The need-to-know logistics of moving to Boston
Officially founded in September 1630, Boston is one of America’s oldest cities—and it shows. With its narrow, winding streets (many roads follow old cow paths, not a grid, which means tight corners and weird intersections), moving in Boston can feel like navigating a maze. Add in the city’s notorious traffic and the fact that nearly 80% of long-distance moves in the US happen during the summer, and it’s easy to see why planning ahead is essential.
Whether you’re driving your own moving truck or hiring a professional moving company, a well-thought-out strategy can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
This guide offers expert tips on everything from securing parking permits and safely maneuvering a truck through Boston’s old streets to spotting moving scams and finding affordable packing supplies. Bookmark this, and your Boston move will be smooth, cost-effective, and hassle-free!
1. Self-driving? Don’t get “Storrowed”.
If there’s one way to make your Boston move go viral for all the wrong reasons, it’s getting “Storrowed”. Named after Storrow Drive, a scenic parkway that hugs the Charles River, the term refers to what happens when an over-height vehicle—typically a moving truck—collides with one of the parkway’s low-clearance bridges. For the fact that Boston is such an old city and roads then were never designed with tall vehicles in mind, some of these bridges along Storrow Drive (and its parallel road across the river, Memorial Drive) have clearances of as low as 9 feet. Do not ignore the “Danger Low Clearance” and “Cars Only” signages, or you’ll end up on Tik Tok.
Avoid this costly mistake by using truck-friendly GPS apps, like Trucker Path, which provides real-time information on height restrictions, parking availability, and truck-friendly routes.
2. Hiring a moving company? Common scams and how to avoid them.
Moving company scams are especially rampant during the busy summer season. It’s common for people to receive a low quote, only to be charged much more later, or have their belongings delayed for months or worst- “lost.”
Read this BBB study about interstate moving fraud, how to tell the difference between rogue operators and legitimate movers, and what to do if problems arise during a move.
10 Red flags to watch out for:
Interstate moves: A copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” is required.
Interstate moves: Pricing by space instead of weight. Interstate movers must charge by weight. (FYI, local movers charge by the hour.)
No on-site quote—estimates without a home visit are often inaccurate
Large down payments—legitimate companies usually require no more than 20%
Cash-only transactions—used to avoid a paper trail
Extremely low rates—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
No company logo on the truck—professional companies display branding
No verifiable address or office—ensure the company operates from a legitimate physical business address
No written contract or requests to sign a blank one
Unprofessional communication—rude behavior, inconsistent contact, or delayed responses can be early signs of poor service or a scam operation.
Research thoroughly using Google reviews, BBB ratings, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
If you’re moving within MA, local movers that have been recommended are:
Note that your decision to hire a professional moving company does not negate the need for a moving truck permit to park and load the vehicle. Read the next section on securing moving permits and parking spots.
3. Securing moving permits and parking spots to unload
In most neighborhoods, unless your building features a spacious private driveway or loading garage that can fully accommodate a moving vehicle without disrupting traffic, a moving permit is not just recommended—it is required.
This is particularly true in high-density, high-traffic areas where curb space is limited and strictly regulated. If your move brings you to towns such as Brookline, Cambridge, Medford, Somerville, or nearly any Boston neighborhood—Allston, Brighton, Beacon Hill, Jamaica Plain, North End, South End etc—applying for a permit well in advance is critical. Not only does it ensure you have reserved space to park and unload, but it also helps avoid fines and a squabble with neighbors.
Each town has its own application process, fees, and timeline that you should research WELL IN ADVANCE of your move:
Boston requires applications at least 2 weeks in advance through its Moving Truck Portal.
Cambridge requires at least 7 days in advance through its Moving Van Permit site.
Somerville ridiculously 🙄 requires that applicants hand deliver or mail their completed application, with a 15 business days processing time for mailed applications.
After obtaining your permit, you’d typically be required to place signs at least 48 hours before your moving day to reserve your spot(s). If you’re coming from out of state or abroad, you should enlist the help of a local friend or your real estate agent to place signs. Better yet, arrive the day before your move and park your personal vehicle there (check if overnight parking is allowed) to guarantee your spot.
Other things to check before moving day:
Street conditions: Are there tight corners that could make maneuvering difficult? If you have a large truck, you may need to reserve both sides of the street to unload properly.
Parking logistics: Are there low-hanging trees/branches that will prevent your truck from getting close enough to the curb to unload?
4. 5 Money-saving tips & efficiency hacks
Buy moving boxes online from Uline. They’re more cost-effective than those in retail stores like Staples.
Look for free supplies on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or ask your local liquor/grocery store for sturdy boxes.
Submit a USPS change of address request so that your mail is properly rerouted to your new address.
Plan your route with the Trucker Path App to avoid detours, low bridges, and traffic delays.
