Relocating can be a daunting undertaking. Use the “7P’s Rule” to keep everything in perspective and it will make for a smooth transition. The Rule states, “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pointless Poor Performance”.  As a universal rule that applies to many different types of tasks, it certainly can be applied to relocating to a new home.

You will find the following information to be thought provoking and helpful as you plan your commonsense approach to relocating and moving to Maryland.

Relocating from outside the United States to Maryland: International Relocation to Maryland from another country poses some unique challenges that are outlined below. Skip this section if your relocation is within the United States.  Otherwise, consider the following:

• Should We Rent or Buy?
• What are the tax consequences specific to us?
• Who do we consult with about taxes?
• What are the legal considerations about owning property in the U.S?
• Do we need to consult an attorney?
• Which local attorney handles these matters?
• What would be the cost of legal advice?
• What about the cost of living in the U.S?
• Should we ship your household goods or sell them and purchase new in the U.S?
• What is the cost of purchasing a used automobile?
• What are the costs associated with operating a vehicle in the U.S?
• How does a grocery list from your home country, translated from kilos to pounds for example, compare in price and factoring in exchange rates?
• What do appliances cost in U.S. dollars?
• Will my family be happy in this community?
• Look at schools within the community to see how the children would fit in with existing curriculum and school environment.
• Visit schools and talk with faculty and administrators.
• What about timing your move?  Do you need a short term rental?  Should you send your family ahead or will you precede them and they will follow?
• How long will it take to process your work Visa and how will your relocation schedule would fit with that timetable.
• Money Exchange. Current money exchange information is available at this website.
  

Relocating from within the Continental United States to Maryland and before you leave your State, consider the following:

Address Change

• Post Office: Give the Post Office Your Forwarding Address
• Send a change of address to your Charge Accounts and Credit Cards
• Subscription: Don't forget to provide forwarding information to for any subscription you want to continue receiving. This often requires several weeks notice in advance of your move.

Bank

• Transfer funds and arrange check-cashing in your new city.
• Arrange for credit references from your place of origin. Your mortgage company of choice will need the names, addresses and account information.

Insurance

• Notify your insurers of your new location so they can take the necessary steps to adjust your coverages: Life, Health, Fire & Auto

Utility Companies

• Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage. Check this link: Local Utility Companies, for the utility companies in the Maryland area.
• Refunds on any deposits. You may be owed some refunds on your existing utility accounts, possibly with interest. Check it out.

Delivery Companies

• Stop deliveries. Arrange to stop the pick-up and/or delivery for laundry, newspaper, change over or termination of services.

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

• Ask your doctor or dentist for referrals; transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays.  Obtain copies of your birth records, medical records, etc.

Pets

• Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, quarantine, etc.

And Don't Forget to ....

• Empty freezer; plan use of foods
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to dispel odors.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Remember arrangements for TV and antenna. Don't forget to return your cable TV box and get your deposit back.
• Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped
• Check with your moving counselor; insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
• Plan for special care needs of infants and pets.
  

Compare the cost of living, estimated in U.S. currency, between U.S. geographic locations. Visit this website for a cost of living comparison program.

Your Moving Timeframe - From 6 Weeks to Move-in Day.

• Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in the new city.
• Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or use U.S. registered mail.
• Plan for transportation of pets; they can be poor traveling companions if unhappy.
• Let close friends or relatives know your route and schedule that you will travel including overnight stops; use them as message headquarters.
• Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty.
• Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or owner.

Engage a Regionally Capable Relocation Real Estate Agent and Look for These Services.

• Relocation Package – Supply you with moving information.
• Area/Local Orientation Tour - Becoming familiar with communities of interest and locate the following:

• Provide referrals for any language training or interpretation services.
• Provide assistance with registering with home country embassy. (if relocating internationally).
• Provide Referrals for local boarding facilities for pets or quarantine information if applicable.
• Provide information on obtaining a driver’s license. Contact the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
• Provide you with information on public transportation systems.
• Provide information on purchasing or leasing a home.
• Your Real Estate Answer Team real estate agent will also assist you with the following:

  Provide you with FREE internet access to the real estate agent’s multiple list system (MLS). This will give you access to all the available Homes for Sale in your geographic area of interest. Accompany you and your family on a tour of homes that interest you. Conduct negotiations for the purchase/lease of a home. Coordinate closing procedures. Assist with utility hook-ups, other move-in related matters. Assist with any school identification, registration, interview and enrollment administration matters. Remain available to you for advice and friendly support throughout your “settling-in” period.

Renting a Home: Single family homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes and rooms for rent are available in Maryland.  There is significant demand for rentals and when rentals come on the market they are soon rented.  If you need to rent a home, contact your "The Answer Team Real Estate Network" real estate agent for current listings of homes for rent and their guidance on the rates and fees applicable in their area.

Although The Answer Team Real Estate Network real estate agent is your best source for local information on available homes for rent and the rental market, they are also your best source of information on all aspects of Maryland residential real estate. To this end, contact the agent below, meet the agent and discuss the ramifications of renting vs. buying in the geographic area that interests you.

• Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water, and garbage.  Local Utility Information.
• Ask the U.S. Postal letter carrier for mail he/she may be holding for your arrival.
• Have new address recorded on driver's license.  Motor Vehicle Administration.
• Visit city offices and register for voting
• Register car shortly after establishing your residence.  Motor Vehicle Administration.
• Obtain car inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership.
• Apply for new state driver's license.
• Register family in your new place of worship.
• Register children in school.
• Arrange for medical services; Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, etc.

• Relax, now all you have to do is unpack and settle in to your new home.
• Become familiar with the surrounding area. Visit the Information Center to research and review information on relocation, real estate related topics and several thousand website links of interest.

Congratulations, you are done. You have successfully relocated your family and you can now rest (until the next time…).