As college students return to Boston for the new school year, the city’s Allston neighborhood transforms into a scene dubbed “Rat City” for its abundance of free used furniture left on the sidewalks during the annual event known as Allston Christmas. The tradition sees residents moving apartments and discarding unwanted items, leading to streets filled with mattresses, box springs, and various other objects waiting to be picked up.
Photos captured by Libby O’Neill of the Boston Herald show the chaotic yet festive atmosphere of people navigating through the piles of furniture, with students from Boston University and Northeastern University making the most of the opportunity to furnish their new living spaces. The images depict students unloading U-Hauls, carrying mattresses, and transporting assorted items down the streets of Allston.
For many, Allston Christmas is a chance to score free furniture and household items, as well as a quirky Boston tradition that marks the start of the city’s busy moving season. While some may find the sight of discarded items unsightly, residents and students alike embrace the event as part of the unique charm of living in the vibrant neighborhood.
As the sidewalks of Allston become temporary treasure troves of second-hand goods, the spirit of giving and reusing is alive and well during this time of year. Whether it’s a new bookshelf, a set of chairs, or a coffee table, there’s no telling what unexpected find one might come across during the annual ritual of Allston Christmas.
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Photo credit www.bostonherald.com