Moving Between Queens and Brooklyn: The BQE, New Truck Routes and Building Types
Moving between Queens and Brooklyn? Which roads moving trucks can use, the October 2026 truck route changes near Maspeth and Ridgewood, and building tips.
Updated October 10, 2026
Sunnyside and Woodside sit between Long Island City and Jackson Heights, with prewar apartment buildings, row houses and the landmark Sunnyside Gardens. Moves here often involve a longer walk from the curb than people expect, so the details matter.
Sunnyside Gardens: homes around shared courts
Sunnyside Gardens is a New York City historic district, designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 26, 2007. It was built between 1924 and 1928 and planned around shared garden courts. For a move, that means the front door may be some distance from where a truck can stop, often along a walkway. Tell us the distance from the street to your door and whether there are steps, so the crew brings the right dollies and plans enough time.
Walk-ups and co-ops
Many buildings in both neighborhoods are walk-ups or co-ops. Co-ops often have move-in and move-out rules, set hours, and sometimes a COI or deposit. Ask the managing agent early. In walk-ups, measure stair turns for large pieces and keep boxes light.
Getting the truck in and out
The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Long Island Expressway run close by and are open to trucks. The Grand Central Parkway is closed to commercial vehicles except one stretch between the RFK Bridge and the western leg of the BQE, where NYC DOT allows single-unit trucks with up to three axles and ten tires. Moving trucks avoid the other parkways.
Parking on moving day
Alternate side parking rules apply on many blocks, and the City suspends them on certain holidays and for weather, when parked cars stay put. If your block is crowded, an early start helps, and so does telling us about driveways, hydrants and bus stops near your door.
A short checklist for Sunnyside and Woodside
One week before: get the building rules and COI sample, measure stairs and doors, and book the elevator if there is one. Two days before: empty drawers, take down wall shelves and TVs, and set aside a bag with papers, chargers and medicine. On the day: keep hallways clear, show the crew which pieces need extra care, and walk through the empty rooms before the truck leaves. At the new home, tell the crew where each room is so boxes go straight to the right place.
Common questions
Is Sunnyside Gardens a landmark district?
Yes. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District on June 26, 2007.
Why does a Sunnyside Gardens move take longer?
Many homes face shared garden courts, so furniture is carried along walkways from the street. Tell your mover the carry distance.
Can a moving truck use the BQE and the LIE?
Yes, both are open to trucks. Most parkways in the City are closed to commercial vehicles.
Do co-ops in Woodside have move rules?
Many do: set hours, sometimes a deposit or a COI. Ask your managing agent before you book.
Get your written estimate
Call (718) 782-0272 or send the quote form on our home page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. You get a written estimate before moving day. Astoria Queens Movers is part of A & A Alliance Moving Inc, a family business since 1999; licences and history are on our company facts page.
Rules and city services change. We checked the official links on this page on October 10, 2026; confirm on the linked page before you book.
Official sources
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission: Sunnyside Gardens Historic District manual (PDF)
- NYC DOT: Parkway truck restrictions
- NYC DOT: Alternate Side Parking suspensions
