Boston has a quirk no other American city shares: most leases start September 1st. On this single day, 60,000+ households try to move simultaneously. The result is chaos, gridlock, broken elevators, and furniture on every sidewalk. Welcome to Boston.
Why September 1st?
Boston has 35+ colleges and universities. Students drive the rental market, and the academic calendar starts in September. Over decades, Sept 1 became the standard lease start date for everyone—not just students.
"Allston Christmas"
The week before September 1st is locally known as "Allston Christmas." As students and tenants move out, they leave furniture, housewares, and all manner of stuff on the sidewalks for anyone to take.
What You'll Find on the Streets
- • Couches, chairs, tables (check for bedbugs!)
- • TVs, lamps, kitchen items
- • Bookshelves, desks, bed frames
- • Random treasure and absolute junk
Tip: If you're brave and can inspect for pests, you can furnish an apartment for free. But upholstered furniture is risky—bedbugs are real.
Survival Guide: Planning Ahead
Book Movers in Spring
This is not an exaggeration. Professional movers are completely booked by June for September 1st moves. If you wait until August, you'll pay premium prices (2-3x normal) or won't find anyone at all.
Moving Company Reality
- • Book by May or June for Sept 1
- • Expect to pay 50-100% more than normal dates
- • Last-minute? You're renting a U-Haul (if available)
- • Some companies won't even take Sept 1 jobs anymore
Reserve Your U-Haul Early Too
Think you'll just rent a truck? Everyone else has the same idea. Reserve by July, or face:
- No availability anywhere in Boston
- Having to pick up 50+ miles away
- One-way rentals only (expensive)
- Surge pricing
Time Your Move Strategically
Best Moving Windows
Beat the rush. Streets are clearer, elevators available.
One day early can make a huge difference.
Peak chaos. Traffic gridlock. Elevator waits. Stressed everyone.
Coordinate with Your Building
Large buildings manage chaos better than triple-deckers:
- Reserve the elevator — Most buildings require sign-up
- Get loading zone info — Where can your truck park?
- Ask about move-in windows — Some buildings assign time slots
- Confirm your unit is ready — Previous tenant out? Cleaned?
Day-Of Survival Tips
September 1st Checklist
- Start early—before 8am if possible
- Have cash for tips and emergencies
- Pack essentials bag (toilet paper, phone charger, snacks)
- Confirm movers/truck the day before
- Know alternative parking spots
- Bring patience—everyone is stressed
- Check new apartment before movers unload (document any damage)
Expect Problems
Seriously. Things that commonly go wrong on September 1st:
- Previous tenant still there / hasn't finished moving
- Apartment not cleaned
- Elevator breaks down
- Traffic gridlock—trucks can't get through
- Double-parked moving trucks everywhere
- Movers show up late (they're running behind from previous moves)
How to Avoid September 1st Entirely
The smartest move? Don't move on September 1st.
Alternative Move-In Dates
- June 1: Second most common. Moderate competition.
- October-November: Post-rush. Good selection from leftover summer leases.
- January-February: Least competition. Cold but calm.
- Mid-month: Some landlords offer 15th-to-15th leases to avoid Sept 1.
When apartment hunting, ask if the landlord offers alternative start dates. Many are happy to avoid the chaos too.
Worst Neighborhoods on Sept 1
Student-heavy areas are the most chaotic:
- Allston: Ground zero. Complete madness.
- Brighton: Near BC. Almost as bad as Allston.
- Mission Hill: Near Northeastern. Very busy.
- Fenway: Students plus game traffic. Avoid.
- Cambridge (Harvard/MIT area): Less crazy but still busy.
Professional neighborhoods (Back Bay, South End, Seaport) are calmer but not immune.
Pro Tips
- Take the day off work — You'll need it.
- Don't drive if you don't have to — Traffic is a nightmare citywide.
- Be patient with everyone — Movers, landlords, neighbors are all stressed.
- Document everything — Photo the apartment condition before unloading.
- Set up utilities ahead of time — Don't wait until Sept 1.
- Embrace the chaos — It's a uniquely Boston experience.