Moving Truck Permits in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline

Boston

Boston calls it a street occupancy permit, and it comes from the Boston Transportation Department. You can apply online through the city's permit portal. Apply at least three business days before the move. A full week is safer, especially around the end of the month.

The official No Parking signs have to be up at least 48 hours before the move, so drivers have time to move their cars. There's a permit fee and a charge per sign. Check boston.gov for the current amounts and how to apply.

Cambridge

Cambridge requires a moving van permit and temporary no-parking signs, handled by the city's Traffic, Parking and Transportation department. Streets are narrow and residents-only parking is everywhere, so without a permit there's usually nowhere for a truck. Apply as early as you can.

Somerville

In Somerville the moving van permit comes from the city Parking Office. Signs have to be posted 48 hours before the move. Apply early, since processing can take several days.

Brookline

Brookline has an overnight on-street parking ban, so a truck can't be left on the street overnight. To hold curb space on moving day you need a permit from the town. Plan the move to start and finish in the same day.

Lynn, Salem, Swampscott and the North Shore

Most North Shore towns don't have a big permit system like Boston's. It depends on the street. A driveway or a wide side street usually needs nothing, but a busy downtown block might. Call the town or ask us. When you send your quote request, tell us what's in front of both buildings and we'll tell you if anything is needed.

What we do

We'll tell you if your addresses need a permit and roughly when to apply. Either you or your mover can usually apply. Ask us and we'll tell you which makes more sense for your move. If the curb isn't reserved, we can still do the move, it just takes longer when the truck is half a block away.