With Mardi Gras upon us, we thought we’d put together a couple of things to keep in mind if you are about to relocate to New Orleans. Many young, hip people move to the city’s French Quarter, which also happens to be one of the oldest neighborhoods in the country. If you aren’t fully prepared to move to the area, the entire relocation can be quite tricky. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Call the Cops
Moving to New Orleans can be quite a logistical challenge if you aren’t prepared. The streets throughout the French Quarter are very narrow and most of them are only one-way. It is impossible to unload a moving truck without blocking traffic, so local law requires movers to call the police and set up a time for them to block traffic for you. Just remember, you will have to pay for this service and the minimum amount of time allowed is three hours.
Measure Everything
If you are moving to an apartment anywhere but the first floor, pay attention! Many of the French Quarter’s buildings are old and narrow, just like the streets. So, before you move in, make sure your furniture is going to fit through the door. Talk to your movers in advance and let them know if unloading the truck might be a challenge.
Change the Locks
You may not think of this, but the French Quarter is a tourist hot spot. The tenants before you may have lent out their keys to their friends that wanted to come and party it up during Mardi Gras. Don’t risk strangers having access to your home just because you don’t want to change the locks.
Jon Huser
