Moving in New York can be a hassle. If you can convince your friends to help you move, then you are a lucky person with great friends. Be sure to reward them with food, beverages and the promise to return the favor.

A second option is, of course, movers. If you're moving into your new place around the first of the month, be sure to book a mover at least a full month in advance, especially if that month is August or September. New York movers are a mixed bag. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check out movers before you hire them. While there are plenty of friendly, honest and reliable moving companies, this is not always the case. If a deal sounds too good to be true (like $25 /hour), it almost certainly is. At the very minimum, hiring a moving company will cost at least $300, even for a tiny studio apartment. Be sure to get a quote in writing that clearly specifies the base cost as well as additional fees. Commonly added fees include costs for walking up stairs, moving of large objects, long distance from the van to your apartment, and moves on the evening or weekend. Also, remember that the moving company sometimes won't let you ride with them to your new apartment.

A third option for moving small apartments within the city are the "Man With a Van" carriers. These are exactly what they sound like, and can be pretty affordable compared to moving companies. While the "Man" will usually help out, he's just one guy, and so you'll definitely need to do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself. Be sure to check if your bed will fit in or on top of their van. Also, it's a good idea to ask if they are insured, and better yet, get it in writing.