Moving is never an easy task and things can often be overlooked until the last minute. But getting Boston moving permits shouldn’t be one of those things, especially if you live in a city like Boston, where September 1st is basically a city-wide holiday and Allston Christmas reigns supreme. Think: free arcade games up for grabs along with some serious velvet paintings of Elvis…
Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, having a helping hand in your move is always a good idea. So, what’s the deal with parking passes? The experts at Olympia Moving are here to tell you.
Moving permits are super important and failing to get one can not only delay your move but also end up costing you in the end whether you’re working with a moving company or doing it yourself. In the past, Boston residents were required to schlep on down to the town hall and wait in a line with everyone else panicking about their own moving day. Sound like a blast? If you said no then we have GREAT news for you because starting this year you can get your parking permits from the comfort of your packed up living room!
Why get a moving permit?
Moving permits reserve spaces (standard size- 2 parking spaces) at a specific time and location to park a vehicle while moving your belongings in and out of your building, meaning no one else can park there during the times that you have paid for. If you do not get a parking pass you may not be able to park the moving truck near your home, which will add significant time and effort in moving your belongings.
Another downside of not getting a moving permit is that you run the risk of getting a ticket or even worse being towed. Yikes.
When and where do I get my permit?
One day Boston moving permits can be ordered online through both the City of Boston and City of Cambridge website and are then mailed to you. These must be obtained at least two weeks but no longer than one month in advance to your move.
Is your move closer than two weeks away? Don’t worry! You can still apply for a permit at City Hall.
Residential area permits must be obtained at least 3 days but no longer than 2 weeks in advance to the move
with signs posted 48 hours in advance to the move
Keep in mind that metered spots also require a permit to park, so don’t take any chances.
Metered area permits must be obtained at least 3 days but no longer than 2 weeks in advance to the move with signs posted 24 hours in advance to the move
How much is my permit going to cost?
In addition to your moving permit, the city also requires “no parking” signs made of cardboard to be posted in the area with the date and times of their permit. These signs must be purchased at a cost of $4.00 each with a minimum of two “No Parking” signs required.
- For metered spaces there is an additional payment of $20.00 per meter head per day, but don’t forget to supply the individual parking meter numbers when you’re applying.
- In Boston moving truck permits are a base fee of $61.00. For all other permits, the base fee is $20.00.
- In addition to the base fee, there’s also a fee of $1.00 per square foot calculated against the size of the occupied area. The square footage must cover the size of the truck and space needed to load/unload.
- So, a one day permit for a moving truck requiring two metered spaces would be approximately $80.
This fee equals $61 (base fee) plus approximately $11 (40-feet x 8-feet x 1-day @ $1/sqft/month) plus $8 (two signs @ $4/sign).
What do I do once I have my permit?
Once you’ve received your permit and “no parking” signs you’ll have to post them within a minimum of two days before your moving date. This gives your neighbors time to coordinate where they will be parking their cars and will avoid the hassle of having to call the city to get a car moved.
Still sounds like a pain? More good news!
If you’re planning your move with Olympia we can do it for you! We’ll be sure to obtain the necessary permits specific to the area that you live in and eliminate the wait-time and stress of plastering your neighbor’s cars with notices. Plus, then you’ll have more time to pack and enjoy a glass of wine before the chaos ensues. Get started and request a free, no obligation estimate for your Boston move.
For additional information specific your area check out their websites:
Boston
Somerville
Cambridge
Brookline
Olympia Moving & Storage is proud to announce their sponsorship of Special Olympics World Games athlete Amanda Church. 
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