Moving Resources

Moving Resources: Liquor stores can be great — many offer free boxes!

Moving Tips & Supplies: Where to Get the Little Extras You Need to Get Moving

Need something we don’t have? Here are some helpful links to moving resources, services, and products to make moving day a breeze:

Looking for a place to grab boxes ahead of your big move? For dorms or small one- or two-bedroom apartments, you can usually head to your closest liquor store. They’ll generally let you grab any empty boxes they don’t need — but certainly ask first before you grab!  (And, of course, once you have the, remember to pack your boxes appropriately.)

For larger moves, we recommend either any UHaul store or Home Depot. What’s great about those stores is that you can return any unused boxes for a full refund. It’s also common for people to sell or give away previously used moving boxes on Craigslist.  (Please note that we do not stock or sell boxes. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, we do not provide packing services.)

For Small Moves: How Small is Too Small?

While we’re happy to book your single-item furniture delivery, we are a residential moving company. Consequently, it may be more cost-efficient for you to consider Boutique Moves, a company that specializes in small furniture deliveries.

Moving Resources: Where to Rent a Moving Truck

Maybe you’ve decided to do the big move yourself, or you’re moving out-of-state and only want to pay for loading and unloading labor. Either way, if you’re renting a truck, Budget Truck is usually the best deal and pretty reliable for rentals. Penske is a bit more expensive, but they generally have the best trucks and the highest quality of service.

Moving Away from Massachusetts? Get the Right Interstate Moving Company

Don’t want to bother with getting the truck yourself? For interstate moves (full-service moves beginning or ending outside of Massachusetts), we recommend Intelligent Labor and Moving. We also recommend them for local jobs when our schedule is full. 

Moving Resources: Pods can be a great way to move out of state. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The other popular option for a long-distance move is renting a POD container (ABF-Upack, Door-to-Door Storage, UHaul U-Box, and 1-800-Pack-Rat are all good options for that). You can pack and unpack it yourself, or hire us to do it if you’re loading or unloading in Massachusetts — just bear in mind that if you decide to book “labor only” services, it will be your responsibility to provide moving blankets and other cargo-securing materials. (Wondering where to get moving supplies? Check out our handy guide to picking up all the blankets, bungees, and boxes you need for your big move.)

For moving permits, you can ask for them when booking your move (in Boston, Brookline, or Somerville only – in Cambridge the city will do this for you). We charge a minimum of $75 to acquire and post a permit on your behalf (plus the cost of the permits, which can vary depending on the city). However, if you’d like to take care of this yourself, we have guides to getting permits for a moving truck in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville.

Conquer Space with a Personal Organzer

Need help organizing or packing before your move? How about staging furniture prior to selling your home? Unpacking and arranging items in your new home to maximize your space after a downsize? For help with all the small things you need to do before and after a move, we recommend Helen Stefan at The Welcome Home or Sue Thornton at Dwellness.

To Each According to Need: Donate Your Old Furniture!

If you’d like to get rid of a few things before your move (after all, why pay us to move something you’re not even going to use?), there are two places we recommend for donations. Moving resources like Boomerang’s will come pick up your gently used furniture if you fill out their scheduling form. All of their proceeds go to the Aids Action Committee. You can also donate your furniture and other items to Household Goods, a local service that provides household goods and furnishings for people transitioning out of homelessness or fleeing dangerous situations. (If you’re looking to donate a mattress or a sleeper sofa, get in touch with Home Goods. If you’re getting rid of old clothes, go with Boomerang’s. Both will arrange pickups if you’re within their respective areas.)

Moving Resources: Personal Organizers can be great if you’re moving to a smaller place. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Moving Resources: The Realest of the Realtors

For Realtors, NextGen Realty (ask for Nathan) is a good resource for rental properties in the Boston Area. The Attias Group is great if you’re looking for homes north of the city, while we recommend Steph Crawford Group for buying or selling in Boston or Metro West.

And finally, if you came here looking for moving jobs, click here and we’ll see if we might be a good match.