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Move-in weekend 2024: Live updates from Boston
Stay up to date on everything happening during the September 1 move-in weekend in Boston.
Move-in weekend draws Allston Christmas ‘shoppers’
Sunday, Sept. 1, 4:30 p.m.
Ailia Rochefort
Simmons University graduate and working professional
Can you describe how the move has been going?
“I wasn’t moving today. I actually resigned my place for a third year. But I know that this is the time to go out and find things for free that people are just throwing out.”
What’s the best thing to do on Sept. 1 when you aren’t moving?
“It’s probably like the best weekend to just get out and about in Allston. There’s a ton of different restaurants to go to that I love in this area and a few vintage shops as well if you’re looking for something that you can actually buy instead of finding on the street.
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What advice would you give first-time movers?
“If you are moving to Boston, definitely go through the city website to get a reserved parking spot. That’s the biggest tip I have for people, because you will not find parking to actually move again on moving weekend. And, if you find somewhere you like, apply as soon as possible because there’s a chance two days later it’s gone.”
What has been your best Allston Christmas find so far?
“People are always throwing out things that they just can’t move but are in really nice condition. I found a really awesome lamp and a ton of glassware. That’s the best thing I think to find. People throw out so many nice plates, cups, and all that stuff. I just got like art supplies because someone threw out a ton of pastels.”
Noah Rogers
Boston University graduate student
What’s been your best Allston Christmas find so far?
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“There’s all sorts of things, and you never really know what you’re gonna find. You go out expecting to find things or hoping to find things that you never find and then finding things that you never thought you would and never knew you needed.
“We found a couch. We found a lot of decorations. There’s been a lot of stuff.”
Have you experienced a busy Sept. 1 move in?
No, thank God I didn’t. My ex lived in Boston, and so I had to deal with moving her in and so I knew to avoid it. Luckily, I was able to rent a car and then drive up with my partner from D.C., so I didn’t have to come up until like, September 2 or 3, which was still crazy, but not nearly as bad as the first.
Allston Christmas carolers put on a show
Sunday, Sept. 1, 3:15 p.m.
Angela Yam and Nathan Halbur are professional musicians living in Allston. The duo spent this September 1 performing Allston-inspired Christmas carols for residents.
How have your September 1 move-in experiences been?
Yam: “I went to school here so I’m very familiar with the stress that being a student here and moving out and not knowing where to put your stuff is. This year, we got lucky in a way. We moved in on August 1, and as a result, we can spread a little cheer on September 1 when it’s quite stressful for the entire city of Boston, not just Allston.”
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What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
Halbur: “Personally, I have not looked far enough in advance in the past, so I’m a bad person to advise on this. But, maybe there’s some comfort in the fact that it is possible to find a place like one or two months out. So you know, if you find yourself scrambling, it can be done, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Yam: “Sundays are best [because] parking is free. Make a lot of friends and see if you can put your stuff at their house. Try to drink a lot of water, keep your stress levels down, and maybe sing a little song to yourself.”
Halbur: “And take advantage of the Allston Christmas riches.”
What’s the best thing to do on Sept. 1 when you aren’t moving?
Yam: “Help your friends move in. Be a good community member. I think a lot of Bostonians – I feel this as well – particularly if you have a place to go today, you’re like ‘oh I’m so frustrated’, ‘there’s a lot of traffic,’ but it’s the one day of the year that we have something this crazy. Just have a little patience and help your fellow human being.”
Brookline’s newest residents get settled in
Sunday, Sept. 1, 3 p.m.
Zach Cornell
Berklee College of Music student, moving to Brookline from Idaho
Can you describe how the move has been going?
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“It’s been a bit stressful. I was really worried about getting a mattress delivered…the hardest part was finding the apartment. Move-in hasn’t been too bad so far.”
What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
“Start looking as early as you can and if you find a place, don’t wait. Get in contact with them as soon as you can.”
If you could live in any neighborhood in Boston, where would you live and why?
“It would probably be Back Bay because it is really close to my school and it has a lot of stuff to do.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new space/neighborhood?
“I am looking forward to the Red Sox games. I am not too big of a baseball fan, but I think I will be.”
Julia Lehmann
Moving to Brookline from Washington Square.
Can you describe how the move has been going?
“It’s been pretty good but very hectic. We just got here about 30 minutes ago and the street is absolutely packed and it’s super hot. So far it’s been good, there’s a lot of help.”
What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
“Order a U-haul like months prior and make sure you know that you will be homeless for one night so have somewhere to stay. I didn’t know that…you have nowhere to go for 24 hours so plan ahead.”
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If you could live in any neighborhood in Boston, where would you live and why?
“I love Brookline currently. My dad went to school here and he lived across the street. Or Seaport, if I become a millionaire anytime soon.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new space/neighborhood?
“Being super close to the city shortens my commute. Being really close to Fenway and walking all the parks that are around.”
Kimberly Chhoeuk
Boston University graduate student, moving from Shrewsbury, Mass.
Can you describe how the move has been going?
“Right now, I think it is pretty good. It’s just me and my dad moving in. One of my friends is coming to help.”
What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
“My tip would be to actually go visit the apartment and not just apply for it. See if you actually like the size of it, how it looks and what comes with it.”
If you could live in any neighborhood in Boston, where would you live and why?
“I’ll say this neighborhood. Brookline is pretty nice, it has things around. Fenway Park is right nearby…like a fifteen minute walk. It is pretty spacious and open as compared to other neighborhoods.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new space/neighborhood?
“The park behind my apartment is pretty nice to do any physical activity that I like doing. There is a little trail or pond nearby. I am looking forward to having that in my backyard basically.”
Grace Doule
Boston University student, moving from Kenmore neighborhood to Brookline.
Can you describe how the move has been going?
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“I would say it has been pretty smooth so far. My apartment opened at 12 p.m., so I have not been here too long but I think, just from hearing about Boston move-in day and how hectic it is, I kind of expected worse. I feel in Brookline, it seems chill.”
What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
“If you are a student and you want an apartment that is close to your school, start looking early in the spring semester for the following fall. That’s when I started looking and it helped me have a better selection of apartments.”
If you could live in any neighborhood in Boston, where would you live and why?
“Probably Beacon Hill, it is very nice and has proximity to areas in Boston that I’m a little further from.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new space/neighborhood?
“I think the proximity to a lot of stores. I’m pretty close to Coolidge Corner that’s a nice area. I’m a big movie buff so I like that the Coolidge Corner Theatre is right nearby.”
Benn Fremin
Berklee College of Music student
Can you describe how the move has been going?
“It has been busy, a lot of moving parts. Mostly the traffic around town has been the biggest difficulty.”
What’s your best tip for moving or finding an apartment in Boston?
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“Move in early. That’s pretty much it.”
If you could live in any neighborhood in Boston, where would you live and why?
“Brookline. It is quiet, it is close to everything. The T is reasonably distanced.”
What are you most looking forward to in your new space/neighborhood?
“Kind of like what I said earlier. Just the quietness and slowness of the neighborhood.”
Boston gears up for moving weekend
The students are back in town, Boston.
Whether or not you’re moving this weekend, Boston.com will be on the ground sharing live updates from some of the most popular neighborhoods in and around Boston.
Be sure to check back throughout the weekend as we add photos, interviews, and a roundup of social posts featuring the best (and worst) of September 1 move-in weekend.
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