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Moving has been called one of the most stressful events a person can experience in their lifetime. Relocating across town is difficult, but if you are making the 170-mile journey from Baltimore to New York City, your stress can drastically increase. Proper planning will significantly reduce that anxiety. Read on for tips to make your move run as smoothly as possible.
Set a budget.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is estimate the cost. The price of moving can vary depending on if you choose to move by yourself or hire a professional Baltimore mover. Websites like move.org have calculators to help find the right option for you.
Downsize your home.
A significant difference between living in NYC versus Baltimore is the size of living space. Your new home may be much smaller than your current home. Reducing your load will go a long way in reducing your stress and the relocation price tag. Start sifting through your belongings and choosing what you’ll keep and what gets tossed. You may also want to re-home items like plants or large furniture.
Update your records.
Review the New York DMV’s website to find out how to get your new license. You also need to contact institutions to make them aware of your move. These include your bank, doctor’s office, and the insurance company. You can also go online to USPS.com to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
Set up utilities.
Contact utility companies to have utilities disconnected when you leave Baltimore and set up when you arrive in New York. Keep in mind that you’ll still need the services on the day of your move, so plan to have them disconnected after you are out of the home.
Prepare your pets.
Moving is very stressful for animals. Make a plan to keep them safe and healthy while relocating. Having tags or getting them micro-chipped is one way to ensure that if they get lost, someone can contact you. Just make sure your contact information is updated. Talk with your vet for advice to keep your pet anxiety free. The Animal Humane Society has excellent tips on preparing your animals for a move.
Pack efficiently.
Look online to find checklists for packing supplies and start gathering them early. Create a floor plan of your new home to determine where things will go. When planning how to pack, approach it as you would a long flight – what gets checked (packed away) and what goes in your carry-on (medications, toiletries, chargers, etc.)
The Move
On moving day, remember to keep toilet paper, soap, all-purpose cleaner available. Plan for tolls and bathroom breaks during the three-hour trip. Once you arrive and your boxes are in place, make the bed. Even if you don’t fully unpack, you’ll have a place to rest.
Moving may be stressful, but with proper planning, you can turn it into an exciting journey!