Moving to Long Island City, NY
Thinking about moving to Long Island City, Queens?
Long Island City (LIC) sits on the western edge of Queens, right across the East River from Midtown Manhattan. Once an industrial hub, it's now packed with high-rise apartments, waterfront parks, coffee shops and restaurants. Many people move to LIC to get more space than Manhattan while staying just a 10–20 minute subway ride away.
This guide covers what it's like to move to Long Island City—neighborhoods, rents, commuting, and move-day tips—plus how modSTORAGE can help with storage units, moving supplies, U-Hauls and modDISPOSAL services.
7 Subway Lines
10-min to Midtown
Waterfront Parks
Gantry Plaza & more
200+ Restaurants
Diverse dining scene
MoMA PS1
World-class art museum
Why People Love Living in LIC
Thriving Café Culture
Local roasters, specialty coffee shops, and cozy work spots
Bike-Friendly Streets
Protected lanes, Citi Bike docks, and easy Brooklyn access
Modern Amenities
Grocery stores, gyms, Target, and Trader Joe's nearby
Work-Life Balance
Quick commute means more time for parks, dining, and life
Who Lives in LIC?
Attracted by easy Manhattan commute and modern apartments
Seeking more space while staying in NYC
Drawn to the art scene and loft spaces
Affordable(ish) options near Manhattan
Downsizing while maintaining urban lifestyle
The LIC Lifestyle
Weekday
Quick subway commute to Manhattan offices, grab coffee at local roasters, work from co-working spaces or home
Weeknight
Dinner at neighborhood restaurants, evening walk along the waterfront, drinks with neighbors
Weekend
Farmers market, brunch at cafes, Gantry Plaza State Park, MoMA PS1, bike to Greenpoint or Astoria
Neighborhoods & What to Expect
Hunters Point / Waterfront District
High-rise luxury living with unbeatable Manhattan views
Transportation: Vernon Blvd - Jackson Ave (7 train), East River Ferry
Court Square / Queens Plaza
Mix of new towers and older buildings, excellent transit hub
Transportation: Court Square (7, E, M, G), Queens Plaza (E, M, R)
Dutch Kills / Industrial LIC
Converted lofts, artists' spaces, still-evolving
Transportation: Queens Plaza, Queensboro Plaza
Adjacent Neighborhoods Worth Considering
Astoria
North of LIC
- • More traditional Queens neighborhood feel
- • Better restaurant diversity (especially Greek food)
- • Lower rent than LIC core
- • N, W trains
Sunnyside
East of LIC
- • Quieter, more residential
- • Beautiful garden apartments
- • More affordable
- • 7 train access
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Across Newtown Creek
- • Similar waterfront vibe
- • Easier parking
- • Polish heritage neighborhood
- • G train connection to LIC
Alternative Transportation
NYC Ferry
- • East River Ferry stops at LIC (seasonally)
- • Scenic commute to Manhattan
- • Cost: $4.50 per ride
- • Popular in nice weather
Citi Bike
- • Dozens of stations throughout LIC
- • Great for short trips and Brooklyn access
- • Annual membership: $205
- • Perfect for waterfront rides
Bus Service
- • Q103, Q104, Q39, Q67, B32 (to Brooklyn)
- • Good for east-west travel in Queens
- • Connect to subway lines
Driving & Parking
- • Queens-Midtown Tunnel to Manhattan
- • BQE, LIE, Grand Central Parkway nearby
- • Street parking: Challenging, permit required
- • Garage parking: $300-500/month
Moving Cost & Distance Calculator
Enter your origin and destination to estimate travel distance, time, and a rough moving cost.
Origin Address
Destination Address
U-Haul Truck & Equipment Rentals
modSTORAGE is a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, ready to help you with truck and equipment rentals for moves of any size.
- Multiple truck sizes available for local and long-distance moves
- Dollies, hand trucks, and furniture pads available at select locations
- Convenient on-site pickup and drop-off
- Reservations and same-day availability at select facilities
- U-Haul near you
Professional Wrapping & Packing Services
Furniture Wrapping
Protect your furniture with shrink wrap, moving blankets, and corner protectors designed for safe transport.
Ask about this service →Mattress & Upholstery Protection
Keep your mattresses, sofas, and chairs clean with professional-grade protective covers and bags.
Ask about this service →On-Site Packing Help
Available at select locations—get assistance with difficult items and access to professional protection materials.
Ask about this service →Boxes & Moving Supplies
We stock a full lineup of moving supplies at modSTORAGE, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, labels, and more.
Boxes
Small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes
Packing Materials
Bubble wrap, packing paper, stretch wrap
Tape & Accessories
Packing tape, tape guns, dispensers
Kits & Bundles
Pre-packaged moving supply kits
modDISPOSAL™ – Junk & Trash Removal
modDISPOSAL helps customers dispose of pallets, cardboard, packaging debris, and unwanted items related to moves, keeping your unit and facility clean.
Keep Your Move Clean
Let modDISPOSAL handle the mess so you can focus on settling in.
- Get rid of leftover boxes and packing materials
- Ask about bulk/junk removal options
- Keep your unit clean and move-out ready
modSTORAGE Moving Guide
6–8 Weeks Before Move
- • Declutter, donate, and decide what to store vs. move
- • Reserve your modSTORAGE unit and U-Haul if needed
4 Weeks Before Move
- • Start packing low-use rooms
- • Label boxes clearly by room and priority
- • Buy moving supplies (boxes, tape, wraps)
1–2 Weeks Before Move
- • Confirm move date and truck reservation
- • Wrap furniture and mattresses
- • Prepare a disposal list for items to be thrown away or recycled
Moving Day
- • Pick up truck and equipment
- • Load heavy items first, use dollies and carts at facility
- • Keep important items and documents easily accessible
After Move
- • Return truck
- • Use modDISPOSAL for leftover materials
- • Confirm unit lock and contact info for your account
Long Island City Moving FAQs
Is Long Island City a good place to live?
Long Island City offers a unique mix of modern high-rise living with easy Manhattan access (10-20 minute subway ride), waterfront parks, diverse dining, and a growing arts scene. It's popular with young professionals and families seeking more space than Manhattan at a slightly lower price point while maintaining city convenience.
How much does it cost to move to Long Island City?
Moving costs vary based on distance and volume. Local moves within NYC typically range from $500-$2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Add costs for packing supplies ($100-300), U-Haul rental ($50-150/day), and optional services like professional packing or modDISPOSAL junk removal.
What subway lines serve Long Island City?
LIC has excellent subway access with the 7, N, W, R, E, M, and G lines serving Queens Plaza, Queensboro Plaza, Court Square, and other stations. Most locations in LIC are 10-20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
Do I need storage when moving to Long Island City?
Many LIC movers use short-term storage during transition periods, especially when downsizing from suburban homes or coordinating lease timings. modSTORAGE offers flexible month-to-month units, U-Haul rentals, and moving supplies at our Long Island City facility.
What's parking like in Long Island City?
Street parking in LIC is challenging, with most residential buildings offering garage parking for $300-500/month. Moving day parking can be difficult—consider reserving a spot in advance or using modSTORAGE's drive-up access for temporary storage during your move.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Choose a storage unit near you or talk to one of our moving specialists to get started.