Boston Moving Permit

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Boston Moving Truck Parking Permits

Moving in Boston means narrow streets, permit-only parking, and a city that takes its curb space seriously. A moving truck parking permit reserves two legal spaces in front of your building for move day, with official “No Parking” signs posted ahead of time, so the truck has somewhere to go when it arrives. Without one, you’re gambling on an open spot: a parked car in your space means a crew waiting on the curb, a longer day, and furniture staged on the sidewalk while the driver circles the block.

Poseidon Moving handles moving permits across Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline as part of every local move and long-distance move we book. Here’s how the City of Boston process works, what the permit costs, how the neighboring cities differ, and what it looks like when we take the whole thing off your plate.

Do You Need a Permit to Move in Boston?

No, but it’s the best way to secure legal parking for your moving truck. The permit isn’t required by the City of Boston. What it does is reserve two legal parking spaces for one day, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., marked with official “No Parking” signs. Once the signs are up, any car in the reserved space can be ticketed and towed. Without a permit, you’re relying on an open spot being available when the truck pulls in, and on most Boston streets that’s a bad bet.

How to Apply for a Moving Permit in the City of Boston

Have your move date, parking address, and whether the spaces are metered ready. The permit comes from the Office of the Parking Clerk, and there are two ways to get one.

Applying Online

Apply between 15 days and 8 weeks before your move and pay by card. The permit and two “No Parking” signs are mailed to you, usually within 10 days, which is why the 15-day lead time exists. If nothing has arrived 3 days before your move, call the Parking Clerk’s Office at (617) 635-2560.

Applying in Person

If your date is closer, visit the Parking Clerk at Boston City Hall, second floor, at least 3 days before your move. You leave with your permit and signs the same day, and in-person permits can cover up to 5 consecutive days for longer moves. Pay with cash or card; card payments carry a 2.5% processing fee, and personal checks aren’t accepted.

Moving Containers and PODS

Container permits are issued only in person, and you’ll need an authorization letter from the container company, which must hold a bond with the city. PODS customers follow a separate permit process through the city’s designated service.

City of Boston Moving Permit Rules

A permit only works if the signs go up correctly. These are the rules the city enforces.

Eligible Parking Spaces
The space you reserve has to be a legal parking spot: residential, commercial, or metered. Fire lanes, bus stops, crosswalks, and no-parking zones can’t be reserved, and spaces assigned to the city’s outdoor dining program are off-limits as well.
Post Signs at Least 48 Hours Ahead
Signs must be up at least 48 hours before the permit’s 7 a.m. start time, and Boston recommends posting 3 days ahead. Without proper posting, the reservation isn’t enforceable and other cars can park there.
Notify Nearby Drivers
Place copies of the city-provided flier on cars within half a block of your reserved spaces: every day for at least 2 days before your move for non-metered spaces, or 1 day before for metered spaces. It cuts down on surprised neighbors and tow calls.
August 31 to September 2 Drop-Off Zones
To manage the September 1 rush, the city reserves some common moving locations for moving-truck drop-offs during these dates. No permit is needed in those designated zones; everywhere else still needs one.
If Someone Parks in Your Spot
Call Boston Police at (617) 343-4911, let them know it’s not an emergency, and give them the plate number. If the owner can’t be reached, the police arrange a tow.
After the Move
Take down the signs and fliers and clear any debris. Leaving signs up after the permit ends can earn a ticket.

City of Boston Moving Permit Costs

A one-day permit reserves two parking spaces for one truck, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. What you pay depends only on whether the spaces have meters.

Non-metered street: $69 city permit fee ($319 total with Poseidon service)
Metered street: $109 city permit fee ($359 total with Poseidon service)

What makes up the $69 city fee? A $50 base permit fee, $11 for the reserved street space for one day, and $8 for two “No Parking” signs. Metered parking adds $20 per meter, which is how two metered spaces come to $109. Card payments at City Hall carry an additional 2.5% processing fee.

Moving Permit Rules in Cambridge, Somerville & Brookline

Crossing the city line changes the process. Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline each have their own fees, lead times, and sign-posting rules, and a Boston permit does not apply outside Boston. If your move starts in one city and ends in another, you may need separate permits or no-parking signs for both addresses.

Cambridge

Apply through the city’s online Moving Van Permit application; the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department posts the signs reserving your space. Permits run up to 2 consecutive days, and moving containers need a separate permit covering 3 consecutive days. Confirm current charges and posting arrangements with the city at (617) 349-4700.

Official guidance: City of Cambridge, Moving Van Permit

Somerville

Apply in person or by mail through the Parking Department at 133 Holland Street, and confirm the permit total with the department before applying. Signs are $5 each and must be posted at least 48 hours before your reservation; call 311 when they go up, then remove them and notify 311 again when the reservation ends. Metered parking costs $35 per day plus a $35 bagging fee.

