Moving in Washington, DC, comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to finding parking for your moving truck. With the city’s busy streets, securing a spot in front of your building is crucial to avoid delays and additional complications. While reserving a parking space in advance through the Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP) system is a great start, you should be aware of some nuances that can impact the process.

Why You Need a Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP)

Washington, DC requires a Temporary Occupancy Permit to reserve street parking for a moving truck. This is important to avoid parking fines, penalties, and to ensure that you have a clear spot for your move. However, as many DC residents know, securing enforcement for these permits can be a bit hit or miss.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reserving Parking for Your Move

1. Create an Account on the DDOT Online Permitting System

To get started, create an account with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) on the TOPS portal. If you’re new to the system, you’ll need to fill out your personal information and confirm your contact details.

2. Apply for the Permit

Once you’re logged in, you can apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit:

  • Choose “Parking/Occupancy Permit” and select “Moving Truck” as the permit type.
  • Enter your moving address and the dates and times for your move.
  • Pay the associated permit fee of about $55 per space (plus additional fees for metered areas).

3. Reserve the Parking Spot

Once the permit is issued, you’ll need to post “No Parking” signs at the location where you intend to park. These signs need to be posted at least 72 hours in advance in non-metered areas, or 24 hours in metered areas. This helps clear the area for your truck and avoids fines for parking in restricted zones.

4. Know the Fees

The $55 permit generally reserves up to 88 feet of parking space, which should be enough for a small moving truck.

However, if you’re using a larger truck (like a 26-foot U-Haul), you may need to reserve additional space. Keep in mind that metered spots may incur additional charges.

5. Be Prepared for Enforcement Issues

While the process seems straightforward, enforcement can be tricky. Based on Reddit feedback from locals, it seems like the city’s ability to enforce these permits is spotty at best.

Some users report that they had no issues with their reserved spots, while others noted that cars were parked in their designated areas despite having signs posted.

One user even mentioned that they had to get a car towed, but the process took hours and involved a lot of back-and-forth with parking enforcement.

Tips from Locals to Ensure a Smooth Move

  1. Post the Signs Early: Make sure the “No Parking” signs are posted at least 72 hours before your move to increase the likelihood of enforcement. This also gives your neighbors and other drivers ample notice.
  2. Use Cones or Friends’ Cars: If you want to be extra cautious, some movers recommend using cones or parking friends’ cars in the reserved spots before your moving truck arrives. This is an easy way to ensure you won’t lose the space to someone who didn’t notice the signs.
  3. Call for Enforcement: If a car parks in your reserved spot, you can call parking enforcement to have it ticketed or towed. Just be aware that this may take a couple of hours to process, so plan accordingly.
  4. Weekends Might Be Easier: According to Redditors, parking enforcement is less stringent on weekends. If your move falls on a weekend, you may have more luck with finding a spot, especially in residential neighborhoods.
  5. Look for Street Sweeping: Another tip from locals is to time your move around street sweeping schedules. After the street has been cleaned, parking spots often open up, making it easier to park without issues.

Reserving street parking for a move in Washington, DC, is a useful step to ensure a smooth moving day, but be prepared for some unpredictability. While the Temporary Occupancy Permit system is in place to reserve spaces, it’s not always fully enforceable.

Many DC residents have had to improvise by using cones or asking friends to park in the spot to prevent others from claiming it.

At Next Generation Movers, we understand that moving can be stressful, and parking should be the least of your worries. We’re here to help you plan your move in the most efficient way possible—whether it’s securing a permit, providing tips, or simply making your moving day easier.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make your move in DC seamless and hassle-free!