Summer is the busiest moving season in many places, as families relocate between school years and leases turn over. Packing boxes gets plenty of attention, but parking the moving truck is often what causes the most stress on moving day. A truck needs a lot of curb space, and many streets are not built with it in mind.
Know the size of your truck
Before moving day, find out the length and height of the truck you are renting or that movers will bring. Larger trucks may need a long stretch of curb and clearance under trees, wires and overhangs. A truck that fits on a wide suburban street may struggle on a narrow city block or in a garage entrance. Moving trucks also typically cannot enter most parking garages because of height limits.
Check whether you need a permit
Many cities require or offer temporary parking permits for moving trucks, especially in dense neighborhoods. These permits can reserve curb space for a set time and may come with temporary no-parking signs. Some cities require signs to be posted in advance. Rules, costs and lead times vary widely, so check the city’s official website or call the transportation or public works department well before your moving date.
If you live in an apartment building or condominium, ask the building management about loading docks, elevator reservations and where trucks are allowed to park. Many buildings have specific rules and time windows for moves.
Planning the loading area
- Choose a spot close to the entrance with a clear path for carrying
- Avoid blocking driveways, fire hydrants, bike lanes and crosswalks
- Leave room for the truck’s ramp or lift gate
- Place a cone or ask a neighbor to save space only where legal
Talk to neighbors ahead of time. Letting them know when the truck is coming can help free up space and avoid friction.
On moving day
Use a spotter whenever you back up or park the truck. Trucks have large blind spots, and many have no rear window. Turn on hazard lights while loading if appropriate, and set the parking brake. On hills, turn the wheels toward or away from the curb as appropriate and use wheel chocks if available. Keep the cargo area locked when you step away, even briefly.
Summer heat and moving
Moving in summer means heavy lifting in heat. Start early, drink water, take breaks and watch helpers for signs of heat illness. Do not leave children or pets in a parked car or truck while you load. Arrange for pets to stay somewhere safe and cool during the move.
When the last box is unloaded, return the truck on time and check it for forgotten items. Then park your own car at your new address and read the signs carefully, since a new neighborhood may have parking rules that are new to you.
A Moving Week Parking Timeline
Moving goes more smoothly when parking is part of the plan from the start, not something handled on the morning of the move.
- Several weeks before. Check the city’s rules on temporary parking permits for moving trucks at both the old and new addresses. Note lead times, and reserve elevators or loading docks with building management.
- A week before. Confirm your truck size, the moving date and the time window. Let neighbors know, and ask whether anyone can move their car to free up space.
- A few days before. If permits come with temporary signs, make sure they are posted according to the city’s requirements. Take photos of posted signs with the date visible.
- The night before. Park your own car somewhere it will not be in the way. Clear the path from the curb to the door.
- Moving day. Arrive early to claim the space. Use a spotter to park the truck, set the brake, chock the wheels if needed and lock the cargo area when you step away.
- After the move. Read the parking signs at your new address carefully, including street cleaning and permit rules.
Working with professional movers
If you hire movers, ask how they handle parking. Some companies arrange permits themselves, while others expect the customer to secure space. Make sure you know the size of their truck and whether they need room for more than one vehicle. Share any building rules, low branches, narrow streets or tight turns with them in advance.
Common Moving Truck Parking Mistakes
- Assuming the curb will be free. On a busy street in summer, open curb space is not guaranteed. Plan to reserve it where possible.
- Parking in a bike lane or crosswalk. These spaces need to stay clear for safety. Find a legal loading spot.
- Ignoring overhead hazards. Tree branches, balconies and wires can catch the top of a tall truck.
- Driving into a garage. Most rental trucks are too tall for parking garages and many covered entryways.
- Leaving the ramp out unattended. A ramp extended into the street or sidewalk is a tripping hazard. Stow it between loads if you will be away.
Moving Day Parking Questions
Do I need a permit if I am only loading for a few hours?
It depends on the city and the street. Some areas require permits for any truck parking on certain streets, while others allow short loading periods. Check with your city.
What if someone parks in my reserved moving space?
If your permit and signs were properly posted, the city’s parking enforcement or non-emergency line can explain your options. Keep your permit paperwork handy.
Can I leave the truck parked overnight before returning it?
Check local rules on overnight parking for large vehicles and the rental company’s guidance. Lock the truck, and park in a well-lit area.
How do I park a truck on a hill?
Set the parking brake, turn the wheels toward the curb when facing downhill and away from the curb when facing uphill, and use wheel chocks if available.
What should I do with my own car on moving day?
Move it out of the loading area the night before, ideally to a driveway, garage or nearby legal space, so the truck has as much room as possible.
A permit, a spotter and a plan for the curb turn moving day parking from a headache into one more box checked off the list.
