So, you’re moving long-distance to Boston! Congrats! Whether you’re moving to Boston for school, work, or just for a change of scenery, “Beantown”, as it’s often called, is an amazing city with a lot to offer. That said, moving long distances is never easy, so we’ve put together a few tips to help make your transition to Beantown as smooth as possible.
1. Find an Apartment Before You Move
One of the most stressful things about moving is finding a place to live. One of our best tips for moving to Boston is to start your apartment search as early as possible. Use websites like Zillow and Apartment Finder to look for places in your desired neighborhood and price range.
Once you’ve found a few options that you like, reach out to the landlords and see if they’re willing to do a Skype or FaceTime tour of the apartment. That way, you can get a feel for the place before you actually move.
If you can swing it, we also recommend flying out to Boston for a weekend to look at apartments in person. This will give you a better idea of what each neighborhood is like and whether or not you could see yourself living there. Once you’ve found the perfect place, be sure to put down a deposit right away—apartments in Boston go fast!
2. Prepare for Your Long-Distance Move
Wondering “How do I prepare for moving long-distance to Boston?” Well, it can be a huge undertaking, but there are a few things you can do in advance, like starting a “moving to Boston” checklist. For one, start early; the sooner you start packing, the better. You’ll want to have plenty of time to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to donate.
If you can, hire professional movers. While it’s possible to DIY your move, hiring professional movers will save you a lot of time and energy. Look for a reputable company with good reviews, and be sure to get a quote before you book their services. At Colonial Van Lines, we’ve helped plenty of people just like you with long distance moving to Boston.
You’ll want to pack smart. When it comes time to pack up your belongings, be sure to label all of the boxes with both the contents and the destination room. This will make unpacking much easier later on.
You should also consider using space-saving packing hacks like vacuum-sealing clothes or using suitcases for larger items. Or, ask us about our packing services, and take it all off your hands.
3. Get to Know the T
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), otherwise known as “the T,” is Boston’s public transportation system.
If you’re going to be living in Boston, it’s important that you get familiar with the T before you move. The good news is that it’s actually pretty easy to use—just hop on the train or bus that goes to your desired destination and pay with either cash or a pass. You can buy monthly passes if you plan on using public transportation frequently.
One important thing to keep in mind is that the T doesn’t run 24/7—it shuts down around 12:30 am and starts up again around 5 am. So if you’re planning on going out for drinks with friends or coming home from work late at night, you’ll need to find another way home. Taxis and rideshares are always an option.
4. Learn How to Love Winter
Boston winters can be brutal—there’s no denying that. But they can also be incredibly beautiful, especially when everything is covered in freshly fallen snow. And once you learn how to dress for winter weather (layers are key!), it’s actually not that bad. So when you ask yourself, “What do I need to move to Boston?” Be sure a heavy, warm jacket and snow boots are on your list.
Plus, there are tons of fun winter activities to take advantage of, like ice skating on the frog pond in Boston Common or sledding down Beacon Hill. Trust us—you’ll learn to love winter in no time!
Long-distance moving to Boston won’t necessarily be easy, but we hope these tips make your transition just a little bit smoother. From finding an apartment before you move to getting familiar with the T and learning how to love winter weather, follow our advice, and you’ll be settling into your new life in Beantown before you know it. Take advantage of the best long-distance moving companies in Boston and book reliable long-distance movers.