How to Move an Apartment in Boston

Moving to an apartment has its perks, but it often requires a little more planning, as you’re dealing with a building that has its own rules and other residents to consider. Boston is a large, diverse city with a variety of good neighborhoods to consider in your apartment search. The blend of old and new also means that you have different apartment styles to choose from, from beautiful brownstones to modern builds.

Boston is known for its history and European touch, but that also means that many of the apartment buildings are older. Moving is stressful enough on its own, but it can be even more of a headache if you’re moving out of (or into) an older building that doesn’t have an elevator. 

This guide will help you navigate your move and know what you should consider and plan for while moving an apartment in Boston.

CONFIRM THE MOVING HOURS FOR YOUR CURRENT & NEW APARTMENT

Unlike homes, apartments typically have set times for when you are able to move in or out, and you may need to reserve the service elevator. You may also be required to provide a deposit to the building in case any common areas get damaged during the move.

Make sure your new and current residences are aware of your moving date so you can save your spot (this ensures it will not overlap with anyone else moving at that time). You will also need to have this information for your Boston moving company so that they’re aware of what times they need to have the move completed.

CHECK IF YOU NEED A BOSTON MOVING PERMIT

Some apartments have dedicated parking lots or garages, but others may have limited parking or street parking available. If that is the case, you may need to get a Boston moving permit to ensure you have a parking space for the moving truck (and that it doesn’t get towed).

If you’re not sure whether you will need a parking permit, check with your building’s office, your landlord, or reach out to the City of Boston to confirm. You’ll need to apply for the permit a couple of weeks in advance so make sure you don’t wait until the last minute.

An empty sidewalk lined with brownstone buildings in a residential street in Boston.

HAVE YOUR UTILITIES SCHEDULED TO BE TRANSFERRED

Utilities like electricity, water, and the internet can be set up in advance of your move to avoid any interruptions or delays on your moving day. Your apartment may offer its own WiFi or you may need to schedule the service to be installed beforehand. Make a list of all of the different utilities you currently use and contact those services to make necessary arrangements.

HAVE YOUR ITEMS PACKED & READY TO GO

Since there’s a limited amount of time for when you can actually move in and out, your items should be ready to go once the movers arrive. If you need help packing, you can also get professional packing services from your moving company.

If you know that you’ll be moving far in advance, start decluttering and organizing things as soon as you can. It will make packing less stressful closer to the moving date, and it can also allow you to transport some smaller items to your new residence prior to the moving day.

KNOW THE LAYOUT OF THE APARTMENT & BUILDING

Not only is this important for the logistics of moving, but you’ll know what furniture should stay or go. If the square footage of your new bedroom is much smaller than your current one, you may want to get smaller furniture or even get rid of certain pieces to free up space. It’s helpful to have an idea of where you will want to place the furniture so your movers can know where to put the items when they arrive.

Knowing the layout of the actual building is also necessary so that your movers know where to set up their trucks and how they can efficiently move your furniture. If your building doesn’t have an elevator at all then it helps to make your moving company aware of this ahead of time.

BOOK A MOVING COMPANY

Now that you have everything arranged, the next step is to find a good moving company that can help you get your furniture to your new apartment without any issues. Booking any random company is not a wise choice, as you don’t want to be in a situation where the movers are not careful and cause damage to your current or new residence.

While looking for movers, visit their websites, check reviews on different platforms like Google and Yelp, and call them to see their availability and prices. Movers tend to get days booked far in advance so you’ll want to start this process as soon as possible.

Isaac’s Moving & Storage is a trusted moving company in the Boston area, with over 25 years of experience. We are properly licensed and both internationally and industry certified. All of our movers receive extensive training to ensure that your items get transported to your new residence carefully and efficiently. 

Ready to start planning your next move? Contact us today for a free estimate.

Now its your move.

One thing we can promise you is this: We’ll handle your move as if it were our own! — if you have a move coming up, leave your information below and an Isaac’s Moving & Storage Move Consultant will be in touch with you shortly!

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One thing we can promise you is this: We’ll handle your move as if it were our own! — if you have a move coming up, leave your information below and an Isaac’s Moving & Storage Move Consultant will be in touch with you shortly!