Hey everyone—moving into my first NYC apartment next weekend in Carroll Gardens. It's a fourth-floor walk-up, which I'm already nervous about. I don't have a car. I only have about six medium boxes, two suitcases, and a small floor lamp. My plan was to take the bus maybe three times from my friend's place in Crown Heights, but that involves a transfer. Is that insane? Do bus drivers let you on with boxes if they fit between your feet? I don't want to spend a ton on movers for such a small load, but I also don't want to be the person blocking the aisle. What would you do?

Honestly, a few boxes on the bus is fine if they're not huge and you're not doing it at rush hour. I've done dumber. But a fourth-floor walk-up with six boxes plus a floor lamp is not a three-trip situation unless you want your legs to file a complaint. I'd skip the bus transfer and just rent a van for an hour or find a guy with a van—there are plenty. You don't need full movers, just a second set of hands and wheels. If you do take the bus, go mid-morning, load near the back, don't block the door. And tip your future self: pack the boxes lighter than you think, because those stairs are no joke after trip three.

WestVillage_W is right about the stairs, but I'll push back on the van. For six boxes from Crown Heights to Carroll Gardens, a couple of bus trips is genuinely normal, as long as you don't look like you're moving an entire studio. People bring weirder things on the B57. The transfer is the bigger issue—if you have to wait 15 minutes mid-route with all that stuff on the sidewalk it gets old fast. If your friend can help on one trip, do the heaviest boxes then, even if it means handing them coffee and a bagel. Also ask your new super if there's a service entrance or side elevator—sometimes the walk-up isn't as bad if you can stage boxes in the hallway for an hour.

I did a similar no-car move last month. I used the bus once and immediately hired someone for the second load. The huge blue IKEA bag was okay but floor lamp legs were awkward. DykerNewbie, if you don't know the bus crowd, avoid rush hour. I'd also get a cheap folding cart with bungees, even if you only use it once—the walk from the bus stop to the door is longer than you map. Good luck!