Official guidance: City of Somerville, Moving Van Permit

Brookline

Brookline doesn’t issue a permit; you buy “No Parking” signs at Town Hall, 333 Washington Street, fourth floor, for $5 each, with two signs covering 20 to 40 feet. Post them after 6 p.m. the evening before your move and remove them afterward. Metered parking is $24 per meter per day, with one sign per meter. Follow the town’s clearance and attachment rules: signs posted within 10 feet of a hydrant or 20 feet of an intersection, blocking a driveway, or attached with nails or staples will not be honored by police.

Official guidance: Town of Brookline, Moving Permits

Moving Permit Costs Across Greater Boston

City permit and moving parking-sign charges below. Additional meter fees apply when reserving metered spaces.

City	City Fee	Additional Meter Fee
Boston	$69 for one day, two spaces	$20 per meter, per day
Brookline	$10 for two signs	$24 per meter, per day
Cambridge	$60 per day*	$13 per space, per day*
Somerville	$50 per day, plus $5 per sign†	$35 per day, plus a $35 bagging fee

*Cambridge fees from the city’s most recent published schedule; confirm current charges at (617) 349-4700.

†Somerville permit covers up to three days; the city recommends two signs per spot.

Let Poseidon Handle Your Moving Permit

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Permit application
Permit and sign pickup
Sign posting before your move
Sign removal afterward

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How do I get an estimate?

Choose whichever fits your schedule for a free quote or consultation.

✓Video walkthrough. A 15-minute video call, room by room. Most popular option.
✓Call us. 866-565-1516 speak with our friendly team.
✓Request a quote online. Send details and we’ll follow up.
✓Free in-person estimate. Available for homes with 2+ bedrooms.

Will my furniture be protected?

Yes. At Poseidon Moving, protecting your furniture is one of our highest priorities.

Every piece is carefully prepared before it’s moved. Our crews use heavy duty moving blankets, stretch wrap, floor protection, and proven loading techniques to help prevent scratches, dents, and shifting during transport.

If you have antiques, artwork, glass, marble, or other high-value items, we can recommend additional protection options such as custom crating or White Glove service.

Are there items you can't move?

Yes. For safety reasons, we cannot transport hazardous materials or certain restricted items. These are commonly referred to as “non-allowable items.”

This includes:

•Propane tanks, gasoline, kerosene, and lighter fluid
•Paint, aerosols, household cleaners, and other hazardous chemicals
•Fireworks, ammunition, matches, and charcoal
•Living things, including plants, fish, and pets

We recommend transporting these items yourself, using them before your move, or disposing of them safely according to local regulations.

Not sure about a specific item? Just ask your Move Coordinator before moving day, and we’ll be happy to let you know if it can be transported.

Can you take down TVs and wall-mounted items?

Yes. We can remove and reinstall many wall-mounted items as part of your move.

Our crews can typically dismount and reinstall:

✓Mounted TVs
✓Artwork and mirrors
✓Shelving
✓Window air conditioners

Some installations may require additional hardware, specialized tools, or extra time, so these services may incur an additional charge.

If you know you’ll need help with wall-mounted items, let your Move Coordinator know before moving day so we can arrive fully prepared.

How much will my move cost?

Every move is unique, so the most accurate pricing starts with a personalized estimate.

✓Local Moves – Pricing depends on the size of your move, the time required, travel time, and any additional services such as packing, storage, or specialty handling. Based on your move, we’ll recommend either hourly or flat-rate pricing.
✓Long-Distance Moves – We provide binding estimates based on your inventory, the distance, logistics, and any additional services you request.

Do you provide moving supplies and equipment?

Yes. Every Poseidon Moving truck arrives fully stocked with the supplies and equipment your move may need.

✓Heavy-duty moving pads, stretch wrap, and tape
✓Dollies, hand trucks, straps, and floor protection
✓Basic tools for disassembly and reassembly

If you’re not fully packed by moving day, let us know before your move date and we’ll make sure the crew brings the packing supplies you need – boxes, dish packs, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, mirror boxes, and TV boxes.

Boston Moving Permit

Watch Our Movers in Action: Poseidon Moving Expertise

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

Boston Moving Truck Parking Permits

Do You Need a Permit to Move in Boston?

How to Apply for a Moving Permit in the City of Boston

Applying Online

Applying in Person

Moving Containers and PODS

City of Boston Moving Permit Rules

Eligible Parking Spaces

Post Signs at Least 48 Hours Ahead

Notify Nearby Drivers

August 31 to September 2 Drop-Off Zones

If Someone Parks in Your Spot

After the Move

City of Boston Moving Permit Costs

Moving Permit Rules in Cambridge, Somerville & Brookline

Cambridge

Somerville

Brookline

Moving Permit Costs Across Greater Boston

Let Poseidon Handle Your Moving Permit

Poseidon Moving – Manage Your Move on the Go

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