How to handle moving to Maryland from another state?
Even thinking about an interstate move can tug on your nerves. There are simply too many things to ponder about, including your everyday duties, that it’s most likely you’ll forget something important. And then you’ll get quite annoyed. Whether you’re moving to Maryland from a neighboring country or from far away, the principle stays the same: make a checklist, follow a checklist. It assures as stress-free relocation as it is possible. Thanks to good people out there who write how-to posts you’ll find quality tips to get you through moving to Maryland from another state.
Here it comes… a checklist.
Hopefully, you will have plenty of time to plan your relocation to Maryland. Last-minute interstate relocation is not unheard of but it is usually job-related and companies normally handle everything on behalf of their employees. However, if you’re relocating because you love Maryland or can’t wait to have fun in Baltimore, start your preparations on time. You should need around two months to take care of the essential things, slow-tempo. Here’s what they include:
- Setting a moving budget
- Deciding how to relocate
- Preparing for packing
- Packing
- Updating your information
There are some things you might not know if you’re moving to Maryland from another state. The best time of the year to move is spring or fall. Summers in Maryland can be hot and humid and winters icy with snow, either way making long-distance move torture. Some buildings may restrict moving in for certain days so check that in advance. Also, if you’re moving into an apartment building, ask if there’s a freight elevator and if you can reserve it. Maybe there’s a special delivery area behind your building you should arrange access to.
It would be advisable to visit and survey your new neighborhood at least once before the move.
Moving to Maryland budget and modes of transport
Setting a moving budget is not at all moving, although it might make you weep. Calculate your spending limit and then see which mode of relocation fits in. You have a few options; you can either
- hire a professional moving company,
- rent a moving truck and drive yourself, or
- rent a shipping container
There are financial advantages to DIY relocation for short distances, but remember that moving to Maryland is an interstate move. There are many hidden costs, too, including lodging and road tolls. You might want to entrust your belongings to experienced moving professionals in Arundel County instead, and take your mind off moving. Every reputable company will give a shipping cost estimate. Ask for a few moving quotes from different movers to compare and choose the best deal. If you opt for a shipping container, make sure there is a driveway at your new home. Otherwise, movers will take the container to their storage facility and you won’t be able to access your things while in storage.
Remember to purchase moving insurance for your belongings.
Packing & moving to Maryland
Downsizing
To save as much money as you can, declutter before moving because shipping costs also depend on the weight. Everything you can’t sell or donate, throw away. You may not earn much by selling your excess belongings, but it may be sufficient to tip the movers for a job well done. Also, consider leaving old furniture behind. It may be cost-effective to buy a modern sofa after moving to Maryland than paying to transport the heavy, outdated one. Make an inventory of the things you’re eventually taking with you and get ready for packing.
Packing
The most important advice to follow regarding packing, aside from starting on time, is to pack the non-essentials first, like books, Christmas decorations, and out-of-season apparel. Normally, the things you need until the day of the relocation are those you will need right after you arrive. However, you should keep your documents and valuables with you at all times. Packing yourself will cost less than letting movers do it, but it doesn’t mean you should economize with packing materials. Good quality wrapping, packing supplies and proper-sized boxes will save you money on fixing (or buying) furniture and accessories damaged in transport.
It may happen that after moving to Maryland you can’t get into your new home just yet. In case of an unexpected delay, Allstate Moving and Storage Maryland can keep your packed belongings in their storage facility. Unlike the situation with shipping containers, storage facilities normally provide 24/7 access.
If you have household plants, give them away as they likely won’t survive a long trip in the dark.
Updating information
…before moving to Maryland
One extremely important thing you need to handle before you move is to contact your utility companies and update your information. There are certainly some memberships and subscriptions you can’t transfer to another country. You should call or write a cancellation letter to the respective companies. Assuming that you already have a new address in Maryland, register it with USPS.
Once you get a precise arrival date, schedule and transfer your utilities at least 1 week before moving in.
…and after the move
Bear in mind that legal domicile should be established as soon as you move. You’ll need to do this for tax purposes if you’re making Maryland your main place of residence. Speaking of tax, you may have to file two separate tax returns because you’re moving out of state. Unless you are moving to Maryland from Washington, Texas or Nevada – states that don’t collect individual income taxes. Furthermore, you’ll need to renew your driver’s license and registration in the local DMV. Don’t forget your voter registration, too.
Don’t forget to contact your bank and empty any deposit boxes.
Merry moving to Maryland
Moving to Maryland and especially to the D.C. metropolitan area has a lot of benefits. Whether you’re a college graduate, job-seeker or professional moving with a family, the quality of jobs, schools, and neighborhoods will make the moving worth money and effort. And if that is not enough, Maryland is rich in culture, history… and fresh blue crabs.