Boston Moving Permit

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BOSTON MOVING PERMITS

Moving Permits in Boston

Moving in Boston means narrow streets, limited parking, and strict city regulations around truck access. A moving permit legally reserves street parking for your truck so there’s guaranteed space to load and unload on move day. Without one, you risk parking tickets, towed vehicles blocking your spot, and delays that cost you hourly labor time.

Whether you’re moving into a residential neighborhood, a commercial area, or near metered parking, understanding the permit process keeps you compliant and prevents last-minute problems. Below is everything you need to know about permits in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville.

CITY OF BOSTON

Boston Moving Permit Costs

Permits cover one moving truck for a single day and reserve two parking spaces. Signs must be posted at least 48 hours before your move date.

NON-METERED

Standard Street Parking

$69

One day, two spaces

Covers residential, commercial, or any legal street parking spot that isn’t metered. Includes two official “No Parking” signs.

METERED

Metered Street Parking

$109

$69 base + $40 metered fee

Same coverage as a standard permit, plus the additional city fee for reserving two metered spots. Includes “No Parking” signs.

BOSTON RULES

City of Boston Permit Guidelines

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Valid Parking Spot Required

The street space you reserve must be a legal parking area — residential, commercial, or metered. You cannot reserve fire lanes, bus stops, or no-parking zones.

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48-Hour Sign Posting Rule

Signs must be posted at least 48 hours before your move date. Without proper posting, the reserved space is not enforceable and other vehicles may park in your spot.

August 31 – September 2 Blocked Zones

Certain common moving locations are blocked off during this window to manage the surge of September 1st moves. These areas are reserved exclusively for moving truck pickups and deliveries.

North End: July 1 – August 31 Pre-Approval

North End permits during this window require pre-approval from the City before you can apply online. Contact the Boston Transportation Department at 617-635-2560 for guidance.

✗

Containers and Overnight Storage: In-Person Only

Permits for overnight storage containers or PODS must be obtained in person. You’ll need a letter of authorization from the container company, which must hold a bond with the City.

BROOKLINE

Brookline Truck Parking Rules

✓

Signs must be posted after 6:00 PM the evening before the scheduled move.

✓

Signs must be removed after the scheduled event is complete.

✓

Signs can be attached to sign poles, meter heads, telephone poles, or trees using tape, twine, or rope. Nails and staples are prohibited.

✗

Cannot block driveways or crosswalks.

✗

Cannot post signs within 10 feet of fire hydrants or 20 feet from intersections.

✗

Cannot cover existing signs. Reusing or altering signs is not allowed.

BROOKLINE COST

$160

$10 city fee + $150 Poseidon service fee

We handle the application, obtain the permit, and post the signs for you. If metered parking is needed, the city charges an additional $15 per day per meter — Poseidon Moving does not charge extra for metered parking.

INCLUDES

✓ Permit application

✓ Sign posting

✓ Sign removal

COST COMPARISON

Permit Costs by City

Here’s what permits cost across the Greater Boston area. For Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, Poseidon Moving handles the full application process for you.

City	City Fee	Poseidon Fee	Total
Brookline	$10	$150	$160
Cambridge	$40	$150	$190
Somerville	$50	$150	$200
Boston (non-metered)	$69	$150	$219
Boston (metered)	$69 + $40	$150	$259

For metered parking in Brookline, the city charges an additional $15/day per meter. Poseidon Moving does not charge extra for metered parking.

WE HANDLE IT

Let Poseidon Handle Your Permit

Securing a moving permit takes time — researching the rules for your specific city, filling out the application, obtaining signs, posting them at the correct time, and making sure everything is compliant. When you’re already managing a local or long distance move, that’s one more thing on the list.

Poseidon Moving handles the full permit process — application, sign posting, and coordination with the city — so your reserved parking spot is confirmed and ready when the truck arrives. Need packing or furniture disassembly? Those are covered in your move as well. If your building also requires a Certificate of Insurance, we issue that in advance too.

