Movers in Boston

By Ankush Das, founder and CEO of Snestico · Published

A mover working within Massachusetts needs an operating certificate from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), and the DPU lists the movers it regulates. Get an in-home written estimate, and reserve two parking spaces for the truck from the city's Office of the Parking Clerk.

Snestico doesn't move your things or recommend a mover. This page sets out the checks Massachusetts's own regulator and FMCSA give, so you can compare any mover you find, and what to plan around the move itself in Boston.

How do you check a mover in Boston?

  • Find the mover on the DPU's list of regulated moving companies before you book
  • DPU-licensed movers must carry a minimum amount of cargo insurance; ask what it covers
  • Get a written estimate after an in-home look: the state calls phone and email estimates non-binding
  • Moving out of state? The mover needs a USDOT number from FMCSA as well

Moving day in Boston

Boston's Office of the Parking Clerk sells an optional moving truck permit that holds two spaces from 7am to 5pm: $69 for two non-metered spaces, plus $40 if they're metered. Apply online 15 days to 8 weeks ahead (or in person 3 days to 8 weeks ahead), and put the signs up at least 48 hours before the move.

September 1 is when many Boston leases turn over. From August 31 to September 2 the city blocks off some common moving spots that you can use without a permit; even so, book movers, the truck and the elevator early for that week.

Moving to or from another state?

For a move to another state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the mover. It must have a USDOT number, which you can look up on FMCSA's site, and give you the booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". On a non-binding estimate you pay no more than 110% of it at delivery; the rest can be billed after 30 days. Full Value Protection is the default, and you only get the cheaper released value, 60 cents per pound per item, if you waive it in writing.

Before and after the truck

  • Get estimates from more than one mover, in writing, after each has seen what you're moving
  • Keep documents, valuables and medicines with you, not on the truck
  • Photograph every room of the old place empty, and of the new place before you unpack, for your deposit
  • Check the inventory and note any damage on the paperwork before you sign
  • Moving light? Sell big furniture before you go and furnish the new place from the local marketplace

Sources

How this was made: drafted with AI assistance, then reviewed and edited by Ankush Das, who checks every fact against the sources listed before it is published or updated.