September 1 is a special day for Boston and Bostonians. It's the day that the city swells with student traffic, and many renters change their addresses. You can't walk more than a few feet without seeing someone carrying a mattress, or struggling to get a TV out of their car, or a Uhaul just parked in the middle of a one-way street blocking all traffic. This is the beginning of the school year, and for college students, their families, and many other Boston residents it's move-in day! If you're not familiar with this phenomenon, let's bring you up to speed so you won't be shocked in the coming weeks!
Navigating the city is the first warning in and of itself, it becomes next to impossible with a vehicle as a result of all the added congestion from vehicles not typically in the city, driven by people who don't their way around, and all the Uhaul's blocking the roads that normally have no congestion. But don't assume that public transit will be any better either! The MBTA is always overwhelmed with the influx of people and students, and trying to get on a bus or the T during this time can be a nightmare.
So what's a Bostonian to do? Well, if you aren't moving yourself, our best advice would be to stay away from the city center and all college campuses on September 1 and the surrounding week.
If you absolutely must go out into the world, just be aware that it won't just be traveling that will be made more difficult. Restaurants will have lines out the door, and even grocery stores run the risk of running out of carriages for you to use. Boston is a small big city and September first is the day it feels the most crowded. So be prepared, and good luck to all those who are moving!
This is just a small taste of what September first is like in Boston, but hopefully it's enough to give you an idea of what to expect if you find yourself in the city on this day! Moving is hard enough, but add in the Boston craziness and it can be downright overwhelming. So if you can avoid it, we recommend doing so! But if you can't, just know that you're not alone and that everyone else is feeling the same way. Just Breathe and remember a smile will get you more than a scowl Good luck out there! Oh and don't forget that Storrow Drive does not allow Uhauls or vehicles over 10ft tall, every somebody forgets, don't let it be you!
