Written by Move and Care
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
Updated: August 11, 2025
Finding a legal place to park a moving truck in Boston can feel like winning the lottery. With narrow streets, dense neighbourhoods and students flooding the city each September, parking can make or break your moving day. Although the City of Boston does not legally mandate a permit for every move, reserving a Boston moving permit gives you peace of mind and saves you time. For a small fee, you can guarantee a spot for your truck, avoid tickets and focus on settling into your new home.
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What is a Boston moving permit?
A moving permit is a temporary parking permit issued by the City of Boston that reserves about 40 feet of curbside space (roughly two parking spaces) for your moving truck during specific hours. Like other big‑city permits, it allows you to park legally in a designated area so you don’t waste time circling the block or risk parking fines. While not always mandatory, having a Boston moving truck permit means your movers can unload quickly, and you have recourse if another vehicle occupies your reserved spot.
Do you need a moving permit?
In Boston, you don’t need a permit when you can park in a private driveway or off‑street loading zone. However, if you plan to park a moving van or container on a public street—even for a few hours—a permit is strongly recommended. Permits are particularly important in congested neighbourhoods such as the North End or Allston/Brighton during September 1 (“Allston Christmas”). The City blocks popular moving locations between August 31 and September 2 to facilitate mass student move‑ins. If you’re moving in the North End between July 1 and August 31, you must obtain permission from the Boston Transportation Department before you can apply.
Permit types and special cases
The City offers several permit categories:
- Residential moving permits – for moves to or from a residence.
- Commercial permits – for business relocations.
- Temporary no‑parking permits – used to reserve curbside space when a truck will temporarily block parking.
If you plan to use a portable storage container or keep a truck on the street overnight, you must apply in person and provide a letter of authorization from the container company; the company must also hold a bond with the City. Nearby towns (Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville) require separate permits and may charge different fees—typically $10–$50 plus any service fees.
Costs and fees
As of 2025, the standard City of Boston moving permit costs $69 and covers a one‑day reservation for two non‑metered spaces. If your reserved area includes metered parking, you must pay an additional $40 per day per meter. The fee includes two official “No Parking” signs. Additional days, extra signs or larger trucks may incur extra charges. Fees for Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville are typically $40–$50 plus the local mover’s service fee.
How to get a moving permit in Boston: step by step
- Plan your move and pick dates. Avoid the end of the month when students flood the city and note blocked dates (Aug 31–Sept 2). Mid‑week and mid‑month slots usually have better availability.
- Choose a location. Identify a legal parking space in front of your new or old home. Boston allows you to reserve up to 40 feet (about two spaces). Make sure the spot is not within ten feet of a fire hydrant or within 20 feet of an intersection.
- Check availability online. Use the City of Boston’s street‑occupancy lookup to see whether your chosen space is free on your move date. Always have a backup location in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Gather required information. You will need your move date, the address where you plan to park, the number of days (up to five), vehicle type and plate number, and whether metered parking is involved.
- Apply for the permit.
- Online: Visit the City of Boston’s moving permit portal. Applications must be submitted at least three days in advance (two days for metered spaces) and no more than eight weeks before your move. Pay the fee with a credit/debit card. Permits are mailed to you, so submit early—allow 7–10 days for delivery.
- In person: Go to the Boston Transportation Department at City Hall (Room 721). You’ll receive your permit immediately upon payment, which is useful if your move date is sooner than ten days.
- Receive and post your signs. The City provides two laminated “No Parking” signs. You must post these signs on poles or trees at your reserved spot at least 48 hours before your permit begins. Do not attach signs to fire hydrants, crosswalks or within 10 feet of a driveway. Make sure the date, time and permit number are visible.
- On moving day. Place your permit on the dashboard of your moving truck so parking enforcement can see it. If another car is parked in your space, call Boston Parking Enforcement (617‑635‑2560) to have it towed.
After your move, remove the signs and dispose of them properly. Failing to take down signs may result in fines.
Tips for a smooth Boston move
- Apply early and double‑check details. Errors in the application can delay approval.
- Choose off‑peak days. Choose the cheapest day to move in Boston. Weekend and end‑of‑month moves fill up quickly.
- Coordinate with neighbours. Let them know about your reserved space so they can plan accordingly.
- Consider professional movers. Experienced Boston movers understand local traffic and parking rules and can handle permits on your behalf, but DIY is perfectly possible if you follow the steps above.
- Be mindful of special regulations. For North End moves (July 1–Aug 31), obtain written approval before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Answer: For non-metered spaces, apply at least three business days before your move; for metered spaces, allow at least two business days. Online permits require mailing time, so submit at least two weeks before your move if you want the signs delivered.
Answer: You must contact the Transportation Department. Changes may incur fees or may not be allowed if the new date is less than three days away.
Answer: Call Boston Parking Enforcement (617-635-2560). Provide your permit number and they will ticket or tow the vehicle.
Answer: Yes. These permits require an in-person application and a letter from the container company, which must hold a bond with the City.
Answer: The process is the same, but plan ahead to receive your permit by mail. If you can’t post signs 48 hours in advance, consider hiring a local service or contacting the Transportation Department for advice.
Securing a Boston moving parking permit is a small but vital step toward a stress‑free move. By understanding the permit types, costs and deadlines, and by following the City’s requirements—especially posting signs 48 hours in advance—you can avoid fines, protect your movers and keep Boston’s busy streets flowing smoothly. Always check the City of Boston’s official site for the latest rules, and give yourself plenty of time to reserve your moving parking permit in Boston.
Photo by Zixi Zhou on Unsplash
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