Somerville Sharing Tips for Stress Free Moving This Summer

Making a move to, from, or within Somerville? Don’t wait to make a plan. The City is sharing tips and reminders to help you prepare, limit day-of moving stressors, and get settled. 

Pro tip: 311 is a direct link to City Hall and your best call for move in/move out essentials. They are available 24/7 and can be contacted by phone (dial 3-1-1 or 617-666-3311), email (311requests@somervillema.gov), via app, social media, and online. Learn more at somervillema.gov/311. 

Before you move, remember to: 

• Check out Somerville’s New Resident Guide at somervillema.gov/moving. 
• Obtain a moving van/container permit 
  • Reserve a spot for up to 3 days: $40/day. Street signage is $5 per sign; meters require a $35/day bagging fee.  
  • Place signs at least 2 days in advance, call 311 to confirm, and be sure to remove and recycle them afterward.  
  • Hand-deliver your application to Parking Dept (133 Holland St.) for immediate processing, or mail it and pick up within 10–15 business days. 
• Review City parking rules 
  • To keep a car in Somerville, a residential parking permit is required. 
    • Cost: $40/year. You’ll need vehicle registration (garaged in Somerville) and proof of residency like a utility bill.  
    • Still updating your registration? Get a free 30-day temporary permit with documentation. 
  • Weekly street sweeping is underway now through late December. Look out for signage in your area. More info at somervillema.gov/sweeping. 
• Properly dispose of trash and recycling 
  • Check your trash schedule and look up disposal rules for any item at somervillema.gov/wastewizard.
  • Large appliance disposal is available for a fee, and pickup can be coordinated with 311. Learn more at somervillema.gov/recycling.

As you settle, remember to: 

• Register to Vote: Options include online, by mail, or in person. Make sure your address and signature are up to date by completing the annual City census. More info is at: somervillema.gov/elections. 
• Find Your Ward & Elected Officials: Somerville has 7 wards (3 precincts each). Find your ward and learn who represents you at the City, state, and federal level at MySomerville.  
• Find info on the Mayor at somervillema.gov/mayor.  
• Find your Ward and At-Large City Councilors at somervillema.gov/citycouncil.
• Find your School Committee member at somerville.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee.  
• Stay Updated & In Touch with the City of Somerville 
• Weekly eNewsletter for city events, news, meetings and more (somervillema.gov/newsletter). 
• City Alerts for emergencies (snow, construction, water issues) via text, email, or phone in multiple languages (somervillema.gov/alerts). 
• More City newsletters on topics you care about from Construction to Recreation and more (somervillema.gov/subscribe). 
• Social Media: The City is on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, and follow topics like the Arts Council or Schools too (somervillema.gov/socialmedia). 

Again, welcome to Somerville, and well wishes in your new home to anyone moving on.  

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. 

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.