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 11, 2026
Every item you get rid of before moving day is one less item to pack, carry and pay to move. In New York City, though, some things cannot simply go to the curb. Here are the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) rules that matter most before a move.
Mattresses and box springs must be bagged
DSNY says bedding items like mattresses and box springs must be sealed in plastic bags to prevent the spread of bed bugs, and set out on your trash-only day. Improper disposal can bring a fine of up to $300. Buy a mattress disposal bag early, because you will need it on the last days in the apartment.
Furniture and rugs
Furniture that is mostly metal or plastic goes out with recycling; wood and particleboard furniture goes out on the trash-only day. DSNY asks you to take furniture apart when possible and to bundle smaller pieces with tape or twine. Rugs and carpets are rolled and tied. Glass tables, mirrors and windows go with trash; tape large glass pieces. DSNY allows up to six large items at the curb per collection day, so a big clean-out may need more than one week.
Fridges, freezers and air conditioners: book the CFC removal
Appliances that cool, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and wine coolers, contain refrigerant that trained DSNY staff must remove before collection. DSNY does this curbside for free by appointment, puts a sticker on the appliance, and then collects it with recycling. DSNY cannot collect appliances with R600a or R32 refrigerant (look for a yellow triangle with black flames); for those, contact the manufacturer or a private carter. Washers, dryers and stoves follow the large-item rules.
TVs, computers and phones cannot go in the trash
DSNY says it is illegal to throw out many electronics with trash or recycling, including computers, monitors, printers, TVs, cable boxes, game consoles, tablets and phones. Options include ecycleNYC for apartment buildings with 10 or more units, retail and non-profit drop-off locations, community e-waste events, special waste drop-off sites, SAFE disposal events and manufacturer take-back programs.
Plan the clean-out with the move date
Two to three weeks before the move, walk through each room and mark what stays, goes with you, is donated or is thrown out. Book the CFC appointment early. Tell us what is no longer coming, so the estimate matches what actually moves. If an old fridge or washer is going to the new place, ask us how to prepare it; we have a guide on moving a fridge without scratching the floors.
Common questions
Do I have to bag a mattress before throwing it out in NYC?
Yes. DSNY requires mattresses and box springs to be sealed in plastic bags and set out on the trash-only day; improper disposal can be fined up to $300.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator in Queens?
Make a free DSNY appointment to remove the refrigerant. After the sticker goes on, leave it at the curb for recycling collection. R600a and R32 units go to the manufacturer or a private carter.
Can I leave an old TV on the curb?
No. DSNY says it is illegal to put TVs, computers and many other electronics out with trash or recycling. Use ecycleNYC, a drop-off site or a take-back program.
How many large items can I put out at once?
DSNY allows up to six large items at the curb per collection day.
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; licenses and history are on our company facts page.
Rules, tolls and city services change. The facts on this page come from the official sources listed below (checked October 11, 2026); confirm on the linked page before you book.
