Maryland is a great choice if you’re nervous about leaving New York behind. Not only is it close enough to the Big Apple for an occasional visit, but it also has beaches, mountains, forests, and cities that are all within a few hours’ drive.
Whether you’re looking for another big city or you’re more interested in exploring small-town life, you can find a place to call home in this diverse state.
This state is nicknamed Little America because it has five unique regions, offering a little something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for in a new home.
Maryland was ranked as the 6th best state to live in due to its booming economy and top-rated healthcare. It’s a densely populated state with a growth rate of 7% in the last decade.
So, how do you make the move to Maryland from New York?
This guide will walk you through the moving process and discuss everything you’ll need to know.
Let’s jump in!
NY to Maryland: Average Moving Costs
Relocation costs are affected by a variety of factors, including the amount and size of your belongings, the distance you need to travel, and more.
Maryland isn’t terribly far from New York, but your travel distance can increase if you’re coming from the Upstate and end up relocating to the bottom half of the state. For example, it’s only around 190 miles from NYC to Baltimore, but you’ll almost double that to about 360 miles if you’re moving from Syracuse to Annapolis. This change will result in a different cost estimate.
If you’re willing to do some of the work yourself, you can rent a self-service moving truck. This is your cheapest option and will run you between $350 to $1,000, depending on the size of the truck you need. As you might expect, relocating a single-bedroom apartment with a small truck will cost less than the rental you’d need for a three-bedroom home.
Of course, these estimates won’t include fuel costs or any extra costs associated with packing your belongings, loading and unloading the truck, and driving yourself from one state to the other. The time and physical effort this takes will exact its own toll.
The alternative is to pay someone to take care of everything for you. A full-service, FMCSA-registered moving company will pack, load, ship, and unpack your belongings, all for a flat fee. On average, you can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500. New Yorkers with a fully furnished house can expect to pay upwards of $5,000 for a full relocation.
You’ll ultimately need to decide how much your time and labor are worth and set your budget accordingly. Fortunately, even if you don’t want to spend the money for a full-service move, you can still use some moving services while keeping your costs low.
Lowering Costs
Even if your budget allows for a full-service move, there are plenty of ways to drive costs down. Let’s take a look at some things you can do to stay out of the red during your relocation.
Price Matching
Even though most companies may not advertise it, many movers will price match with competitors.
When you request free quotes from several affordable movers in your area, you can leverage them to lower your costs. Just make sure that each quote follows the same basic guidelines so that you’re comparing apples to apples.
Unfortunately, most professional movers will require a more accurate estimate than what you’d receive through an online form or a quote by phone. You’ll need to provide an itemized list of your furniture and goods or have the company visit your home to take inventory.
While COVID-19 has complicated the quoting process, but many moving companies have adapted to this new reality. Your Hometown Mover and other companies now use Live Video Estimates, with a live operator guiding you through the inventory process.
It’s worth your time to gather valid estimates if it means you can drive down your moving costs and save some money.
Moving Labor & Packaging Services
If you’re willing to handle driving a rental truck, you can cut down your costs and still hire professional movers to help with parts of the move.
The logistics that take place behind the scenes for long-distance moves are one of the reasons that relocation costs are so high. Interstate movers have to account for a driver, a truck to haul your belongings, and more.
Cutting out this process can reduce your relocation costs significantly, allowing you to choose which services you can afford that will help you the most.
You can search for moving companies that hire out hourly or daily movers. Most professionals offer this type of labor service to help you pack and load your goods.
Keep in mind that you may have to handle certain aspects of the move that aren’t included in this agreement. There are some items that movers may not load, including items of extreme value, so you’ll need to understand these exceptions before you hire out.
If you use moving labor, this will be a two-part process since your movers in New York won’t accompany you on your journey south. Don’t forget to hire some assistance from local Maryland movers to assist with the unloading process at your final destination.
Overall, moving labor is great if you’re aiming to stick to a tight budget and you’re willing to make the drive on your own terms. Plus, labor services may be a lifesaver for New Yorkers moving out of Brooklyn or Manhattan, where you’ll likely be moving furniture down multiple flights of stairs or down a freight elevator during a specific reservation period.
Your Hometown Mover offers compartmental services to help you get started. Explore our packing services and moving labor options to learn more.
Financing Options
Occasionally, you might be able to find financing options to help you cover the cost of a full-service move. With these “move now, pay later” options, you’ll pay back the cost of your move, plus a small amount of interest, over a set term.
Unfortunately, financing options are rare and have become even more scarce due to COVID-19.
Transit Times
Even though it’s only 150 to 400 miles between New York and Maryland, depending on your starting and ending cities, you’ll be waiting more than a day or two for your delivery.
Interstate moves require extra resources and labor, so most moving companies will estimate 7 to 14 business days between pickup and delivery.
This delay is due to the fact that many traditional moving services don’t take a direct route from one house to the next. Your belongings will be moved to a warehouse and combined with other shipments heading to the same destination. This helps the company to pool its resources and save on costs.
