10 Tips for Moving in Boston

Moving can be challenging, especially in a city like Boston. Between burning a hole in your wallet with expenses to figuring out just how you accumulated so much stuff, it’s almost impossible to know where to start.

But if you’re dreading the big day, don’t stress; here are 10 easy tips (with videos!) to make your move as smooth as possible.

1. Change your address. Start the process of switching your address with all credit and debit cards, driver’s license, bills, and more. Too busy to go through each company one by one? Outsource the job; Premium Q Moving offers a free concierge service to take care of the nitty-gritty details for you.

2. Research moving companies. Not all moving companies are created equal. Reach out to multiple companies for estimates and compare prices, but keep in mind that the cheapest option might not be the best. Make sure your movers are licensed and insured. Find video testimonials and positive customer reviews to legitimize your choice. What sets them apart from other moving companies? Do they go above and beyond with additional services? Premium Q, for example, assists customers with a white glove cleaning service to take care of both move-in and move-out cleaning tasks.

3. Understand your moving quote. Your moving quote should clearly state the reasoning for each amount with factors like travel time, gas, mileage, and the number of movers and trucks. If anything is unclear, call your moving company to walk through the potential charges to avoid any surprises on moving day. If possible, schedule your move for a weekday mid-month to avoid sky-high prices. (And do everything you can to dodge moving around the dreaded Labor Day Weekend when every college student and their mother will be moving somewhere new in Boston).

4. Pack smart. As tempting as it is to just throw everything into boxes and call it a day, you’ll be mad at yourself when it comes to unpacking in your new digs. Organize belongings as you pack and go from room to room. Eliminate anything you know you no longer need and sell or donate to charity. Use small boxes for heavy items and use large boxes for lighter items like decorative pillows and towels.

5. Properly label boxes. Be sure to clearly label what you have and which room it belongs in so your movers know where to bring each box. Write the details on all sides of the box so this information is always visible.

6. Prepare a survival kit. You want to have your essential items easily accessible, like keys to your new home and any corresponding paperwork you might need. Your survival kit can also include toiletries, a change of clothes, toilet paper, phone chargers, bedroom linens, a first aid kit, soap, tools (scissors, screwdriver, hammer, etc.), and anything else you’ll need right away. Keep a list handy so you can leave those items out as you pack.

7. Explain the move to your kids. Sit younger kids down to explain how things will work during the actual move, so they’re prepared and not overwhelmed. Let them know that all of their clothes, toys, and belongings will be safe! On the day of the move, introduce them to your movers. Set aside puzzles, books, or toys for them to occupy themselves during the day’s events and for the drive later on.

8. Make it a family adventure. Moving isn’t fun, but there are ways to make it more enjoyable for the little ones. Plan an outing to the movies or a stop for ice cream after the move is complete so they have something to look forward to (and a reason to stay on their best behavior). If you need to distract the kids in the middle of a full-service move and head elsewhere, just make sure one family member is present at your new address to direct the movers.

9. Know the extra costs. Understand the difference between moving insurance and moving valuation. Insurance allows you to pay a sum for a guarantee that you will be compensated following any loss or damage under the agreed upon conditions; valuation is the amount of liability a moving company will accept for the value of your goods if damaged or lost.

10. Check out your moving day contract. Your moving day paperwork matters; your estimate is not the same as your contract. Your hourly rate will stay the same, but you’ll see the tracked hours from the start time of leaving the moving office to when the truck returns, cost of packing supplies, and the price of any additional services like furniture disposal.

Bonus tip: Moving to Boston from out of state? Long-distance moves are even more of a hassle, so consider enlisting services from a one-stop shop that offers packing and unpacking, storage solutions, quality moving supplies, and more.

Want to learn more about your upcoming move while you’re on the go? Download episodes from the Moving Day Podcast and listen to the experts give you all the advice you need before you pack up and head out.

Take the guesswork out of moving and rely on Premium Q Movers. Voted the number one moving company in Boston, Premium Q provides a long list of professional services. For more information, visit premiumqmoving.com. To receive a 10 percent discount on your next move (plus free boxes), reach out to Premium Q on Facebook here. 

This is a paid partnership between Premium Q Moving and Boston Magazine