It’s finally time. You’ve made the decision to move to Baltimore, and now the hard part begins – actually doing it. First, close your eyes, then take a deep breath. You got this. No matter what happens, you’re going to make Charm City your home, whether sooner or later. Now packing can be a daunting task, especially if you have a lot of stuff. And then there’s the moving itself – getting all of your belongings from point A to point B, settling down and all. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With these five secret tips, you can transition easier and faster!
1. Create a Checklist and Budget
Most people just dive straight into packing without really thinking about what they need to do. Moving is not like going on a vacation where you can go with just your clothes and wallet. You have to consider that you are bringing entire rooms of furniture, appliances, and other items with you, so it’s best if you make a checklist first before anything else.
That being said, grab a small notebook and list everything that needs to be done, starting from packing all your things, moving schedules, getting rid of unnecessary clutter, and more. Once everything is sorted out, start creating an estimated budget for your inventory, accounting for possible issues or delays during the moving day itself. If there’s any room left in the budget, then consider buying some snacks, water, or lunch for everyone involved in helping you move.
2. Downsize
Pro tip: you don’t need to move your entire household inventory. Doing so will only slow you down and add to your moving costs. Knowing this, downsize as much as possible before the move. Evaluate your belongings and get rid of what you don’t need or use anymore.
Start by sorting your belongings into groups. Choose the necessities and objects that you’ll be bringing along. Next, get rid of extra clothes, old furniture, broken appliances, duplicate utensils, toys, decorations, and anything else you don’t need.
You can sell your unwanted items online or schedule a garage sale to earn some money from them. This will help cover some of your expenses. If you have any broken objects that are still usable, donate them to charity shops in the area so that someone else will benefit from them.
3. Hire a Moving Company
It’s no secret that moving companies are the go-to solution for busy or inexperienced homeowners. The reason is simple — a lot of people realize that hiring professionals can save so much time, effort, and nerves.
Movers provide their clients with various services, including packing, loading/unloading trucks, unpacking, and even cleaning up the new place when they’re done! They will move heavy furniture as well as fragile items such as glassware or china. All you need to do is give instructions on where everything should be placed inside your home.
In addition, movers also provide security since you don’t have to lift heavy objects, plus insurance covers the cost in case something breaks. But despite all these advantages, some people are still hesitant to hire movers because they think it’s expensive. This is not always the case, though. With the right research, you can find no shortage of affordable Baltimore moving companies out there that will provide you with outstanding service without breaking your bank.
4. Pack a Box Filled with Essentials Only
With a mountain of boxes lying around during moving day, getting hold of important necessities can be confusing when you first arrive at your new home. Of course, you don’t want to be rushing to the grocer just to get a set of toilet paper, right? That’s why it’s crucial to pack a box filled with essentials only. Items such as toilet paper, towels, dining utensils, meds, and hand soap might be the things you’ll need first when you arrive at your new home, so make sure that these items are well-packed in just one box, which will be easy for you to find later on during moving day. Don’t forget to label this box specifically that helps you easily recognize its content and purpose.
5. Crab the Love!
Crabs are the state animals of Baltimore. Anywhere you go, expect to see these little critters. The best way to enjoy them is to buy a bushel and eat them at home with your friends and family. There are plenty of recipes online, or you can ask a local for their favorite way to cook crabs.
But of course, you can always find restaurants (especially in the Inner Harbor) brimming with spicy and delicious crab cuisines in their fun-filled menus. Time for you to start learning crab picking techniques!
If you’re not into seafood, no worries! Baltimore has something for everyone. From steakhouses to pizza places, there’s sure to be a cuisine that piques your interest. Just make sure you do some research before moving, so you have an idea of the restaurants in the area that fit your taste buds.
Wrapping Up
Moving is a big undertaking that can be stressful and overwhelming. However, you can make the process smoother and less chaotic by knowing these tips. Welcome to Baltimore!