While that’s a very effective (and profitable) method for moving companies, it will result in longer lead times for your delivery because your good may need to travel to a consolidation center in New Jersey or Pennsylvania before making their way to your final destination.
What About Expedited Delivery?
You may want to ask your provider about expedited delivery options if waiting a week or two to receive your belongings is out of the question.
Moving companies who offer these services can usually get your goods to you in one to three business days. This is possible because these professionals will avoid warehouse consolidation altogether and just drive your belongings straight from New York to Delaware.
These types of services come at a premium price, adding thousands to your relocation costs. If you need to move fast, expedited delivery may be worth it.
But before you start dialing phone numbers in search of the perfect expedited mover, keep in mind that this may only save you a day or two on your estimated delivery date. You should double-check the moving dates for each type of service with your shipper before signing any agreements.
Expedited delivery options are the best choice if you need to move fast. You’ll shorten the length of your move and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of items getting lost or mixed up during the warehouse process.
Shipment Tracking
The main difference between a local move and a long-distance move is the amount of time your goods are in transit.
Local moves make it easy to keep an eye on your possessions. You can even follow the truck while it’s en route to your new home if you don’t want to let your goods out of your sight.
On the other hand, interstate moves require your belongings to travel hundreds of miles. It’s unlikely that you’ll be taking the same route or means of transportation to your destination, making it impossible to know exactly where your goods are at all times.
It can be incredibly frustrating to lack a clear idea of where your possessions are and when they’re due to arrive. It also makes it impossible to properly plan for their delivery.
Your Hometown Mover features live GPS tracking information with every long-distance move to help this problem. Our moving software will keep you up to date on the exact location of your items through automated texts. You’ll know exactly when to expect your delivery, so you can plan ahead.
Not all moving companies offer this option, but you can always ask if they have another way to keep you updated on the location and expected delivery of your goods.
Insurance
Insurance options for a move are often overlooked, but are actually very important, especially when you’re planning an interstate move.
Most carriers will do what they can to protect your items and create a stress-free moving experience. However, keep in mind that accidents will happen, and they come with a cost.
Having an understanding of how moving insurance works and how professional movers value your items can make a huge difference in the type of protection you have when something goes wrong.
Basic Liability Insurance
Many moving companies offer basic liability coverage with their standard moving package.
Unfortunately, while this might seem acceptable, you’re likely putting your shipment value at risk. Basic liability insurance rates are based on the item’s weight, not its actual (perceived) value.
Let’s look at an example. During transit, imagine that a valuable piece of artwork or precious jewelry is lost or damaged. With basic liability insurance, you’ll only receive a fraction of its actual value when filing a claim because the payout is based on item weight at roughly $.60 per pound.
To insure your goods at the appropriate value, you’ll need premium insurance.
Premium Move Coverage
If you need full-value protection, you’ll have to acquire premium insurance. With this type of coverage, the rate is based on the item’s value instead of its weight.
To secure premium insurance, you’ll need to provide your moving company with the estimated value of your items. The price of your insurance will be based on the total value you’ve provided.
Most premium insurance options include a deductible that you’ll have to pay before you receive your payout. However, you’ll be able to claim the full value, minus deductibles, of your items if something gets damaged or lost during transit.
If the value of many of your items is more than their weight, such as antiques or jewelry, premium insurance is your best coverage option.
Careful consideration should be given to high-value items like oil paintings and antiques when packing for your move. Your Hometown Mover offers custom crating and packing solutions to ensure that your valuables arrive safe and sound.
Moving Vehicles & Boats
While Maryland does have a Metro public transportation system, it’s not as extensive as the NYC subway system. If you want to get anywhere, you’re going to need a car.
Moving your vehicle to Maryland can be complicated. Driving or attaching it to a rig on the back of your rental truck are options. However, if you’re not comfortable with long-distance drives or larger vehicles, neither of these choices is optimal. This also won’t work if you own a boat or multiple vehicles.
Your professional moving company can help. While they may not have the specialized equipment required to handle this themselves, they can contract out with an auto-transporter or rigger for you.
Unfortunately, this means that your vehicle won’t follow the same delivery schedule as the rest of your items when you move. Expect it to be excluded, cost more, or take longer if you’ve agreed to expedited shipping for your other belongings.
Your Hometown Mover also outsources this work, but our team will help you set everything up for an easy transition.
Maryland Relocation Resources
Maryland is a beautiful coastal state with plenty to offer for both singles and families. It has one of the lowest poverty rates in the nation and offers plenty of resources for residents.
It’s a densely populated state, with Baltimore acting as the only major city. Let’s take a closer look at this bustling city and explore Annapolis, the state’s capital, as well.
Baltimore
Cost of Living: 45.8% cheaper than NYC / 8.6% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 65
Transportation: Metro Rail, Bus, Subway, Bus, Water Taxi, Car, Bike
Known for: Marine history, crab cakes, Babe Ruth
Baltimore is a great location to live, especially if you want to be close to multiple big cities. It’s only thirty minutes from Washington, D.C., an hour to Philadelphia, and two hours to New York City.