QUESTIONS

Permit Questions Answered

Apply at least one week before your move. Signs must be posted a minimum of 48 hours in advance for Boston, and the evening before for Brookline. Applying early gives you time to resolve any issues with the city and ensures your spot is properly reserved.

If your signs are posted correctly and within the required timeframe, the city can tow vehicles parked in your reserved space. Contact Boston’s Transportation Department or local police to request enforcement. This is why posting signs early is critical.

Yes. For Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, we handle the full permit process — application, sign posting, and removal — for a flat $200 total (city fee included). For Boston permits, you apply directly through the city, but we can guide you through the process.

If your truck can park entirely in the driveway without blocking the sidewalk or street, you don’t need a permit. However, most moving trucks are too large for residential driveways, especially in Boston’s older neighborhoods. If any part of the truck will be on the street, a permit is required.

September 1st is the busiest moving day in Boston. The city blocks off certain streets specifically for moving trucks from August 31st through September 2nd. Permits for these dates go fast and have additional restrictions. Book your move and apply for permits as early as possible during this window.

Yes, if both locations require street parking for the truck. Each address needs its own permit. If one location has a driveway or private lot that can accommodate the truck, you only need a permit for the other address.

GET STARTED

Need help with your moving permit?

We’ll handle the permit process so you can focus on the move. Call (617) 470-9950 or email info@poseidonmoving.com to get started.

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With a focus on care, precision, and a personal approach, each member of our team brings expertise and a commitment to making your move as effortless as possible. From packing to delivery, we treat your belongings with the utmost respect, making sure everything arrives safe and sound.

When you work with us, you’re working with professionals who truly care about your journey.

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How do I get an estimate?

Virtual Walkthrough

Schedule a virtual walkthrough via Google Meet for a precise assessment of your moving needs. It’s quick and efficient—perfect for busy schedules.

Update Inventory Online

Prefer managing things yourself? Update your inventory directly through your online account. It’s simple and allows you to adjust details anytime.

Email or Call Us

Send us your item list at info@poseidonmoving.com, or call us at 866-565-1516, and we’ll update your account for you. Ideal for those who want a personal touch.

Free In-Person Quote

Qualify for a free in-person quote if you’re moving from a home with 2+ bedrooms. We’ll come to you to ensure your quote is precise and tailored to your specific needs.

Any items that can't be moved or illegal to move?

“Non-allowable” is an industry term for hazardous items professional movers will not transport and are those generally considered explosive, flammable or corrosive.

Please do not ask our team to move living organisms such as plants, fish, pets…

Can jewelry and other valuables be moved?

Yes, but we are not liable for those items unless they’re properly reported item by item.

Let us know if you have items of extraordinary value and we’ll walk you through valuation options.

Can you take down/hang my art work, TV, AC...

During move-out we can generally remove artwork, mounted TVs, and window ACs.

Additional cost applies on dismounting and mounting TV.

Please reach out to your account manager to make sure our team has the right tools during your move.

Do you have moving supplies/equipment on the truck?

Yes, our trucks are fully stocked with moving supplies and proper equipment you may need for your move.

If you are not fully packed/prepared for your move please let us know prior to your moving date and we’ll make sure our team has the necessary packing supplies to assist you.

Boston Moving Permit

Watch Our Movers in Action: Poseidon Moving Expertise

Your stories are our success – see what our customers have to say.

Moving Permits in Boston

Boston Moving Permit Costs

City of Boston Permit Guidelines

Brookline Truck Parking Rules

Permit Costs by City

Let Poseidon Handle Your Permit

Permit Questions Answered

Need help with your moving permit?

Poseidon Moving – Manage Your Move on the Go

Moving Tips

Poseidon Moving Cares

The Team Behind Your Seamless Move

Quick Links

What's New

Frequently Asked Questions

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