Moving to a new state is challenging enough, but moving to a big city from a small town presents additional issues. At National Van Lines we’ve helped people move for nearly 100 years, and we’ve seen countless moves that bring people and businesses to large metro areas like Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles.
You and your long distance moving company will need to know important information such as special parking regulations, and when you’ll need to use a shuttle truck. And when you’re moving to an apartment or condominium, be sure to research their move-in rules.
Do You Need a Shuttle Truck When Moving From a Small Town to a Big City?
Moving from a small town to a big city often requires using a shuttle truck at delivery. A shuttle truck is a smaller vehicle that carries your belongings from the main moving truck to your new home, in cases where the main truck cannot park close enough.
Shuttles may be needed when you move to the suburbs or to a rural area, but shuttle use is far more common when you move into a big city. National Van Lines data from 2024 to 2026 shows that about one in three interstate moves into Chicago, Los Angeles or New York City needed a shuttle at delivery. In New York City (all five boroughs), nearly half of moves required a shuttle.
Big-city streets and city laws both play a part in access restrictions. In New York City, 53-foot trailers cannot make pick-ups or deliveries in any borough. Each borough also has its own approved truck routes. A shuttle truck is much smaller than a 53-foot trailer, so it can handle narrow streets and tight turns while keeping your move safe and legal.
Parking takes planning, too. In Chicago, the city issues a permit for moving van parking, and your moving company must apply for it. In Los Angeles, vehicles over 22 feet long or 84 inches tall cannot park overnight in posted areas without a permit. If a moving truck must wait overnight near your new home, this restriction affects where it can park.
Working with a moving company like National Van Lines can make it less stressful. Our crews already know these big city rules before the truck ever arrives. When you’re planning to move to a big city, mention your new address during the quote process so your MovePro coordinator can check access at both ends of the move. That way, you’ll know absolutely what to expect on moving day, and on your final bill.
What Apartment and Condo Rules Apply When Moving to a Big City?
Moving from a small town to a big city can mean moving into an apartment complex or condominium. If you’re moving from a house and making a transition to move into an apartment or condo, you’ll need to know how your new city and the building staff handles move-in day.
This table describes who sets the rules and how they affect you.
| City | Who Sets Move-In Rules | What to Know Before Moving Day |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Each building’s management. | Most buildings require your moving company’s certificate of insurance before they will approve your move. |
| Chicago | Condo boards, under Illinois state law. | Boards can set rules for how the building operates, which can include move-in procedures. |
| Los Angeles | Condo and HOA boards, under California state law. | Boards set their own operating rules and must give owners 28 days’ notice before changing them. |
However, the best (and quickest) way to confirm the rules is by contacting building management (or your landlord) for your new apartment or condo. They can explain exactly what you and your moving crew need to know before moving day.
When you work with National Van Lines for your long distance moves, pass this information along to your MovePro coordinator. They can use it to customize your moving plans and make sure that the crew is aware of the rules. You can also read more about how to avoid common problems in high-rise apartment moves before move-in day.
National Van Lines Is Your Moving Pro for a Small Town to a Big City Move
Moving from a small town to a big city is an exciting transition, and National Van Lines can help you plan the details before moving day. Ready to begin your own big city adventure? We’ve got the experience to make it your best move yet. Call 800-323-1962 or request a free online moving quote to get started.