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What you should know about moving permits and insurance in Boston
Every year, many individuals move into rented apartments in Boston. It is imperative to give attention to the logistics of physically conveying your stuff once you have decided where you will live. Consumers are reminded by the Office of Consumer Affairs to be alert when renting a vehicle or choosing a moving company.
Regardless of when you move, it is best to start planning early. June 1st and September 1st are known to be the busiest moving days for renters as they coincide with the beginning and end of college semesters.
Bear in mind that the demand for moving companies and truck/van rentals will increase. Think about your own situation carefully. If you have few items, you may not have any use for a large moving vehicle. Come up with a comprehensive list of your large pieces of furniture like tables, beds, bookshelves and couches and figure out the number of boxes required for your other items. Ensure that the vehicle will contain all your items to avoid multiple trips.
Most times your choices will be made based on your budget and time limit.
PLAN AHEAD – AVOID MOVING DURING THE HOT SEASON
Before these busy days, some moving companies and truck/van rentals may sell out weeks or months in advance. If you choose to rent a moving truck yourself, you may need to pick up or take back the vehicle to an awkward location. Ensure you include the cost of transportation to and from the rental point in your overall moving costs.
Plus, make sure you determine your route beforehand. Some routes have height limitations.
When selecting a moving company, make inquiries from your friends and family. Ask the company for check licenses, references and check out online review site for complaints. Ensure you ask for estimates of the cost and the length of time the move will take. Also, demand for moving insurance and find out what coverage your items have in case of damage.
If you are transporting household goods from one location in Massachusetts to another, the Massachusetts Department Of Public Utilities (DPU) supervises your mover. Hence the moving company must be licensed by the DPU and are obligated to file its rate with the agency every year. However, if you are moving items into or out of Massachusetts, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the agency that oversees your mover. Beware of hiring uninsured and unlicensed moving companies from classified ads as your legal protection rights are not guaranteed.
PARKING WHEN MOVING – DOS AND DON’TS
If you’re moving into an apartment, ensure you understand the parking situation of your neighborhood including the environment. Ask the landlord or property manager about any possible restrictions even when the apartment has a parking spot. For instance, some apartments may request that a moving vehicle is towed from their parking space because a permit sticker corresponding to that spot was not obtained. Make arrangement in advance with the property manager or landlord to avoid any unexpected ticket or towing.
Also, it is pertinent that you take note of parking policies for streets as well as streets that are earmarked “Resident Parking Only.” Consumers can obtain a resident parking permit from the Office of the Parking Clerk of Boston City. Depending on the municipality or town where your apartment is located, you may need to find out about any by-law or outright restrictions regarding parking on the street. If parking spaces are available, you may be able to reserve a spot for your vehicle. Street occupancy permits for the City of Boston must be procured in person at Boston City Hall two weeks before your move and at least three business days in advance for residential locations.
WHO NEEDS PARKING PERMITS?
Few people do not require parking permits. Below are four exemptions to the rule.
1. Loading dock- if there is a loading dock in the building, you will only need to arrange a time in advance with your property manager or landlord for your moving truck.
2. Driveway – if there is a spacious driveway in the building with enough room to turn in and out of, a parking permit will not be necessary. You may simply need to make an arrangement with the property manager or other tenants who also take advantage of the driveway.
3. Parking Lot – If there is a large parking lot in the building, you may not need a parking permit. You can use the parking lot for your move. Ensure you check with your property manager to know if you will need to make appointments.
4. Commercial Loading Zone- If the building has a commercial loading zone, you may want to consult with the property manager to see if you are allowed access to the loading zone as most commercial zones are not open to residents moving in or out of a building.
What Is The Cost For Parking Permits?
In the city of Boston, most moving trucks will need to get the smallest available parking permit – two serial parking spaces. It typically cost a total of $69 ( $8 for the two signs you are required to post and $61 for the permit).
If you obtain a permit for metered parking spaces, $40 will be added to the initial sum.
What If I Can’t Get Permits?
There are some risks involved in moving into Boston without proper parking arrangements.
1. Wasted time- Failure to arrange for a parking space in advance will result in wasting valuable time, driving around in circles. And if you eventually find a parking space, it may be far from your apartment. This will make you move take longer time than it needs to.
2. Forced cancellations – Your mover may be forced to cancel if you do not obtain proper parking permit beforehand. Plus, you will still be responsible for the minimum charge.
3. Parking violations- You may be hot with parking violations if you do not get a parking permit.
It is always better to consult with an expert Boston moving company like our team here at BellAir Moving. We’ve been doing this since 1996, and seen a few things in the city and around. We look forward to helping you and your friends with their moving needs.
