New York City. The Big Apple. The place dreams are made of. This is one of the top cities in the world that has been featured in so many movies, TV shows, and media in general. If you’ve ever visited New York, you know that it is a vibrant city full of so much to do and so many interesting stories. And now, you’re looking at moving there for work and starting a new life in the city that never sleeps.

Moving anywhere is always an exciting adventure that can change up your entire life. Now that your job is moving you to NYC, it’s time to prepare for some big differences in lifestyle. Expect higher costs, different ways to travel, and special needs for your general move. Here are a few secrets no one tells you about moving to New York so you can be prepared for all the changes coming your way.

Hire movers to help you settle into the city.

Regardless of the neighborhood that you’re moving into in the city, chances are things may be a bit tight as you’re planning your actual move. For past homeowners, it is absolutely essential that you hire movers to help you get everything moved in, especially in the close quarters that make up NYC. Check out one of the top companies on the east coast when you search for movers in Maryland. They can help you pack up everything and keep your possessions in good condition for a fair price. Rely on experts with years of experience to help you transition from your local real estate location to an apartment in the city. The best way to move into a new location is with professional help and less of a hassle.

Prioritize selling your old home first to avoid paying double rent.

New York is an expensive place to live, so it’s important you save money wherever you can. For this reason, it’s essential that you sell your old property or get that lease taken care of before you move. Work with real estate agents with a guarantee that “we buy houses.” Host showings and make sure you get a fair offer so you can turn your focus on your rental property. This will mean you’re spending less money on your old property and have more income for your New York apartment.

NYC is expensive… prepare for a different cost of living.

Have we mentioned that New York is expensive? Like, really expensive. Your concept of money and what things should cost is going to change once you move to the Big Apple. Be prepared for a rise in your cost of living. Even if you think your new job is paying you an amazing salary, be ready to budget and adjust for the different costs of living. Once you settle in, you’ll start to understand the different costs and make the best decisions for your personal budget.

Understand your commute is going to look a little different.

One thing you may not be used to in the city is the change in your daily commute. If you come from a more suburban area, you’re probably used to driving to work and just having to deal with traffic. In NYC, you’ll need to plan on taking public transportation like the subway. This will usually create a longer commute for you to adjust for as you’re finding your way around.

You may have a bit of an adjustment period.

When you first move to the city, you’re definitely going to deal with a bit of an adjustment period. This happens to everyone. It is absolutely okay to take a few months to settle in. But once you start calling New York home, no other place will ever compare to the Big Apple.