Boston Moving Guide – Info and Advice

Boston is one of the most beautiful and oldest US cities. There is history and culture around every corner in Boston. Yesterday and today mingle to create the vibrant atmosphere of this city. Having all those universities and colleges makes it harder to find an affordable place especially if you are headed for the downtown. Find out all the pros and cons, and all the things to know before moving to Boston.

Boston – City Information

An introduction – what to know before moving to Boston:

All the things to know before moving to Boston. Let’s start with fact that Boston, Massachusetts is considerably different from any other city in the US – it is filled with history, culture and modern sophistication all at the same time. Boston is one of the oldest US that offers something for everyone.

Downtown is really the heart of the city. Many companies and agencies have their headquarters in the area, City Hall and the State House are also located there. Boston is probably the most European-like city in the US, with pedestrianized streets, lots of street performers and historic sites.

Living Costs

If you are moving from cities like Los Angles, DC or New York, you might find Boston more affordable. On the other hand, if you are coming from a small town, there is a great chance that the prices might seem shocking to you. The housing prices are one of the highest in the USA. Median Boston home costs on average $350.000. Beacon Hill, Downtown and Back Bay are expensive, but you could find a home around $220.000 in East Boston. Bostonian makes up on average about $81.000 yearly.

Taxes in Boston

There is a 6.25% sales tax in Massachusetts, but when it comes to clothing, sales tax is due only on the prices over $175 per item. Massachusetts imposes a 5.3% tax on both earned income and unearned (interest, dividends and capital gains.)

Boston transportation

Boston has an extensive network of subways, bus routes and commuter rail lines. The MBTA (or “T” as the Bostonians call it) has a variety of subscription passes that will let you avoid token booths and save money. Take a look at the MBTA website for more information.

Getting to Boston by plane or train is very easy. All major airlines fly to Logan airport, which is pretty close to downtown – about 15 minutes by taxi or subway.
Massachusetts is the only state in the country where the auto insurance rates are set by the state. Where you live determines your exact rates. There are discounts for drivers with good records or AAA members.

Nightlife in Boston

All year long (except the summer), Boston is full with students studying at the many universities in the Metro area. Boston have more than enough places for you to have fun. From the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Newbury Street galleries to the bookstores of Harvard Square.  You can always find a place to have a drink after a Red Sox game. The Boston public transit system shuts down at around12:30 am. Bars & clubs in Boston close a little early – they stay open until 2 am, in some communities until 1 am.

Boston relocation information

Relocating to Boston is a major decision and the experience would definitely be overwhelming for you if you do not take the help of a professional moving company. You will be literally exhausted after your move. To take some of the stress out, consider this Boston relocation information, before hiring a cross country moving company.

Boston moving companies

When looking for Boston movers, do not forget to check out their status with the US Department of Transportation. Work only with licensed moving companies. Ask your movers to provide you with their US DOT number and check it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to see if your movers have any safety violations in their public record. Here is the list with the best Massachusetts moving companies. Here is a question asked about finding reputable Boston movers in our questions section.

Boston movers – price rates and costs

Boston moving rates are a little bit higher than you might expect, but it is always a good idea to have a professional Boston movers for your move especially if you are moving to Downtown Boston. Most of the apartment buildings are with very narrow staircases and no elevators which usually makes relocation a lot harder.

Depending on the type of the move, movers charge by the hour if you are moving locally and by the weight if you are moving long distance (interstate moves). For example,  moving  a two bedroom house locally in Boston Area would cost you around $1500 for three men and a truck. If want to save a few bucks, pack your belongings on your own to decrease the overall time for the execution of the job. Moving a two bedroom house from L.A. to Boston would cost you around $4000 – $5000, and moving with a 2 bedroom house from Chicago to Boston might cost you about $3000 – $3750.

Parking permits for the movers

When you are getting parking permits for your movers, you are making sure they have fast access to your apartment or house. Saving your movers’ time saves your money. If you decide to go without a parking permit, there is a great chance that the truck gets a parking ticket and the movers will add it to your final bill. If you don’t have the time, the parking permits can be arranged by the moving company.  In order to do that, the movers must be licensed and they should have a bond (insurance) with the city of Boston.

Elevator reservation

Reserving the elevator when moving into a Boston apartment building will significantly lower the final cost.

If you are moving into a building with an elevator, it is important that you reserve it in advance for your move with the building manager. This one is very important to be done to make sure you have the fastest possible move. If the movers have to use the stairs, there is a great chance that your final bill gets bigger because of the extra time.

Certificates and Insurance Information when moving to Boston

Most buildings in Boston require that your movers provide a certificate of insurance (COI). The building managers want to be sure that your movers have the necessary insurance in case any damage is done to the building. Another important thing for your movers is that they must have a Workers Compensation Insurance. Before you hire a Boston movers, make sure they have all these licenses and certificates or you may have problems moving in.

Guest post by John Getsov – moving company representative at Xpress Movers – a relocation service provider located in Massachusetts that serves the USA and Canada.

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