5 Tips for Planning a Move in Boston

With thousands of college students and professionals living — and moving — within Boston each year, the onset of a new month in the Hub can require way more heavy lifting than a flip of a calendar page.

After all, whether transitioning from Allston to Brighton, Back Bay to Beacon Hill, or North to South End, the same logistical struggles like finding storage space, packing, cleaning, and battling traffic on route plagues us all.

We heeded the call of panicked movers and consulted one of Boston’s largest moving companies — Best of Boston winner, Marathon Moving. Here’s their expert advice for a better move between living spaces:

Tip 1: Find Reputable Movers

Marathon Moving suggests Boston-area residents on-the-move research moving companies prior to contacting one directly. Try getting direct referrals from your realtor, mortgage broker, co-workers, or neighbors. You can look online for help in vetting movers and access sites like Better Business Bureau at BBB.org, Angie’s List, and Yelp can be good resources, but you should avoid sites that allow companies to contact you or offer to provide quotes from multiple moving companies.

Tip 2: Plan Ahead

Marathon Moving suggests planning ahead with a moving calendar and contacting a mover 6-8 weeks prior to your move date. This will allow time to schedule an in-home estimate with multiple firms, receive and review quotes, and then schedule the mover of choice.  This should also give enough time for those moving into or from Boston who require parking permits and or elevator reservations to arrange for these as well.

Tip 3: Declutter

Don’t try to pack as you declutter. Go through your entire home — storage areas included — and identify the items you won’t need in your new home. This will allow you to start early so there’s plenty of time to set up pick-ups or drop-offs to charities, friends, family, consignment stores, or the dump. You may find great joy in finding a second home for all your things! Plus, it can reduce your tax bill and moving costs.

Tip 4: Be Prepared

If you’re packing by yourself, give yourself enough time. Start in the storage areas or least used rooms in your home. Use professional packing materials and watch tutorial videos online to learn tips from the pros. If you’ve hired your mover to pack as well, you should go through the areas they will be packing to remove personal papers, currency, and jewelry. These items generally aren’t covered by moving insurance so it’s best if they can be moved by you.

Tip 5: Be There

It’s always preferable for you to be there on moving day. Having your attorney represent you at closing, having a sitter for the kids, or someone to watch your pets are great ways to reduce stress and keep you focused during the move. Being there and being available to answer questions for your move crew will help make for a smoother process.

It’s your move now, Boston: Contact Marathon Moving today for more expert tips and start preparing for your new digs without all the hassle.

This is a paid partnership between Marathon Moving Company and Boston Magazine