10/16/2013

Posted By: Frank  Carroll

It is very important to be proactive with your move. Move-in trucks are often fully reserved months in advance of September 1 and many other popular move-in dates in Boston, so it is best to start preparing for your move as soon as possible after you sign the lease on your new home! Here is a check list of items that everyone should keep in mind:

• Set up utilities – Electricity, Gas - Nstar or KeySpan, Cable - Comcast or RCN, Phone & Internet – by contacting each company.
• If you are moving into a high-rise, call to schedule move-in time to reserve elevator.
• Call moving companies. For move-ins occurring during peak times such as September 1, we recommend contacting a moving company as soon as possible after application approval. We can provide a complete list of reputable moving companies to help you.
• Apply for moving permit from City Hall to create tow zone for moving truck in front of apartment building and get signs.
• Apply for Street Occupancy Permit from City Hall to create tow zone for moving truck in front of apartment building and get signs.
• Apply for Resident Permit for parking with signed copy of your lease or utility bill or arrange to rent a parking space. http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/parkprogr.asp
• Contact US Postal Service to forward mail. https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS
• Purchase Rental Insurance to insure all belongings, as the owners policy only covers the building and not your possessions. http://www.brownstoneinsurance.com/ ; http://skellyinsurance.com/;
• Bank Accounts – Look into opening up a local bank account.
• Contact our office to let us know when you would like to pick up your keys. Normally keys are picked up at 12 pm the day your lease begins so as to allow enough time for the apartment to be cleaned and prepped.
• You should expect to receive copy of lease signed by the landlord no later than 30 days after move-in.
• Complete Apartment Condition Statement and return no later than 15 days after date of occupancy
• Be aware of trash regulations and the street-sweeping schedules for the city, which vary depending on neighborhood. Link to Street Sweeping/Trash Info http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/Sanitation.asp
• Know the contact information your landlord/management company for maintenance issues and emergencies