So, you are planning to move to New York City. Great! Here are a few things that you need to do when planning your move.

First, ask yourself, “Do I really need to move to NYC?” If you answered no or is unsure then you will want to vacation in New York City until you are sure. On your visit, here are a few things to bring to New York City. These items will make sure your trip goes smoothly and stay under budget to keep expenses down.

Second, ask yourself, “Where am I going to live?” If you do not know where you will live, you need to start hunting for an apartment within your budget. This is where your visit comes in handy as you will have the chance to explore New York City and ask questions face to face with those offering a dwelling for rent. Craigslist.org and other apartment options are available to search and compare but be aware of fraud postings that are designed to scam you out of your money and identity.

Third, ask yourself, “What happens when I need help?” If you do not know what to do, you will have to start looking for friends. A great start is to visit the New York Forum and places like Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo! Answer and MySpace.

Fourth, ask yourself, “How am I getting there?” You will have to save up to pay for your moving expense. Storage may also be required as well if your dwelling is much smaller than you anticipated or your furniture is larger than door entrances. To avoid long storage and moving costs, try and sell these items before your planned move or as soon as possible after arriving in New York.

Fifth, ask yourself, “Will I be able to get a job?” No money from a stable job and soon your savings will be finished and you will be out on the streets or into a New York City shelter. This is where friends in New York City will come in handy as they can help to find jobs and lean on for a quick loan should you become short due to an emergency.

Sixth, ask yourself, “Can I go back to where I moved from?” Most people move back to where they once lived when things get rough here in New York City so do not burn your bridges. Keep in touch with old friends so that you will have a place to crash should you need to return along with old coworkers and bosses who can help to get back your job.

Seventh, ask yourself. “Am I old enough?” If you are seventeen (17) and under in New York, you may have problems living alone or having fun due to curfews that are in some areas across the state. At times, minors have to pay a higher cost (auto insurance, club admission, etc) to be able to obtain services they need so budget for this if you are not yet an adult.

Eighth, ask yourself, “Did I remember my 401(K)?” In the bustle of moving and changing jobs, many people forget about their 401(k). That could be a critical error in retirement planning so do not forget it as you may need to pinch a penny or two for security deposits or travel expenses.

Ninth, ask yourself, “Are the schools going to be safe for my child?” The apartment with the perfect monthly rent may not be in a community with a perfect school so while checking for places to live, find ratings and reviews on New York Schools where your kids may have to attend.

Tenth, ask yourself “Will I be living near sex offenders?” If you are female, have children or is planning to start a family in a home that you have purchased, it will be harder it get it resold and move away when your buyers will see that sex offenders are living in the area or will have to sell at a huge loss.

Last, ask yourself again question one again. If you do not have any problems saying “Yes” then welcome New York City.

Join us in our New York Forum if you have any comments or questions.