September 1st, it seems like any other day on your calendar, there’s nothing too special about it…unless you plan on moving. If you have attempted it before you know the pain, but if it’s going to be your first time may the gods of moving have mercy on your soul. Moving on that fateful day can be a nightmare in Boston, but if you plan accordingly and diligently you can minimize the stress that comes along with moving in general.
Start early
This should be your first step any time you move, but it’s especially important on days like September 1st. If you leave anything to the last second you’ll only put more stress on yourself and probably end up forgetting something and running behind schedule. This includes getting boxes, getting rid of things you don’t need, reserving the moving truck (if you need one), and packing up. One of the most important items often overlooked: keys. Make sure to schedule with your agent/landlord on when and where the keys can be picked up.
Ask if you can move in ahead of time
Some landlords will let you move in early if the previous tenant has already left. It doesn’t hurt to ask if it’s possible. You may need to take a day of work off and move around your schedule, but that small sacrifice will make things so much easier once September 1st comes around and you’re already relaxing in your new pad.
Plan out your route
If you know that you can’t leave really early and you have no other option than driving in the afternoon then you’re going to want to figure out the fastest way to get to your new place, which I’m sure you knew. The not so obvious part is figuring out alternate routes. If Google Maps suggests you take the highway, see if there are any ways around it so you can avoid gridlock traffic. It’s almost a guarantee that there will be awful traffic for much of the day, so try and figure out which time is best, as well as which route will be the fastest. One final note, DO NOT bring a moving truck on Storrow or Memorial Drive. Both streets have extremely low overpasses and do not allow large trucks. While moving can be a memorable experience, the last thing you want is The Globe doing a story on your particular move!
Get a Mover’s Parking Permit
Did you know you can get a permit to park in restricted areas? Just go to this site and you can access permits for cities across the nation. This can be your savior as many people will already be double-parking with vans, moving trucks, and trailers. Having that extra edge will make going to and from your vehicle so much easier and cut down on the physical strain.
Gather your friends and head out
Unless you’re moving into an already furnished apartment by yourself you’re going to need some help. Plan ahead, schedule with your friends (bribes certainly help), and be certain they’ll follow through. If you have a flakey friend, don’t ask them. The last thing you want is to be left with a futon to move up to the third floor by yourself on the worst moving day of the year. If you know other people stuck moving on the same day you can certainly work with each other to move both apartments.
Document Any Damage
Take before and after photographs of both apartments and common areas where you will be moving. The last thing you want to do is get hit with a bill for repairs you are not responsible for. In addition, be sure to fill out the Statement of Condition within 15 days of your move in date. You may receive one from your landlord, but if not be sure to fill out one and send it back. Make sure to note any defects from holes in the walls to broken appliances. This will protect you from the landlord using your security deposit to fix any issues when you move out. Again, pictures or videos are a huge help in defending yourself. If you send the landlord your own list of damages, the landlord must return a copy, with her signature, within 15 days, noting her agreement or disagreement with your list. Be sure to keep a copy of the letter safe in your records.
The bottom line is moving any time of the year is stressful, moving on September 1st multiplies that stress level. Be sure to use the tips mentioned and you will be much more prepared and less stressed.
