So you’re moving to Baltimore. Congratulations on your upcoming adventure.Whether you’re heading there for school, work, family, or just because you felt a sudden, powerful urge to live near water while eating unreasonable amounts of Old Bay, you’re about to land in a city packed with character, culture, and a surprisingly friendly amount of seagulls.
Maybe you’ve already scoped out places to live, something like a studio apartment Baltimore with extended-stay conveniences, or a row home in a historic neighborhood, and now you’re just figuring out the rest. Moving anywhere can feel a bit chaotic, but moving to a new city is a full blown life event. Luckily, with just a slight bit of prep you can make the transition smooth.Here’s your checklist, the unofficial guide to what to do before your big Baltimore move.
Get a feel for the neighborhoods before you commit.
Baltimore is packed with micro neighborhoods and every pocket has its own identity, vibe, and favorite coffee shop. You need to take some time to understand what area matches your personality before you pack your boxes.People who love the waterfront views and bustle of restaurants love Fells Point. But if you want something more artsy and indie, Hampden, maybe you’re calling.
For a blend of architecture and walkability, Mount Vernon hits the sweet spot. And if you want those modern buildings in close proximity to the water, Harbor East or Canton can speak to your soul. Even if you can’t visit in person before you move, hopping on Google Street View or YouTube neighborhood tours to preview the scenery will help. Of course, it’s never going to be the same as walking the streets yourself, but it gives you enough to know that you’ve got the right feeling.
Budget like a grown up, even if you don’t feel like one.
Before you move, sit down and map out your monthly expenses. Baltimore is not the most expensive city, but costs can and do add up if you underestimate things. Rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, parking if you have a car, and your inevitable crab eating habit will get in the way.
Baltimore has different options for different budgets, and knowing your financial boundaries early can help you to avoid surprises. Arm yourself with a spreadsheet, a calculator, and a comforting snack while you face the numbers like the responsible adult you definitely are.
Research your transportation because it matters more than you think.
One of the biggest questions that people forget to ask is how will you get around once you’re settled? Baltimore is walkable in many areas, especially near the harbor. The Charm City Circulator is free and genuinely useful. The light rail hits many of the major areas and there are scooters and bikes everywhere.
There are some neighborhoods in Baltimore that are easier to drive in than others, so before you move, consider realistically about how you’ll get yourself place to place. If you have a car, look into neighborhood parking because some areas make it easy while others, well, you might have to develop some strong parallel parking skills.
Downsize before you move.
The universal truth of moving is that you own more stuff than you think you do, and once you start packing, it will multiply. Before you take all of it with you to your new Baltimore home, consider decluttering.
Toss out the cables you’ve been saving, just in case for the past six years, and donate the clothes that you forgot you owned. Recycle your old papers, clear out what you don’t need, and make unpacking at your new place much less painful. Plus, Baltimore apartments, especially the cute historic ones, aren’t always big, so a space optimization is your new best friend.
Handle all the adult logistics ahead of time.
You know what’s not fun? Moving into a new city and realizing you forgot to transfer your mail or set up utilities.
Before your move, it’s important to knock out the basics, like setting up your electricity, water and Internet connections. Update your address with the post office, bank subscriptions and employers, and check if you need a new parking permit.
Get your movers scheduled and rent your truck. Yeah, this is all the boring stuff, but future you will be grateful when you’re not living in a Wi-Fi less purgatory.
Look up the local food scene.
This is super important because here’s the thing about Baltimore, people take food seriously. You’re moving to a place where crab cakes are practically a personality trait. Once you start exploring, you’ll find a food culture that stretches way beyond seafood.
Before your move, make a must try list of restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafes. Pick at the menus, check out the reviews and maybe follow some local spots on social media. You will land in Baltimore already excited to taste your surroundings. But whatever you do, do not look up Baltimore Blue Crabs or Baltimore pit beef on an empty stomach.
Get ready for the weather.
Baltimore experiences all Four Seasons with enthusiasm. Summers are warm and humid enough to turn out any outdoor activity into a light cardio workout. Winters can be chilly and occasionally snowy, but spring and fall are absolute perfection.
Packing clothes for real weather changes is important, and investing in a sturdy winter coat, sunscreen for the summer and shoes that can handle the cobblestones and the puddles is important. Baltimore keeps things interesting, and you’re about to find out.
Plan some adventures for your first week.
Baltimore is a city with personality, so before you move, sketch out a few things you want to do during your first week in the city. It doesn’t need to be a detailed itinerary, but you just need to have a handful of easy, fun outings to get your bearings. Explore the parks, find your best coffee shop, go to the National Aquarium if you’re feeling touristy, and plan out some little adventures to help you feel settled in and connected.