The best social media buzz on Allston Christmas 2019

In Boston, the end of summer is marked by a city-wide holiday. No, not Labor Day. September 1st is Allston Christmas, the day that 79% of leases turn over in the city, resulting in a gridlock of moving trucks and sidewalks littered with abandoned trash. As a Boston moving company, the folks at Olympia Moving & Storage are Allston Christmas experts. We have 25 of of them under our belt. This year we teamed up with NBC 10 Boston to educate the city about the dangers of driving a moving truck on Storrow Drive.

Per usual, Boston’s residents took to Twitter and Instagram to share their moving pains, celebrate their curbside finds, and ask the void – what the heck is going on out there?

The Best Tweets & Instagrams of Allston Christmas 2019

Allston Christmas is a holiday highly anticipated across the city

The season was ushered in with carols

Some tried to avoid moving in Boston altogether

Not sure which was more coveted this year, a new coffee table on the sidewalk, or these two excellent beer releases by Harpoon Brewery and Trillium Brewing

Sleighs & rental trucks took to the streets to spread good cheer

Not all Allston Christmas finds are merry, some are better left for Allston Christmas Boxing Day

When your Allston Christmas move is over, just remember that moving companies have to go through this every day. Olympia contributed to Boston Magazine’s compilation of funny and touching stories from Boston moving companies.

Whether you’re moving on Allston Christmas 2020 or any other time of year, contact Boston moving company Olympia Moving & Storage for a free moving estimate, or give a ring at 800-222-4744.

Charming Historic Homes Around Boston, MA

Massachusetts is rife with colonial architecture and history. Specifically, over 50,000 historic homes currently stand across the state. Many were built before the American Revolution.

In recent times, most houses on the market have similar styles. Consequently, many people are moving into historic homes for their character. Boston has an extensive market of available historic homes. As a Boston moving company, Olympia has plenty of experience in moving families into historic homes.

Check out this list of some of the most interesting historic houses around Boston.

Sunflower House

The first floor of the Sunflower House stands out thanks to bright yellow stucco. The red, English-style shingles on the roof add to the color. Even a large sunflower carving sits a story above the front door. This beautiful home brings color to the Beacon Hill neighborhood in downtown Boston.

Nichols House

Nichols House is located in Beacon Hill at the heart of Boston. Suffragist and gardener, Rose Standish Nichols, originally owned the home.  Built in 1804, the home was renovated in 1830. Currently, it functions as a museum.

Old Manse

Old Manse was constructed in 1770. Writer and transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson, was its famous resident. Located just outside of Boston in the town of Concord, Emerson’s famous essay ‘Nature’ was first written on the upper floor of this house.

Longfellow House

Constructed in 1759 in Cambridge, the Longfellow House was once the headquarters of George Washington. In fact, Washington used the house as a headquarters for one year during the Siege of Boston. It’s view of the Charles River remains one of its defining traits.

Jame’s Blake House

Built in 1661, the Jame’s Blake house is the oldest house in all of Boston. Later, in 1896, the house moved about 500 feet from its original location. The home changed hands many times since its constructed, but is currently owned by the City of Boston. The home also sports a unique Western English architectural style rarely found in the region.

Paul Revere House

Built in 1680, this house is the oldest in downtown Boston. It was home to Paul Revere, whose midnight ride remains a cornerstone of American history. That’s why in 1961 the home was declared a National Historic Landmark. It opened for public tours after $4 million dollars of renovations.

Stonehurst

Located just outside of the city in Waltham, this house is the former country estate of Robert Treat Paine, a lawyer and philanthropist. Completed in 1866, this house sits right next to the Lyman Estate. In fact, Paine’s wife, Lydia Lyman, formerly owned the estate. Later, in 1972, it opened to the public as a park.

Oak Bluffs Gingerbread Houses

Although these homes are quite far south of Boston, they boast undeniable charm. Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, the Oak Bluff’s Gingerbread Houses are a collection of 318 Carpenter Gothic cottages that were formerly Methodist camp meeting houses. That’s why the entire area is a National Historic Landmark District.

