Moving around September 1? You’re not alone. According to the City of Boston, most leases turn over at the beginning of September, which is why “Allston Christmas” transforms sidewalks with castoffs, boxes, and last‑minute stress. This kit turns chaos into a checklist—and helps you avoid fines, missed pickups, or losing your reserved truck spot.
Short on time? Book professional help early: • move‑in/move‑out cleaning, • same‑day home cleaning, • one‑time cleaning.
We serve Boston citywide and frequently help movers in Downtown, Seaport, West Roxbury, and Newton.
1) Reserve Your Moving Truck Space (Don’t Get “Storrowed”)
Apply early: The City says you must apply online at least 15 days before your move for a one‑day moving truck permit; in‑person applications are allowed if your move is at least 3 days away. Typical one‑day permits are $69 for two non‑metered spaces (includes two signs) and +$40 if you need two metered spaces. See full rules and fee breakdown on the City’s page: Reserve a Parking Spot for Your Moving Truck.
- Post your signs at least 48 hours before 7 a.m. start; the City recommends posting three days prior. Source
- Aug 31–Sept 2: Some common moving locations are pre‑blocked for trucks and don’t require a permit—check the City page for details. Source
- Height warning: Moving trucks cannot use Storrow Drive (10‑ft clearance), and Boston’s default speed limit is 25 mph if not posted. City Moving Guide
- Confirm any temporary traffic/parking restrictions for your street close to move day. City Moving Guide
Need last‑minute help because your truck can’t park as planned? Our crews can pivot quickly with same‑day cleaning or one‑time cleaning so you can still hand over the keys on time.
2) Trash Day and Bulk Items: Use the City’s Tools
Find your pickup, set alerts, and look up items with Boston’s free Trash Day app—officially supported by Public Works. It shows your collection calendar, reminds you of schedule changes, and includes a searchable disposal directory. Download info and web lookup.
Special Collections: Some items (certain appliances/electronics, items with Freon/CRTs, etc.) require an appointment with limits (up to 10 items per calendar year; up to 5 items per appointment). Schedule and prep instructions here: Special Collection Items.
Mattresses are different: See the next section for state rules and Boston’s appointment system.
Tip: If you’re overwhelmed by last‑minute debris, we can clear rooms efficiently before pickup windows with deep cleaning and house cleaning.
3) Mattress & Textile Rules (State Ban + City Appointments)
Statewide ban: Massachusetts bans disposal of mattresses and textiles (effective November 1, 2022). MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans. MassDEP notes roughly three‑quarters of mattress components can be recycled. MassDEP Mattress Recycling.
In Boston: The City requires an appointment to collect mattresses/box springs, and will pick up from buildings with six units or fewer. If a mattress is soiled or has bed bugs, it must be bagged or pickup can be missed. Full instructions and appointment link: Mattress Recycling (City of Boston).
Donation and reuse: Search the City’s Zero Waste Directory for donation and reuse options. For statewide recycling info and municipal programs, see MassDEP’s Recycle Smart MA: Mattress Collection Programs.
Fast help: If time’s tight, our recurring or one‑time teams can prepare items and stage rooms so you’re ready when the City truck arrives.
4) Safety, Pests, and Bed Bugs—Practical, Evidence‑Based Guidance
- Bed bugs don’t spread disease (CDC background). Focus on inspection, containment, and professional treatment when needed. CDC bed bugs.
- The City’s Inspectional Services requires comprehensive inspection/treatment protocols for multi‑unit buildings where bed bugs are found; you can also file a report via BOS:311. Inspecting housing in Boston.
- Report non‑emergency issues 24/7 via Boston 311 (call 311 or 617‑635‑4500) or the app.
For renters, we also recommend reviewing the City’s Moving guide sections on tenant responsibilities and safety.
5) Apps You’ll Actually Use on Moving Day
- Trash Day for schedules, alerts, item lookups: City info.
- BOS:311 to report non‑emergency issues: City 311 page.
- ParkBoston to pay meters where applicable: see the City’s app list: City of Boston apps.
We coordinate our crew timing with City schedules—ask about one‑time cleaning or same‑day availability when your pickups are set.
6) Donate, Reuse, and Stay Compliant
Before trashing, check Boston’s Zero Waste Directory for donation/reuse options. For hard‑to‑place items across Massachusetts, use Recycle Smart MA, MassDEP’s consumer‑facing directory for mattress programs and more. For special items requiring a City appointment, see Special Collections.
7) Room‑by‑Room Move‑Out Cleaning Plan
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe cabinets; degrease stove/hood; clean refrigerator interior (defrost if needed). For heavy grease, see our steam cleaning guide.
- Mop last—work back to front to avoid footprints. If time’s short, book move‑out cleaning.
- Donate small appliances/housewares in working condition via the Zero Waste Directory.
Bathrooms
- Descale shower glass and fixtures; disinfect high‑touch points. Quick tips in our bathroom touch‑up checklist.
- Bag any contaminated textiles (see the textiles ban and donation options where clean/dry).
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Detach and bag mattresses if soiled or suspected bed bugs to meet City pickup rules. City mattress page
- Stage furniture for donation/pickup first, then deep clean. For small spaces, see our small‑apartment organizing tips.
Hallways/Entry
- Protect floors during the move; final sweep/mop after the last box. Tight corner tricks: tight‑space cleaning and without damaging surfaces.
Need help across multiple rooms? Try deep cleaning or set up recurring visits at your new place.
8) Landlord Handoff and City Compliance Checklist
- Parking permit & signage posted on time (permit rules).
- Trash Day calendar confirmed; item lookups done (Trash & Recycling).
- Mattress pickup appointment scheduled; bagged if soiled/bed bugs; building size eligible (City mattress page).
- Special Collections scheduled for appliances/e‑waste where required (City Special Collections).
- Final pass with move‑out cleaning to meet lease standards; add one‑time touch‑ups if delays happen.
9) Students and New Residents: Quick Links
New keys in hand? Book a house cleaning before classes start, or set up recurring service so your place stays guest‑ready all semester.
10) Neighborhood Notes
We routinely service Downtown, Seaport, West Roxbury, and Newton—and greater Boston. If you’re moving within these areas, we can coordinate timing with your building and the City’s app alerts.
Book Help That Fits Your Timeline
Beat the rush with:
- Move‑In/Out Cleaning for full handoff readiness
- Same‑Day Cleaning for last‑minute emergencies
- Apartment Cleaning for studio/1‑bed turnarounds
- One‑Time Cleaning for targeted room resets
- Deep Cleaning after furniture removal
