In the movies, NYC is presented as being the most wonderful place to live on earth, where you can find anything you want and need, from love to Indian food to rare art and more. While it does live up to its reputation for diversity and excitement there are a number of factors about moving to and living and New York City that no one warns you about. Before moving here, heed some words of warning:

1. Don’t Be Surprised at Housing

Finding an apartment in the New York City area has been compared to “The Hunger Games”, and the prices have been described as, well, ‘indescribable’. Patience is a virtue, as well as good research skills and tenacity. Brokers and landlords will misrepresent the facts about properties, so always be ready to do your own research, and never be in a hurry. You will almost undoubtedly pay at least double the cost what you pay anywhere else for an apartment in New York.

Even if you can afford an apartment in NYC, most landlords require that tenants make 40 to 50x the monthly rental cost. If they don’t earn that much, they have to cough up a guarantor that makes 80-100x the monthly rent to ensure that the lease will be paid if the tenant skips town.

2. Don’t Overpack

Even if you are able to meet the stringent requirements to qualify for your apartment and have paid all of your deposits, the next mistake you will want to avoid is moving too much stuff. The average NYC apartment is much smaller than living spaces elsewhere and closet space comes at a premium. It’s wise to really think twice about your wardrobe and the furniture you tote along. Bring just the essentials for getting started – you can always buy more later. When you start unpacking, consider these small space organizing ideas.

3. Don’t Pick an Inexperienced Mover

New York City is not really the place to experiment with an untried mover off of Craiglist or to test your skills in an unfamiliar rented truck. Spend the extra money on a local, reliable NYC moving company! Make sure to pick a mover that is familiar with New York City area moves. Double parking, moving large items through tight spaces, navigating stairs, and getting things done quickly are all things movers in NYC know like a second nature. Also, if possible, avoid picking a moving date during the winter months.

4. Don’t Have High Expectations of Public Transport

Owning a vehicle is not necessary or practical in New York. Most people find this a pleasant surprise and a nice way to offset the astronomical cost of their apartment. A common mistake newcomers make, however, is thinking that the NYC subway will get them to their destination on time and safely. Before purchasing your metro card and hopping the next subway, keep a few things in mind:

• Breakdowns and technical difficulties happen more often than you’d like to know.
• Avoid empty cars: There is a reason that the middle car is empty. If people are avoiding a car, there is a reason for it.
• Avoid eye contact: Making eye contact with other riders can make yourself seem vulnerable to the wrong people.
• Avoid flashing cash: You can quickly become a victim if you hold money outside where others can see. Hold onto your purse or wallet, and don’t let yourself nod off!
• Avoid going in the wrong direction! A common mistake that riders new to the subway make is boarding at the wrong stop. Study the map and know where you’re headed at all times!

5. Don’t Throw Budgeting Out the Window

Once you move to NYC, you will find that you must adopt a whole new system to managing money. With the high cost of living, it can sometimes seem impossible that your bank account will ever grow. Now, more than ever, you’ll want to have a firm grasp on every dollar coming in and out of your wallet. To reduce expenses, try cooking in instead of eating every meal out and embrace free entertainment. For more tips on living in New York on a budget click here.

Moving to NYC may not be overly romanticized in the movies, after all it does come with a difficult apartment search and an astronomical cost of living. But, like almost everyone who moves here, you’ll be glad for the memorable experience!