Moving companies in Somerville, MA.

Local services and rules

Moving to Somerville: who to call and what the city asks.

Somerville is the most densely populated city in New England, so curb space is scarce and the city says moving-van permits are worth booking early. A van permit costs $50 for up to three days, and the signs that reserve the space are $5 each. Mattresses carry a disposal sticker, large appliances carry another, and a dog needs a city license every year. The city also runs a New Residents guide that covers parking, trash and recycling, utilities and more.

The $50 moving van permit and the 311 call

A moving van permit costs $50 for up to three days; signs are $5 each. The signs must be posted 48 hours ahead, and you must call 311 to confirm they are up.

Resident parking permits and Sundays

A resident parking permit costs $50 and lasts up to 12 months depending on where you live and when you buy it. Applying needs a registration showing the car is garaged in Somerville and proof of residency such as a gas or electric bill.

Per the Parking Department, permit parking is not enforced on Sundays and holidays.

Street sweeping and snow emergencies

The street sweeping season runs April 1 to December 31, with signs posting the dates cars must be moved.

Winter has its own rules. Once a snow emergency is declared, residents have four hours to move cars to the permitted side or a municipal lot. Sidewalks must be cleared within six daylight hours after snow stops.

Allowed construction hours

The Building Division sets allowed construction hours at Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Eversource, National Grid and Comcast/Xfinity

The city's new resident guide lists Eversource as the electricity provider. It lists Eversource and National Grid as gas providers, and Comcast/Xfinity for internet, TV and phone.

The Water and Sewer Division

Water and sewer service comes from the city's Water and Sewer Division, which offers a New Water Service Application form. Bills are issued four times a year and can be paid online or in person at the Treasurer's Office at City Hall.

Trash day, recycling and moving boxes

The city's trash and recycling page says recycling is collected weekly on the same day as trash. Bins can go curbside after 4 p.m. the day before pickup and must be out by 7 a.m. on pickup day; empty barrels come in by 7 p.m.

Moving boxes can go out with the recycling, according to the moving page. Larger pieces must be broken down into 3'x3' pieces and tied in a bundle.

Mattress and appliance stickers

Since February 1, 2026 a $55 disposal sticker is required before the city will pick up a mattress or box spring. Large appliances need a $25 white goods sticker, one per item, bought online, at the DPW or at City Hall.

The DPW Yard drop-offs

Electronic waste can be dropped off at the DPW Yard on weekdays; proof of residency is required. Household hazardous waste events are held at the same yard on the second Saturday of each month, April through November.

Dog licenses at the City Clerk's Office

Every dog 6 months or older must be licensed each year through the City Clerk's Office. Licenses run through December 31, and not licensing risks a $50 fine.

Registering for school, the library and the ballot

Somerville Public Schools registers new or transferred students through an online pre-registration followed by a printed enrollment packet.

A Somerville library card is free to any Massachusetts resident 5 and older and works across the Minuteman Library Network.

Eligible residents over 18 can register to vote in Somerville online, in person or by mail. The city is divided into seven wards, each made up of three precincts.

Residential Exemption, flood maps and basements

The Assessing office handles property tax exemptions, with an April 1 filing deadline for the Residential Exemption.

Somerville's Flood Ready page offers flood maps and advice on preparing a property, including basement floodproofing.