Owning Your Own

If you love the beautiful historic homes of Boston and its surrounding towns, why not live in one yourself? You can find hundreds of historic homes in the Boston area, just waiting for a new owner. For example, listed historic homes can be found at Barret Sotheby’s, Cabot and Company, or Historic Homes Boston. Furthermore, a more general database of all available historic homes in Boston and around Massachusetts, is located at Antique Home’s sales directory.

Moving Into History

If you do decide to move into a historic home, make sure that you understand the challenges and responsibilities of ownership. For more information, check out our blog post about Moving Into a Historic Home.

Olympia has the experience to move you into your own historic home. We can make your transition from a modern house into a piece of the past easy and seamless.

If you are planning on moving into a historic home, contact Olympia Moving and Storage today at 800-222-4744 or fill out our free estimate form.

Moving to Boston? The 5 Best Ice Cream Spots

Moving to Boston? Whether you’re moving in the sweltering heat of the summer or in the dead of winter, it’s essential to know the best ice cream spots in Boston. Here are the top 5 joints in town:

Rancatore’s

Newton, Bedford, and Lexington

After helping his brother Gus create Toscanini’s, Joe Rancatore went off on his own and founded Rancatore’s. Ranc’s grew to become a local favorite, boasting sundaes, creamy, quirky, creative flavors, and dairy free and sugar-free alternatives. Visit a location to get a 1-scoop micro or even a quart of freshly packed ice-cream.

Toscanini’s

Central Square

Founded by Gus Rancatore, Toscanini’s has been in business since 1981. With “‘The Best Ice Cream in the World'” – New York Times” plastered across their window, Toscanini’s attracts customers from all over.  Toscanini’s makes all their ice cream and baked goods in house (or purchased from local bakery Iggy’s), and pulls inspiration for new flavors from around the US and the world.

 

The Cookie Monstah

Danvers shop, Roaming Food Truck

The Cookie Monstah was created by Missy Gale. After almost 2 decades of work in the baking industry and many trips to find the perfect chocolate chip cookies, she started her food truck. The truck roams around the Boston area and was featured on the travel channel and NBC Boston for its famous ice cream and cookie sandwiches.

[FoMu]

Boston

Created in 2011, [FoMu] is the healthiest choice on this list. [FoMu] is a completely plant-based company, and their signature blend is made with coconut milk. All of their products and toppings are non-dairy and vegan. They also have soy free, gluten free, and kosher products. They make their ice cream in Watertown, MA and have stores in Allston, Jamaica Plain, and the South End.

J.P. Licks

Across the Boston Metro Area

J.P. Licks started in 1981 in Jamaica Plain (“J.P.”) by Vince Petryk. The small business has 14 locations, and has won over 400 awards for their ice cream and coffee. All of their products are Kosher, and they have delicious frozen yogurt varieties as well. This spot is a favorite of college students and locals, and will consistently deliver delicious cups and cones of your favorite flavors.

 

When you get to the city make sure you check some of these spots out, and figure out which you think is the best ice cream in Boston. Save us a cone!

If you’re ready to make the move to Boston, give us a call at  800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate! 

Move to Boston: Top 5 Fall Activities

Thinking about a move to Boston? Fall in New England is one of the best times to live in Boston. Olympia Moving & Storage is lucky enough to headquarter in Boston, MA, so we have experienced everything fall in New England has to over. If you just relocated to Massachusetts, or are looking to move to Boston, here are our top 5 must dos in the Boston area this autumn.

Move to Boston and Enjoy Fall as a Local

1. Explore Boston’s Green Spaces

The Boston Common and the Public Gardens are a little dose of nature in the middle of downtown Boston. Steps away from scenic Beacon Hill and the bustling theater district, the parks are full of statues, bridges, and benches. Whether you take a stroll or pack a picnic, be sure to stop by the green spaces to enjoy the fall foliage!

