Your Guide to a Smooth September 1st Move
If Christmas is the most magical time of the year, then Allston Christmas is the most stressful time of year. Avoid some of that stress by planning ahead for everything you need to consider when 70% of Boston’s leases renew.
Arrange Transportation NOW
If you are moving more than what will fit in your car, book your moving truck or van NOW. U-hauls are usually all booked up well in advance, however there are also other options from car rental companies, and even home depot. Another option: share a professional mover with your roommates to cut some of the hassle. Beware: just because you have U-haul reservation doesn’t mean it will be ready for you when you’ve reserved it. If the rental before you is late returning it, you’re going to be late too.
Your Transportation Needs a Place to Park
Moving to or from a residential or metered street? Contact the City of Boston for a short term parking permit for your truck. Not only will you avoid a ticket, but you’ll also have a place to park near your apartment. The sign they give you should be posted at least 24 hours in advance.
Shipping Boxes become Moving Boxes
Yes, you can buy boxes from truck rental companies, but now is the time to start saving boxes, asking neighbors for boxes, and checking in with your local grocery store. Save money and reduce waste. If you need to buy boxes do it now, before local places run out. Pro Tip: Your office might have boxes from printer paper that come with convenient lids.
You can’t put a mattress in a dumpster
More frustrating that the parking situation, if it’s time for a new mattress, it’s actually illegal to put your old one in a dumpster. So what do you do with it? If your building is 6 units or less, the City of Boston will come pick it up for you. If your building has more than 6 units you should check with your property manager and they’ll probably tell you to hire a junk removal company.
Recycle and Donate
Allston Christmas got it’s name from all of unwanted goods being left in the street around moving day. Chances are, you already know what you aren’t keeping. Post photos in your local Buy Nothing Facebook group and arrange pickup for when you’ll be packing - that coffee table you don’t need will find a new home in a living room instead of a landfill.
Someone needs your new address
Family, your bank, credit cards, all the most important people need your new address. Then, go to the USPS movers guide to have your address updated and mail forwarded.
Keep the lights on and the WiFi fast
If your name is on the utility bills, be sure to notify companies that you need to either end your service or move your service. If your cable bill has been high, this is a great opportunity to nix cable and stream only from your favorite channels. Or instead of splitting a cable bill, have everyone in your apartment subscribe to a different streaming service!
Moving also gives you an easy breakup with your WiFi provider. Until a few years ago, most of Boston was subjected to the same company. Now rules have changed and there are more options fighting for your business. Our community saves on Starry Internet if you want to give them a look!
Schedule self care for the self move
The night before moving, get a solid night’s rest and have a healthy breakfast before loading the truck. Have bottle water, coffee and some snacks ready. And wear comfy shoes. As something goes wrong or you are waiting around you’ll be less hangry and more hydrated.
And Most Importantly:
DO NOT TAKE YOUR MOVING TRUCK ONTO STORROW DRIVE. Actually, just avoid Storrow Drive all together. Even with all of the signs and local knowledge there is always someone who thinks they can make it, causing the infamous traffic.
Best of luck for your big move! We can’t wait to hear about your new place at our next After 5 Social.
