Every year, drivers spend at least 17 hours searching for the best place to park. And this problem is particularly prominent in New York City. With so many people in a relatively small geographical area, it is crucial to know how to minimize your parking search and make it more effective.

Understand Alternate Side Parking

NYC often has areas that use alternate side parking through different times of the day, week, month, and year. When seeking out a place to park in your neighborhood or anywhere, you have to go during the day and research what side you need to park on for that day. Approach the street from the direction of the side you must park on to ensure that you increase your chance of finding a parking spot.

Know When Parking Is Suspended

Parking rules such as alternate side parking and parking meters are often suspended on significant holidays in NYC. As a result, you’ll find yourself with more open opportunities for a parking spot during these days. Try to locate spots where you usually cannot park and head to them early in the morning before other people are up to get a spot that works for your needs.

Consider Renting a Parking Area

While it is not cheap, many people rent parking spots for their vehicles to cut back on wasted time sitting around looking for a parking spot. You’ll have to find an available area near you or your workplace that offers this option. Make sure to integrate this into your budget to ensure that you don’t end up paying too much and struggling to stay focused on your parking needs.

Use Parking Apps

Lastly, it is good to download parking apps that show you different spots where you can park in town. These apps automatically update you on parking availability throughout NYC and even let you pay your meter right from your phone. Instead of carrying around useless pocket change, you can use your phone and track how long you have left before you run out of time.

Whether you use parking apps or other help for this situation, it is essential to make sure that you minimize your wasted time by following these steps. Doing so will make it easier to get to and from work and reduce the constant struggle to find the best spot for your parking situation.