2. Spooky day trip to Salem, MA

If the supernatural is your thing, head to the north shore and visit Salem! The town where the Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692 is the best place to celebrate Halloween. Visit The Witch House, where Jonathan Corwin, a judge in the Witch Trails, lived. The structure is the only remaining building with direct ties to the trials. Judge Corwin, his brother, and other significant people involved in the trials are buried in local cemeteries, which are open to the public from dusk to dawn. Salem, MA also has many excellent restaurants and fun store fronts to enjoy during your visit. 

3. Visit a New England Apple Orchard

There are over 50 farms in the Boston area that offer apple picking. Many farms also have a farm store with cider donuts, apple cider, and other baked goods and treats. Interacting with the farm animals is a highlight at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA. Plan a perfect autumn day trip, complete with a scenic drive! If you’re planning on baking a pie with your freshly picked apples, check out this Yankee Magazine article on the best types of apples for pie.

4. Walk around Walden Pond in Concord, MA

This famous Massachusetts state reservation is known for inspiring writer Henry David Thoreau. It was also a favorite spot of transcendentalists Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Walking around the pond is a 1.7 mile stroll, and you’ll be impressed with the varying foliage color in the fall months. While you’re in town, visit the Ralph Waldo Emerson Home and the Concord Museum only 1.5 miles away.

5. October Baseball at Fenway Park

The Red Sox in the playoffs is one of the most exciting events in Boston. The crisp air, earlier sunsets, and bright stadium lights bring a special atmosphere to the 107 year old Fenway Park. Boston Red Sox fans are among the most loyal, and frequent the park even in unsuccessful seasons. Grab a soda and a hot dog and settle in for one of the most resilient teams in baseball.

 

 

Looking to enjoy fall in New England as a local? Contact Olympia Moving & Storage to plan a move to Boston. Fill out our form online or give us a call at 800-222-4474 for a free estimate.

Happy Allston Christmas 2018 from the Bostonians of Twitter & Instagram

The most wonderful time of the year is here again! The signs of the season are everywhere: old mattresses piled on the sidewalks, gridlocked streets filled with rental trucks, and a near-crash for a truck on Storrow Drive. Olympia Moving & Storage is still in the midst of our busiest weekend of the year. In addition to the 40 moves we’re completing daily, you can find us working on the Northeastern campus, moving thousands of new and returning students into their dorms.

Whether you were moving with Olympia or not, we wanted to help everyone have a merry Boston moving day. We posted PSAs on the back of the iconic Olympia trucks, reminding drivers that they can NOT bring trucks onto Storrow Drive. Olympia also created an Allston Christmas survival guide, with advice from the experts to make a September 1st move a success. Olympia has conquered over 25 Allston Christmases, so we know how to navigate the chaos.

With 79% of Boston leases turning over on the same date, it certainly is chaos. According the Boston Globe, more than 138,000 students return to the city and about 2,000 U-Hauls will be on the road this weekend. You can count on the citizens of Boston to document the experience.

Funniest Tweets and Instagrams Allston Christmas 2018

Garbage, as far as they eye can see

It's the most wonderful time of the year #allstonchristmas #trashqueen

A post shared by Heather Rick (@hijabipunx) on

RIP 20 Pratt

A post shared by Jon Nemergut (@jonnemergut) on

Allston Christmas 🎄

A post shared by Diana Espina (@diana_valentina8) on

And so the madness ensues #allstonchristmas @kayvonthefggt

A post shared by Ardvark (@archienema) on

Rental trucks galore

When a Uhaul wasn’t an option, some found innovative solutions

There were a few close calls

But it turns out bridges on Storrow aren’t the only danger

The city and local companies tried to lend a hand

And of course, some much-needed memes

If you need to move in Boston any time of year, Olympia Moving & Storage is here to help. Give us a call at 617-926-5555 or get an instant quote on our website.

On the Move: Boston Commonwealth Avenue

As a Boston moving company, Olympia relocates thousands of families to or from Boston this year. In our “On the Move” series, we take you on the job to see first-hand the homes our crews work in and the variety of services they perform.

On the Move | Luxury Moving Services on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA

Moving From: Location, location, location! This beautiful property is right next to the historic Commonwealth Avenue Mall, just a 5-minute walk to the Boston Public Garden.

