Moving across Greater Boston can feel like a full-time job. Between permits, school records, utilities, and packing, it is easy to miss a critical step. This guide gives you a clear, family-friendly checklist with local rules, timelines, and smart shortcuts so your move stays calm and organized. Let’s dive in.

Greater Boston move timeline

Six to eight weeks out

• Compare movers and verify credentials. For in-state moves, confirm the mover holds a Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Household Goods Certificate. For interstate moves, verify FMCSA registration. Review the state’s guidance on choosing licensed movers in Massachusetts for what to check and how to verify. Massachusetts moving guidance
• If you will use public curb space in Boston, review the moving-truck permit process and timing. Online requests require the move date to be at least 15 days away, and the standard one-day permit holds two spaces. Boston moving-truck permits
• If you are moving into a condo or high-rise, ask building management about elevator reservations, move windows, and any deposits or fees.

Three to four weeks out

• Lock your move date and confirm your mover in writing. Ask what kind of estimate you have and what valuation options are available.
• File your USPS Change-of-Address so mail forwards on time. Starting about two weeks ahead works well. USPS change-of-address
• Schedule utility transfers. Eversource and other providers typically ask for several days’ notice to start, stop, or transfer service, so plan 5 to 7 days ahead. Start, stop, or transfer service
• If you have school-age children, contact the receiving district’s enrollment office to confirm required documents such as proof of residency and immunization records. Boston Public Schools offers a clear example of residency documentation. BPS residency policy

One to two weeks out

• For Boston moves, finalize your street occupancy permit and post required signs at least 48 hours in advance. Plan truck routes to avoid low-clearance roads like Storrow Drive.
• Confirm your building’s freight elevator time and loading instructions. Share these details with your movers.
• Line up child and pet care for moving day. Pack first-night kits with medications, chargers, pajamas, and basic kitchen items.
• Book disposal, donation, or bulk pickup for items you are leaving behind. If you live in Boston, mattresses require an appointment for pickup. Boston mattress recycling

Final 72 hours

• Reconfirm your mover, timing, and addresses. Keep high-value items and important documents with you.
• Photograph the move-out condition if you are renting and review keys, remotes, and access codes.

Moving day game plan

• If your reserved Boston parking space is occupied, follow the city’s instructions provided with your permit. Keep posted flyers within a half block and have your permit on hand.
• Walk through each room with the movers as they load and unload. Check the inventory list carefully before signing.

Admin tasks after moving

• Update your RMV address within 30 days. You can update online, by phone, or in person. Massachusetts RMV address change
• Verify voter registration through the state’s elections site after your RMV update.
• Update insurance policies, bank and billing addresses, and employer records.

Kids, pets, and safety

• Schools: bring immunization records, recent report cards, birth certificates, and any IEP or 504 plan documents to registration. Districts will confirm what is required.
• Safety: arrange a sitter or quiet space for kids and pets on moving day. Set up a small, safe zone in your new home first.
• Medical continuity: transfer prescriptions in advance and avoid scheduling the move right before major appointments.

Building access and permits

• Condos and high-rises often require reservations for freight elevators and may limit move hours. Ask about padding, insurance certificates, and deposits.
• For Boston curb space, use the city’s permit process to reserve two spaces from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apply online when your move is at least 15 days away. Reserve Boston moving-truck parking
• Outside Boston, each municipality sets its own rules for curb use, loading zones, and bulk pickup. Check your new town’s website or public works office for details.

Declutter and disposal options

• Donate usable items through local reuse centers or nonprofits. Boston’s Zero Waste Directory can help you find accepted items and drop-off locations. Boston Zero Waste Directory
• Mattresses: Boston requires an appointment for curbside pickup, and Massachusetts bans mattresses from landfill disposal. Mattress pickup details
• Hazardous items: plan for periodic Boston drop-off events for paints, motor oil, electronics, and similar items. Hazardous waste events

Choose a mover you can trust

• Verify licenses: for intrastate moves, ask for the DPU certificate number; for interstate moves, confirm the mover’s USDOT/FMSCA registration. Moving within Massachusetts overview
• Get multiple written estimates after a walkthrough, and insist on a clear contract, bill of lading, and inventory list.
• Watch for red flags like unusually low bids or requests for large upfront payments.

Lead safety in older homes

• If your new home was built before 1978, state and federal law require disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards. Families with children under six should ask for lead-safety documentation and follow state guidance. Lead paint in sales and rentals

Your moving-partner advantage

A thoughtful plan turns moving day into a smooth handoff. If you want support beyond a checklist, we can coordinate vendors, staging, photography, and the logistics that keep your timeline on track. Reach out to Juli Ford for a custom move-management plan for your family.

FAQs

How early should I reserve a Boston moving-truck permit?

• Boston’s online permit system requires your move date to be at least 15 days away, and the standard permit reserves two spaces from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boston permits

What utilities planning works best in Greater Boston?

• Contact providers about 5 to 7 days ahead to start, stop, or transfer service so your power and gas align with move-in and move-out dates. Eversource scheduling

How do I verify a Massachusetts mover’s license?

• For intrastate moves, confirm a DPU Household Goods Certificate; for interstate, check USDOT/FMCSA registration. MA moving guidance

What school records will I need when moving districts?

• Districts typically request proof of residency, immunization records, a birth certificate, and recent report cards or IEP/504 documents; confirm with the receiving district. BPS residency example

When do I need to update my address with the RMV?

• Massachusetts requires you to notify the RMV within 30 days of an address change, and you can complete the update online, by phone, or in person. RMV address change