Moving Day in Boston: What You Need to Know

Moving apartments in Boston can be stressful. Here's what you need to know before booking your moving truck.

Let’s talk about moving day. If you’re worried about an upcoming moving day in Boston, you’re not alone. Most moves in Boston take place during the month of September.

Moving from place to place in the city of Boston (or surrounding areas) can be stressful. You better know the rules of the road before booking your moving truck.

Before packing up your moving boxes, here are 5 key things you should know:

1. Do not take Storrow Drive on moving day. Due to its low clearance, moving trucks are forbidden on Storrow Drive. The maximum height is 10 feet. It is suggested to avoid Storrow Drive at all costs on your moving day. According to UrbanDictionary, getting ‘storrowed’ means putting a 12'6" truck under a 10'6" bridge.

2. Need to get rid of your old couch or other trash items in your new neighborhood? There’s nothing worse than realizing your trusted and reliable couch won’t fit in your new place because of the small staircase. Find out if your items can be recycled here. If not, consider donating your old furniture and other items in good condition to The Salvation Army or Goodwill. Boston has already put together this comprehensive guide to trash to save you time researching it. Phew!

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3. Did someone park in the spot you reserved for your moving truck or van? Don’t worry, there’s a non-emergency phone number for that. Call the Boston Police Department at 617-343-4911.

4. Do your research on moving companies. Legally, movers have to be licensed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. Also, check to see if they are insured to replace items that get damaged during your move. Make a detailed list of what you are packing and moving to make sure nothing gets lost. Find out what you need to pay before you sign a final contract with the movers. Luckily, Boston Magazine put together a list of their recommended movers to help you on the big day.

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5. Fun fact: the default speed limit is 25 mph. In the city of Boston, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. This went into effect in January of 2017, changing the speed from 30 to 25mph. This new, lower speed limit is a part of a larger effort in Boston to reduce the amount of deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes.

There are helpful resources from Boston.gov to make moving easier:

Still looking for an apartment? It’s never too late to find a new place to call home. While we won’t pick up and carry your boxes, we can help you find a spot to live. With Spot Easy’s new and easy-to-use platform you’ll be able to compare rentals and find the perfect apartment. You can easily search by location to ensure that you’re finding the right place in the right neighborhood that meets your needs.