Moving can be a stressful event, and in a congested city like Boston, one of the significant challenges is ensuring that your moving truck has a safe and legal parking spot. This is where Boston moving permits come into play. These permits are crucial for providing movers with a designated space close to your residence, ensuring the loading and unloading process is as smooth as possible. As trusted movers in Boston since 2008, our team at Safe Responsible Movers can assure you that the money spent on Boston moving permits is a good investment.
The Necessity of Moving Permits
You might wonder why you can’t simply park the moving truck on the street. The reality is, city streets are often lined with parked cars, leaving no room for a moving truck. Without a reserved space, movers might have to carry items over long distances or circle the block, searching for parking. This not only adds time to your move but can also lead to increased costs and various complications.
Cost of Permits
The City of Boston has set the base rate for a moving permit at $69 per address, which covers 40 feet of space. If your designated parking space includes a parking meter, an additional fee of typically $20 per meter for the day is required. While 40 feet is generally sufficient for local moves, larger moves may necessitate additional space, and therefore, additional costs.
Driveway Considerations
Even if you have a driveway, it’s essential to consider the size of the moving truck. Many trucks are too large to fit into a standard driveway, a common issue in neighborhoods like Dorchester, Brighton, and Jamaica Plain. It’s crucial to assess whether the moving truck can safely and conveniently access your driveway.
Obtaining a Permit
The most straightforward method to acquire a moving permit is through the City of Boston’s online portal. The permit, along with two tow zone signs and an informational flyer, will be mailed to you. Permits can be applied for online if the moving date is at least two weeks (15 days) but no more than eight weeks away. Alternatively, permits can be obtained in person at City Hall, through your moving company (which may include a handling fee), or via third-party services like PermitPuller.com or BostonMovingPermits.com, which also charge an additional fee.
Posting the Signs
Choosing the optimal spot for the moving truck is crucial, ideally where the truck’s rear aligns closely with the entrance used by the movers. The tow zone signs should be placed at each end of the reserved space, approximately 40 feet apart, and secured to sturdy fixtures like light poles, ensuring visibility. Additionally, informational flyers should be distributed to cars parked in or near the reserved space to inform them of the upcoming move.
Timing for Sign Posting
Signs must be displayed at least 48 hours before the permit’s start time, with the city recommending posting them three days before the move. While earlier posting is possible, it’s advised to keep it within a week of the move to avoid potential issues.
Dealing with Unauthorized Parked Vehicles
It’s not uncommon for vehicles to be parked in the reserved space despite the posted signs. In such cases, contact the Boston police non-emergency line to report the obstruction. The police will attempt to contact the vehicle’s owner to move it, but if unsuccessful, they will arrange for towing. Addressing this issue early on moving day is crucial to avoid delays.
Assessing the Need for a Permit
Residents of quieter streets or neighborhoods like West Roxbury or Hyde Park might question the necessity of a moving permit. If parking availability is typically high, a permit might not be essential for smaller moves. However, for larger moves, securing a parking space for the moving truck is advisable to mitigate risks and ensure a smooth moving process.
In conclusion, securing a moving permit in Boston is an essential step in the moving process, ensuring that your movers have a designated space to park the moving truck. This not only facilitates a smoother move but also helps avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.