I've been a mover in Boston for 15 years with Safe Responsible Movers.Here are some tips for folks moving around September 1st.
If you have a rental truck reserved show up as early as possible to pick it up. I'm talking 7am or earlier, even if the location isn't open yet. They routinely overbook for 8/31 and 9/1, so if you show up late there's a good chance you either won't get a truck at all or will have to travel far outside of the city.
Even though I recommend parking permits and tow zone signs for the other 363 days of the year, they're practically useless for 8/31 and 9/1 because there are so many moves going on that it's almost impossible for the city to enforce them.
If you're simply having stuff moved out of storage wait until the 3rd or 4th. Things will be much calmer, and most movers will be alot cheaper.
If you're moving on 9/1 make sure you know when you're going to be able to get the keys to your new place. I've seen plenty of situations where folks have a loaded truck with movers on the clock and are unable to get into their new spot.
Related to the above, make sure you know when the previous occupants of your new place will be moving out. Try to contact them in the days leading up to the move and co-ordinate moving times. It can be a stressful situation trying to move into a unit when someone else is trying to move out.
If hiring a moving company check in with them once or twice during the week leading up to make sure everything is all set for your move. Finding a last minute mover on September 1st can be very difficult.
Keep in touch with your new landlord to see if there's any chance of moving in earlier than expected. Sometimes folks will move out early giving you an opportunity to get in on the 28th or 29th and save a bit of money. Whatever you can do to avoid moving on 9/1 is usually worth it.
If you have a queen box spring that's not a split there's a decent chance it's not going to fit upstairs in the North End or Beacon Hill. The same goes for couches over 6ft long.
*****Adding a few more
If you're hiring movers you can keep costs down by taking apart any furniture such as bed frames, dining tables, etc that requires disassembly. This can save an hr or more of time on the clock on the busiest and most expensive day of the year. Also as long as you ask most movers will be fine with you bringing small boxes and bags out to the truck if you can keep out of their way.
If you're ordering new furniture for your new apartment have it delivered on the 3rd or later. Trying to coordinate multiple delivery crews is challenging on the best of days, let alone a crazy day like September 1st.
Whether hiring movers or moving yourself the better packed and prepared you are to move, the quicker things will go. Make sure all boxes are securely taped and sealed shut. Books go in small boxes. Period. Not large boxes, not suitcases, not trash bags, not plastic bins. Large boxes are for items like bedding, pillows, etc.
I've seen quite a few folks book movers for September 1st and then freak out when they find out the landlord is demanding they vacate the premises by midnight on August 31st.
Double check your lease agreement.
If moving into a building with a loading dock and elevator check with building management to reserve the elevator.
Check with your building manager to see if they require certificates of insurance from your movers. This is best done weeks prior to the move, as some certificates like workers comp will take some time for the insurance company to prepare.
I'll add to this if I think of anything else. Good luck out there!