Moving To: A brownstone townhouse in Brooklyn, NY

When: June 2018

Boston Moving Services

This client needed a full-service move on very tight deadlines. Olympia’s moving consultant, Ida, planned the move to take place over three days.

The Olympia team performed a full pack of the home on the first day. The next day our five man crew loaded the belongings into two trucks. One truck was bound for New York City. The other was going back to our local warehouse for long-term storage. Prior to departure, our crew removed all debris and broom-swept the house to ensure it was ready for closing. On the third day Olympia delivered the shipment to New York.

The crew was headed by Gabe all three days to ensure continuity.

Special Items Olympia Moved

This client had unique, expensive pieces as well as high value artwork and light fixtures. It is routine for Olympia to manage high end items. Olympia worked with our partner who specializes in crating valuable art, chandeliers, and gold leaf frames. The Olympia dedicated moving coordinator also arranged for an electrician partner to properly remove the chandelier from the ceiling.

Considerations for Boston Moving from Commonwealth Avenue

Homes in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood are the epitome of beautiful Boston architecture, but the area is particularly challenging for a move. This luxury home was a third-floor walk up. Olympia also had to order a few parking permits to ensure they could park right in front of the home on the resident-only street parking on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

 

If you are moving to or from the Boston Area, give us a call at 800-222-4244 or fill out our form online for a free moving estimate!

How To: Find a new apartment in Boston

Are you trying to find a new apartment in Boston? If you’re moving to Boston for the first time, or you just looking for a new place, you’ve probably already discovered that Boston is a difficult market. The cost of living in Boston is infamously expensive, and hovers at around 50% higher than the national average, similar to other expensive US cities such as New York, LA, DC, and Chicago.

Where do you want your new apartment to be?

your new apartment in boston could be in the quaint south end or back bay brownstonesyour new apartment might be one of the new gleaming high rises in bostonyour new apartment might be in this historic area of boston

Boston has 23 official neighborhoods that all have different price ranges and characteristics. Do your research to find which spot is best for you.

For most folks, average prices in the neighborhood is the best starting point in the search. Check out this heat map of Boston rent prices, from Jeff Kaufman, a Software Engineer at Google. If you cannot afford living alone in Boston’s most hip neighborhoods, consider getting a roommate to help split up the cost. If you’re buying, consider getting a home with a space you can rent out. There are also many suburbs and adjacent cities that have lower costs and transportation options into the city.

The second consideration is your commute and getting around the city. Neighborhoods along the train lines of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) – commonly referred to as the “T”- are more sought after and will be more expensive. In other areas, the bus lines or commuter rail are convenient options to get from A to B. If you’re planning on using your car frequently, check out the traffic patterns on Google Maps or Waze, and check whether a parking space is included in your rent.

To find an apartment in Boston, neighborhood vibe is also key. If you want to be right in the middle of a busy city, consider Downtown, South Boston, or the Fenway/Kenmore area. If you are looking for a residential escape away from the hubbub, try Jamaica Plain or Mission Hill. The South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill are all higher end residential areas tucked away in the busy city.

Make sure to choose wisely, as this will be where you’ll spend most of your time. Check out the Olympia Boston location page to read more about the surrounding areas.

Make a budget for a new apartment

plan your budget to find a new apartmentPlan your budget carefully – ask if heating and cooling is included in the price presented. Boston winters are very chilly, but the summer temperatures are not that much fun either. Is the laundry in-home, in-building, or at the laundromat around the corner? Does the price include everything you need? Decide whether or not you can afford your apartment only after you’ve carefully weighed all the financial responsibilities in your life. Here is a rundown of what to consider when you create your budget:

  • Rent
  • Laundry
  • Heating/Cooling
  • Oil/Gas
  • Utilities
  • Other Living Expenses
    • Weekly/Monthly Groceries
    • Gas for your car
    • Public Transportation Money
    • Phone Bill
    • Credit Card Bill
    • Loan Payments

Keeping even the smallest monthly payments in mind can help keep you out of financial stress and trouble later. Be realistic about how much money you already need to spend each month – rounding up can help build in some cushion in case you make any mistakes.

moving to your new apartment in boston

What you need to know about moving day

Did you finally find a new apartment in Boston? It’s time to plan the move!

