Boston.comment: Move-In Madness!

Oops.

We've all been there. No matter how hard we try or how much we plan ahead, moving is always a nightmare. And in Boston, that nightmare has become a yearly tradition, as hordes of college students descend on the city over Labor Day weekend. But this chaos can be a blessing in disguise. For some Bostonians, it's a business opportunity. For some, it's the start of "Allston Christmas," when sidewalks fill up with used dorm furniture left by former students. And with enough planning and outside help, maybe even the most stressed-out freshman can enjoy some of that old-fashioned cheer.

How to make it work? We sought out move-in tips from a wide range of people, and their answers are below. Did they miss anything? If so, post your comments below, or tweet them at #HubMoveIn.

Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail

First, know where you’re going. Planning your route in advance, from door to door, will eliminate delays as you maneuver through traffic and around other road obstacles. Also, make sure you bring a co-pilot. A co-pilot is a must when trying to navigate through narrow streets and for spotting that ideal place to park. Do not leave any property or items unattended and lock your vehicle. Lock your room, too, as you move back and forth. Remember that you are moving into a community, not just an apartment. So, whether you are moving into a student residence or an off-campus apartment, please respect your new neighbors. Finally, ask for help. There are plenty of resources to assist you in assimilating into your new environment, don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of them.

Tom Robbins @BUPolice

Chief of Police, Boston University

Stay positive. It might work.

Always remember to measure the door frame before you move. Last summer I acquired a set of beautiful couches and it did not even cross my mind that they might not fit through the doorway of my East Boston apartment. Well, they did, but only after an hour of torturous heavy lifting. My Dad vowed to never move the couches again. Much to his dismay, this year we moved them 1.7 miles down the road to my new apartment, where we again struggled to get them through the doorway. The scene resembled an episode of Family Guy – my Dad and brother trying to twist and turn the couches and my Mom overseeing with a worried face. I assured Dad the couches would fit. Lo and behold, they did. He says it was my positivity that got them through the door, but I’d credit his heavy lifting and huge heart.

Melissa Hanson, @Melissa_Hanson

Suffolk University junior, Globe co-op

Embrace the opportunity

There are a couple of dates that carry plenty of weight here in Boston, but not one is as notorious as September 1. Over the Labor Day weekend, Boston residents – primarily students – move into new apartments or dorm rooms. It’s traditionally a hot, emotionally traumatic day marked by loud fights between parents and children, painfully narrow staircases and plenty of abandoned couches haunting the streets of Allston.

But the news is not all bad. To help ease the pain, our drivers will be distributing care packages of Hint Water, UNREAL Candy, Hailo promo codes and other surprises at college campuses and neighborhoods across Boston and Cambridge, including Northeastern, Boston University, MIT, Harvard, Allston and Mission Hill on Saturday, August 31 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

From the website for Hailo Cab @hailoboston

Sweat the details

Your Sept. 1 Move Approaches: Wear plenty of deodorant http://t.co/QK4wLTl5UD via @BostInno pic.twitter.com/Y5Ugzdsk3z

— Jonathan Levitt (@JWLevitt) August 22, 2013

Celebrate and enjoy

King size mattress or worlds best trampoline? Goodbye bed! #AllstonChristmas #moving @ cuddle castle http://t.co/pYUR3zWJOH

— Michelle Weiser (@riotcurrrl) August 29, 2013

Spread the holiday cheer

So for those with no move or dumpster-diving plan,

Retreat from here soon, while you still can.

But for those preparing to partake in this local rite,

"Merry Allston Christmas to all, and to all a good-plight!"

from "Twas Days Before Allston Christmas"

Matt Rocheleau, @mrochele

Boston.com Town Correspondent

Crowdsourced solutions?

How about providing an approved way for people to throw out garbage when they move, instead of complaining about it? Given that this happens EVERY YEAR, you'd think the city would come up with a better solution than "Hey, don't throw stuff out this week!" - thisisdumb09

Try posting free stuff on Craig's coordinating out coordinating free stuff for shelters, transitional services, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc. What a waste, literally. - Bostongranny

- from the Boston.com comments beneath the poem

Keep this in mind

(City of Boston)