When’s the Best Time for Apartment Hunting in Boston?

For many people, moving in any capacity is nothing but a pain. The arduous tasks of renting a moving truck, packing belongings, wrangling reluctant friends to help, and navigating a bustling city with a vehicle full of furniture are universally dreaded yet unavoidable aspects of moving. However, before breaking out the first box, potential movers have to plan their move, including when they intend to switch homes. Moving apartments in Boston can be a gamble with so many renters and so few rentals available. However, with proper timing, you can score the best apartment deals without competing with the rush from other renters.

Why Summer is Prime Time for Boston Apartment Hunting

In addition to professionals working in the city, much of Boston is occupied by college students attending nearby universities such as Harvard and Boston University. With so many college students trying to remain close to campus, the renter market within the city can feel rather oversaturated. If you choose to move at just the right time, however, you can cash in on great apartment deals aimed at students while avoiding the saturation of students looking for new digs.

The best time to accomplish this is most certainly the early to mid-summer. From June to August, students will have vacated their apartments to go home and the rental properties will be advertising great rent deals on apartments to entice students to rent in their complex. The moving date may be hot, but you won’t have to compete with others to secure plenty of room to make the move.

The Worst Time to Move? Late August and Early September

While June to August are the best months to take advantage of the lack of students and the rental deals, the end of May and September are some of the worst times to commit to renting a new apartment. The rental market in Boston revolves around the university schedule, with classes beginning in late August or early September and classes ending in mid- to late May. Because of this schedule, many apartment leases end on June 1 and begin on September 1, making those two days the busiest moving days of the year.

In fact, many locals have nicknamed the days leading up to September 1 “Allston Christmas” in reference to all the people moving in/out of their apartments at this time, many of whom leave furniture, clothes, appliances and other goods behind on the sidewalk and up for grabs (hence the “Christmas” part). While the Allston neighborhood has one of the city’s highest percentages of renters, it’s by no means the only one that gets a little hectic around these times of year. You also need to be aware of the low-clearance bridges and obstacles on Boston’s busy Storrow Drive to make sure you don’t get “Storrowed,” another term coined by locals that refers to a moving truck (or any other type of high-clearance vehicle) getting damaged or stuck under one of these obstacles.

That said, any dates that aren’t within a week before/after June 1 and September 1 are typically fair game and could score you an amazing deal on the perfect apartment.

Tips on How to Move in Boston During Summer

If summer is your best shot, it pays to prepare. Here are a few Boston apartment hunting tips to make your move smoother:

• Start early. Apartment listings go fast in Boston. Begin your search at least 2 months ahead of your preferred move-in date.
• Use a local apartment moving service in Boston. These pros know how to navigate city streets, tight stairwells, and those infamous triple-deckers.
• Avoid moving on weekends. Weekdays often offer more parking and less competition for elevator time.
• Plan around the heat. If you’re wondering how to move in Boston during summer, pack water, wear light clothes, and try to move in the early morning or evening.

Check lease dates carefully. If you find a lease starting September 1, weigh the pros and cons—some deals might not be worth the moving-day mayhem.

Let the Pros Handle the Heavy Lifting

Finding the right apartment is one thing. Actually moving into it? That’s a whole different story.

At The Armstrong Company, we make apartment moving in Boston as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or starting fresh, our experienced team can help you move with ease—even during the summer rush.Ready for a smooth, efficient move? Contact us today and let’s get you home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I prepare for an apartment move in Boston during the summer?
   • Beat the heat by scheduling your move early in the day, staying hydrated, and working with professionals who know how to move in Boston during summer. Booking movers in advance is crucial during peak season.
     
2. What should I look for in an apartment moving service in Boston?
   • Look for a local company with experience navigating Boston’s neighbourhoods, narrow streets, and low-clearance bridges. Check reviews, compare quotes, and confirm their availability during your moving window.
     
3. How do I find the right apartment moving service in Boston?
   • Look for an apartment moving service in Boston with strong local reviews, experience navigating Boston’s tight streets, and availability during your ideal move window. Early booking is key, especially in summer.