Most of the rentals in the city are on the same lease cycle beginning September 1st. All of the local college students also be arrive at their dorms the same week. This causes extreme traffic, delays, and frustration throughout the entire city. If you can, avoid moving on September 1st. If you can’t, plan ahead. Both moving companies and truck rentals will be booked to capacity months in advance. Rates will also get higher as the end of the month creeps closer.

The most key advice for newcomers moving to Boston: If you are moving to your new Boston apartment in a rented truck: do not travel on Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, or Soldiers Field Road. Your truck will not fit. Do not ignore the “Cars Only” signs.

If you would prefer to leave moving to the pros, contact Olympia Moving & Storage at  800.222.4744 or fill out our form for a free moving estimate!

Top Reasons To Move To Boston

Boston….. it’s where it all started for Olympia Moving. The area, from downtown Boston to the amazing suburb towns has a special place in our heart. Whether you are a young professional right out of college, or a retired couple looking to enjoy your golden years downtown, Boston has so much to offer as your new home.

Here are some top reasons in our opinion that makes Boston such a great place to live:

Great Public Transportation/Walkability: Whether you live in the direct Greater Boston Area or a suburb, Boston has some of the best public transportation in the United States. You can get so into Boston without a car so easily, and once you get into the city it’s one of the better walking cities. So many people that live in Boston walk or take a quick train ride to work.

Four Seasons: Some people love it and others don’t, but Boston & New England has some of the most beautiful seasons. From 80 degrees in the summer to blizzards in the winter, to crisp and vibrant falls, it’s a unique and wonderful place.

Seafood/Dining: If you live in Boston & along the Atlantic Ocean it is hard to truly know what you’ve got but seafood this fresh is a rare commodity for much of the United States. From the North End to the Seaport area, you’ll have amazing views/restaurants and fresh seafood at your disposal 365 days a year.  

Sports Culture: If you’re a sports fan, some argue there is no better place to live in the world. A town that has a rich tradition of excellence, mixed with passionate fans makes following and watching sports that much more fun.

Career Opportunities: The Massachusetts employment rate has been ahead of the National curve with the professional, scientific, and technical sectors booming. You’ll have all the opportunities to grow your career aspirations in Boston.

Education: Whether you plan on going back to school or you have children, Boston has 35 universities, colleges and Communities College. Some of the highlighted schools in the area include Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Boston College, Tufts University, MIT and University of Massachusetts Boston.

Things To Do: In Boston you’ll have a never-ending supply of musicians, comedians, tours, nightlife, local bars, local events, concerts, sporting events, parades, fairs, food festivals, and MORE!

History: You lose so much history in many of the larger cities in America. In Boston, there is a historical marker at almost every turn. The blend of a high-end/modern city and the history of where it came from is splendid. From the cobble stone streets to the US Constitution, there is so much to explore.

The best social media buzz this Allston Christmas 2017

As another September 1st Boston Move In Day (a.k.a. Allston Christmas) comes to an end, the team at Olympia Moving & Storage is taking a collective sigh of relief. While today, when 79% of Boston’s leases turn over, means moving chaos for the city, for moving companies Labor Day weekend marks the end of the high volume summer season. We anticipate continuing our hard work through the rest of the year, but Olympia Moving & Storage is looking forward to a moment of R&R after working at capacity all summer!

Meanwhile, the rest of Boston is not used to moving being an integral part of their daily lives, and took to Twitter and Instagram this week to complain, meme, and post their curbside finds. Although a weekend of gridlocked moving trucks is annoying, the results are certainly entertaining!

There were big messes

#allstonchristmas or the barricade from Les Mis?

