After 14 years of moving households across the North Shore, we have seen every mistake — and figured out what actually makes a move go smoothly. Here are ten tips we give to every customer, plus the timeline we recommend for a stress-free experience.
Your moving timeline at a glance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks out | Book your movers, start decluttering, order supplies |
| 3 weeks out | Pack seasonal items, notify utilities, update your address |
| 2 weeks out | Pack room by room (start with the least-used rooms), confirm the move date |
| 1 week out | Pack the kitchen, arrange parking, defrost the freezer |
| Day before | Finish packing, set aside the first-night box, confirm arrival time |
| Move day | Walk the crew through the house, point out fragile items, keep pets and kids clear |
1. Book early for weekends and month-ends
The last weekend of every month and the September 1 lease turnover are the busiest days in Greater Boston moving. If your move falls on one of these dates, book at least three weeks out. Midweek moves in the middle of the month often have same-day availability and can save you money because crews are less booked.
2. Check parking rules before move day
Lynn, Salem, and Revere all have street-sweeping schedules that restrict parking on certain days. If your truck is going to block the street, check with the city about temporary no-parking signs. In Lynn, you can request them from the Department of Public Works — typically a 48-hour advance notice is required, and the cost is minimal (around $25 for a pair of signs). Without reserved parking, the crew may have to double-park or carry furniture an extra 100 feet, which adds time and cost.
3. Measure your doorways and stairwells
North Shore triple-deckers have notoriously narrow stairwells — some as tight as 28 inches at the turn. Measure the tightest turn before move day. If a couch or mattress will not fit, we can plan to hoist it through a window — but we need to know in advance to bring the right equipment. Standard interior doorways are 30 inches wide; if your furniture is wider, measure twice and call us to discuss the plan.
4. Pack a first-night box
Pack a box with essentials you will need the first night: phone charger, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, sheets, towels, basic kitchen items (paper plates, cups, a few utensils), and a small toolkit. Label it clearly so it is the last thing loaded and the first thing unloaded. Many customers also keep a cooler with snacks and drinks in their car — unpacking is hungry work.
5. Do not pack hazardous materials
Moving companies cannot transport propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, paint thinner, ammunition, or any pressurized containers (including certain aerosol cans). Dispose of these items before move day or transport them yourself in your own vehicle. The Massachusetts DEP offers periodic household hazardous waste collection days — check your town schedule.
6. Empty dresser drawers for heavy pieces
A solid-wood dresser full of clothing can weigh over 200 pounds. Empty the drawers, bag the clothes, and let the crew move the dresser safely. This is especially important on third-floor walk-ups where every pound matters. Lightweight IKEA-style dressers can usually be moved with clothes inside — ask your crew chief for the call on move day.
7. Take photos of electronics wiring
Before we disconnect your TV, stereo, router, or home office setup, take a photo of every cable connection from multiple angles. Label cables with colored tape if you have it. This makes reassembly at the new place much faster and avoids the frustration of trying to remember which HDMI went where.
8. Keep valuables with you
Jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates, tax records), cash, and prescription medications should travel in your personal vehicle, not on the truck. Moving insurance covers furniture and household goods, not irreplaceable personal items. If you have a home safe, discuss with us whether to move it — safes require special equipment and floor protection.
9. Tip your movers if you are happy
Tipping is not required but is appreciated by the crew. The standard range in the Boston area is:
- Local move (under 4 hours): $20–$40 per mover
- Full-day local move: $40–$60 per mover
- Long-distance move: $40–$80 per mover
Cash is preferred, handed to each crew member individually at the end of the move. If you are not carrying cash, buying the crew lunch or cold drinks during the job is always welcome.
10. Request your quote early
The earlier you request a quote, the more scheduling flexibility you have. We offer flat-rate written quotes for free with no obligation — request yours here. Early booking also locks in your preferred time slot, which matters during peak season (May through September and the September 1 lease turnover).
Quick checklist before move day
- Movers booked and confirmed
- Parking arranged at both locations
- Doorways and stairwells measured
- Hazardous materials disposed of
- First-night box packed and labeled
- Valuables set aside for your car
- Electronics photographed before disconnecting
- Utilities transfer scheduled
- Address updated with USPS, bank, subscriptions
- Fridge and freezer defrosted (24 hours before)