“If I could rate the movers with 10 stars, I would. Pedro and Alberto were fantastic! They were friendly, professional, and they did a great job. I highly recommend them.”
Cambridge is home to Harvard, MIT, and Lesley University — which means move-in and move-out season here is unlike anywhere else in Massachusetts. Late August and early September bring thousands of students and families descending on the same streets, the same buildings, and the same narrow staircases all at once. Move-out in May and June is equally intense.
Smart Penny Moving® has been part of Cambridge’s college moving season for years. We know which Harvard residential houses have freight elevator reservations, which MIT dorms require specific move-in windows, which off-campus streets in Agassiz and Neighborhood Nine need a smaller truck. That local knowledge means your move runs on schedule — even when everyone else’s doesn’t.
College moves have a different set of pressures — tight timelines, strict building rules, limited elevator access, and parents who’ve driven hours to help and need the job done efficiently. We work fast, communicate clearly, and handle every item carefully — from dorm room essentials to full apartment contents.
For international students or families moving from out of state, we offer full packing services so the student doesn’t have to coordinate everything alone. We can also hold belongings between semesters at our Woburn storage facility — a practical option for students not returning to the same address next year.
Let's keep it clear: Smart Penny Moving only charges you for the time you need our services. There are no hidden charges or fees, as we like to keep the billing process simple.
Moving in MA? We begin charging for time when we leave our headquarters in Cambridge and we stop charging when we arrive back to our offices. We don't charge for traffic!
In addition to charging for time, we also add on costs for providing tape, boxes, shrink wrap, and mattress covers. If you have your own supplies we happily use yours and no additional charge will be levied.
There are a couple of items we do not transport, including the following: A. Gas, B. Paints, C. Passports, D. Money, E. Phones, F. Animals
Cambridge student housing runs the full range — Harvard’s historic residential houses, MIT’s modern dorms, and dozens of off-campus apartments scattered across Agassiz, Porter Square, and North Cambridge. Each comes with its own access rules, elevator schedules, and physical challenges. Our crew knows what to expect and how to work within those constraints without slowing the job down.
We handle all the typical college move items: bed frames, desks, dressers, computers, monitors, musical instruments, sports equipment, kitchen boxes, and clothing. Everything gets wrapped or boxed properly — nothing gets tossed loose into the truck.
Move-in day in Cambridge is one of the busiest days of the year in this city. Having a crew that’s done it before — and knows the buildings, the streets, and the timing — makes the difference between a smooth morning and a stressful one. We handle the logistics. You focus on getting settled.
College moves don’t follow a normal schedule — they happen at the end of leases, between semesters, after graduation, and sometimes in the middle of a school year when plans change. Smart Penny Moving® works around that calendar.
Need to store furniture over summer while you’re on an internship in another city? We hold it at our Woburn facility and deliver it back when you’re ready for your next Cambridge address. Graduating and not sure where you’re landing yet? We can store your belongings while you secure your next apartment — so you’re not pressured into a decision just because your lease ended.
For students moving into on-campus housing or off-campus apartments, we handle packing, transport, and full unpacking if needed. We bring all the supplies — no last-minute runs to find boxes the morning of your move.
boxes in every size, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, furniture pads. We bring everything; you don’t need to source anything separately.
straightforward pricing, no hidden fees, no surprise charges at the end of the job
every move is fully covered, so your belongings and the building are protected
we carry everything in, place furniture where you want it, and have your room set up and livable the same day
efficient, careful, and out before your building’s move-out window closes
full service for students transitioning from dorms to their first apartment or between rentals
if you’ve already packed and just need the muscle, we offer labor-only help too
store your belongings at our Woburn facility during breaks, internships, or while between addressesFor upperclassmen seeking more spacious accommodations off-campus, a hassle-free transition is vital. If dorm living isn’t mandatory, a simple call to us will secure an affordable quote for apartment moves.
Don’t forget to check out our packing tips page and use our printable moving checklist. If you have any questions about the moving process, please refer to our FAQs page.