A post shared by Michelle Tan (@michltan) on

And strange sights

Ted went on a bender and didn’t resign the lease. #allstonchristmas

A post shared by haskellhoff (@haskellhoff) on

A few local celebrities stopped by to help celebrate

Folks tried every maneuver and technique necessary to move their belongings in

Solid find! These guys are winning. #allstonchristmas #allstonrockcity

A post shared by Kim Maroon (@kmaroon) on

Some Allston residents were rewarded with great Allston Christmas gift finds

Santa is abandoned in a bucket on #AllstonChristmas

A post shared by Scooter Burch (@havartifreak) on

#allstonchristmas

A post shared by Dianne Jennings (@msjendi) on

A lonely abandoned bong waits to bee adopted atop a trash bin on #AllstonChristmas

A post shared by Scooter Burch (@havartifreak) on

Residents and companies alike celebrated in their own ways

From the top ropes!!!! #wwesuperstar #allstonchristmas

A post shared by Dan Galanto (@letsdolegs) on

And some are just over it!

This Allston Christmas Olympia Moving & Storage was honored by a visit from Boston Magazine, who rode along with our crew this morning to see what the “holiday” is like through the eyes of movers.

What It’s Like to Be a Mover in Boston on September 1
“This is almost like our Super Bowl.”

Whether you’re moving next Allston Christmas or any other day of the year, give Boston moving company Olympia Moving & Storage a call at 800-222-4744 or request an estimate online.

Also check out:

After the Move: Getting Started in Your New Home

When the movers leave and it’s just you and your family in the new home, it can be overwhelming. It’s time to pick a starting point and start tackling, unpacking, and organizing. We hope with these simple suggestions will help you start making your new house into a home.

Time to pull out that first night box! Something that might have seemed silly a few weeks ago is now essential. Bottled water, snacks, clean clothes & a tooth brush are simple first steps to making your first night in your house feel like a home. Check out the blog on the first night kit  linked here to make sure you have the essentials at your fingertips when they’re needed.

Make sure all the essential services are set up. Double check that the appliances that the movers installed work properly. Make sure the electricity works and you have hot water for a shower. If not, call to get these things addressed.

Boston

Electricity

Water

Internet/ Cable

Washington DC

Electricity

Water

Internet/Cable

Pennsylvania 

Electricity

Water

Internet/Cable

Google “Best take out around me” and celebrate! Make the first day in your new home a memorable one – you’ve worked hard to get to this point and you deserve it! Treat yourself to delicious take-out from your new neighborhood and pop a bottle of champagne. After a full move-in day the last thing you will want to do is worry about unpacking boxes to find pots and pans to cook with, or a trip to the grocery store. Make an indoor picnic, open up a moving pad, and dive in to your first meal in your new home.

Begin to plan out each room. Because all of the moving boxes are labeled and brought in to the designated rooms it will be easy to attack them one by one. A plan will make the unpacking process less stressful. When you are beginning to get settled, it’s apparent that some rooms take priority over others. A simple bedroom set up is essential in the first few days, some clean sheets and hung up clothes will have you feeling refreshed the next day. Nothing is worse than waking up in a new space with nothing familiar around you. That goes for the kids rooms as well, the sooner they get in to a solid routine in the new home, the better. Plus, if you get the kids set up in their rooms it will keep them preoccupied when you set up the rest of the home. After the bedrooms, we suggest getting the kitchen in order. While you might enjoy some take out for the first few nights, nothing gets you settled in a new house like a home cooked meal. 

Safety. Safety. Safety. Make sure that all fire alarms are wired correctly and working. Confirm that the home is child proof as needed. If the new home has a pool, make plans to fence it in.

Change Locks. It is important to change your locks on your new home because you never know who has copies of the keys. It’s an important safety precaution that can be easily over looked!

Manuals & Remotes: When you’re unpacking and unwrapping new things it is easy to throw away or lose track of user manuals and remote controls. Make a designated area for these. You will need them! (Even if you think you know how to work the new fancy washer and dryer)

Schedule a Debris Pick Up. If you find yourself in a pile of empty boxes as you continue to unpack, give Olympia a call to pick up the pieces for you. Also, check out our blog on how to use some of the leftover boxes for the kids entertainment when you unpack!

The most important thing to remember is, the small details can wait. Don’t stress to get everything unpacked and organized in one day! It will all get done, and your home will look great.