice. Ideally, you should secure your moving crew as soon as you have all the necessary information about your relocation.

Does your company offer packing supplies?

We do. In addition to providing you with the essential boxes and packing supplies required for your relocation, we offer several "Saver" packages tailored to the size of your home. If you do not use all the boxes you have bought, you can return them to the moving team at the end of your move, and we will reimburse the remaining amount.

What type of storage does your company offer?

U. Santini Moving & Storage Brooklyn provides comprehensive storage solutions in climate-controlled units. Our units are supervised round-the-clock, ensuring the safety of your belongings, whether you store them for a short or long duration. Additionally, we offer storage services for very brief periods, including as little as 24 hours.

Areas We Serve

Our professionalism and experience extend throughout the boroughs of New York City. If you want a tailored moving process with a responsive team of our Brooklyn-based movers, get your quote today!