What’s the purpose of a moving permit? 

Moving permits give you permission to park on the street or in a normally restricted area for a set time period. By getting one, you can ensure you have legal parking for the moving equipment while you load or unload belongings. Some cities require permits to be displayed on the moving equipment and many allow you (or traffic enforcement officers) to place signs to block parking spaces ahead of moving day.

What cities require a parking permit? 

Most large cities like Seattle, Dallas, Chicago and New York require permits, while some places like Boston only recommend them. Because of the varying rules, it’s a good idea to check about getting a permit, especially if you need to park moving equipment at an apartment or storage facility, on the street, on a private driveway intersected by a public sidewalk or in a residential area with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Generally, you can do an internet search of “the city name + parking permit” to find city-specific information. 

Remember to check the rules for both ends of your move! If you’re unsure who handles permits where you live, here are some suggested contacts: 

• City Hall 
• Department of Finance and Administration 
• Department of Transportation 
• HOA 
• Landlord or building owner 
• Local Police station  
• Traffic Enforcement 

How do you get a permit?

Some cities allow online applications, while others might require that you fill out paperwork in person. Before you fill out paperwork or pay any permit fees (which will vary by city), make sure to consider how much space and time you’ll need for parking.  

If you’re moving with U-Pack, use this guide to help you plan for parking. If you’re using another company, confirm the dimensions of the equipment you’re using, including any clearance you’ll need for opening doors or using a loading ramp. Don’t forget to check about multiple days and overnight parking for moving equipment, since not all places allow it. 

Is your parking situation complicated?

If you don’t have space or can’t get permission for overnight parking, U-Pack has options to help: 

• Live load. The driver stays with the equipment (usually 2 – 4 hours) while you load or unload. 
• Same-day drop-off and pickup. We can arrange drop-off in the morning and pickup later in the evening in some locations (with prior approval from the service center). 
• Service center loading or unloading. Load (or unload) your things at a local service center and also save money on your move. 

Learn more about our delivery options to see what might work best for you. To find out what’s available in your location or to get a free moving quote, call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077. 

Other parking planning questions?

If you have any additional questions about permits or parking moving equipment for your long-distance move, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help!