
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
o 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.
o 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
o Check your trash schedule and look up disposal rules for any item at somervillema.gov/wastewizard.
o 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.
o Find info on the Mayor at somervillema.gov/mayor.
o Find your Ward and At-Large City Councilors at somervillema.gov/citycouncil.
o 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.