The Inner Harbor is the perfect place to spend your days. You’ll love the waterfront views, and you can enjoy crab cakes at the many delicious seafood restaurants in the area. There are also plenty of interesting museums to visit, including a floating museum where you can see some of the historic ships in Baltimore.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check out Mount Vernon Place and see the Washington Monument. Inside the gallery, you’ll find interactive exhibits and take a virtual tour of the inside and outside of the monument. And, you can take the 227 steps up the Stair Tower to a lookout area with magnificent views.
You can also head on over to the Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine. It was here that the Battle of Baltimore took place. The valiant defense of this fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
In downtown Baltimore, you’ll find the Lexington Market, which is the world’s largest indoor market. It was founded in 1782, making it one of the oldest indoor markets still in operation. Here you’ll find any kind of food your heart desires, with over forty different food vendors.
Another interesting place to visit is the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. You can learn all about Poe’s history in the city, experience a sampling of his writings, and even explore some of the special places around Baltimore the author frequented.
Sports fans will love seeing the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum, where you can learn all about the famous baseball player and see some of his memorabilia. Or visit the Oriole Park at Camden Yards and check out a game.
If you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, Baltimore may be the perfect place to call home. It has fairly hot and humid summers and is partly cloudy throughout the year. Winters are cold and snowy, with average highs in the 40s. As a coastal city, hurricanes and tropical storms can be an issue. Flooding and extreme snowstorms are also possibilities. If you choose to move here, make sure you’re prepared for these types of hazards.
Resources
- City of Baltimore
- Things to Do in Baltimore
Annapolis
Cost of Living: 27.5% cheaper than NYC / 45.3% more expensive than Syracuse
Walkability Score: 50
Transportation: Bus, Trolley, Taxi, Car
Known for: State Capital, United States Naval Academy, America’s Sailing Capital
As Maryland’s capital, Annapolis is another great option. It’s also a coastal city with plenty of water activities to enjoy and a lively town with plenty of history and contemporary style.
The Historic District features 18th-century architecture and the Maryland State House, which was built in the 1700s. It’s also the oldest state house that’s still in use in the country.
If you’ve always dreamed of being a government spy, you might enjoy visiting the NSA National Cryptologic Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of cryptology through the stories and artifacts on display.
Annapolis is known as “America’s Sailing Capital” and is home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Guided walking and driving tours are available if you want to check out the campus.
You can also check out Watermark Cruise to see the sights on the Chesapeake Bay. There are dozens of different cruises available, from short 40 minute trips to three and a half hours of sightseeing.
With a long maritime history, you’ll also find plenty to explore at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Exhibits feature historical artifacts, local maritime heritage, and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, take a walk in Quiet Waters Park on one of the many trails. It even has a playground and tables for picnics.
Annapolis has the most pleasant weather out of the state. It experiences all four seasons, but the summer highs average around 87 degrees. Winter lows are around 28 degrees and the city has less than half the national average of snowfall. Residents should be prepared for earthquakes, flooding, snowstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Resources
Coronavirus Considerations
Maryland had very strict restrictions and an aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept numbers fairly low compared to the rest of the country. They also have very high vaccination rates.
At the moment the state does have a mask mandate in place for government buildings and highly recommends wearing masks indoors. The situation is currently evolving, so be sure to check the government’s website for the latest restrictions and guidelines.
FAQ
What is the average cost to move to Maryland from NY?
Depending on the exact distance between your house in New York and your new home in Maryland, you’ll be paying between $1,500 to $5,000 for a full-service move.
It’s definitely possible to move for less, but you’ll still be paying $350 to $1,000 for a truck, depending on the move size. Plus, you’ll have to account for the cost of fuel, hidden fees, and any other services you need, such as help with the loading/unloading process.
How long will my move take?
Most long-distance movers will estimate 7 to 14 business days for your move.
This can vary based on the distance and the company you choose, so make sure to get a clear idea of when you can expect delivery so you can plan ahead.
Expedited delivery is also an option, but you can expect to pay a premium for this service. If you’re in a hurry, it may be worth the extra cost and peace of mind.
How is living in Maryland different from NY?
Maryland does have a relatively high cost of living, so if you’re moving from the Upstate, you can expect to pay more for housing. However, it’s still cheaper than the Big Apple.
As a mostly coastal state, you’ll find plenty of water-based activities to keep you occupied. You’ll have easy access to mountains, forests, cities, or beaches, so it’s a little more geographically diverse.
While Maryland does have some public transportation options, it won’t be like what you’re used to in NYC. You’re likely going to want a car to get around in most of the state.
How do you get around in Maryland?
If you’re moving to Baltimore, you may have enough public transportation options to get away with not owning your own vehicle. There’s rail, bus, subway, and other options.
However, most of the rest of the state doesn’t offer much more than a city bus, so it’s likely that you’ll want a car to get around.
Is Maryland a good place to live?
If you love nature in all its glory, Maryland is the perfect place to live. You can go from the ocean to the mountains in just a few hours. It’s a gorgeous state with plenty of outdoor activities.
This state has a thriving economy and is close to many big cities. Plus, three different cities in the state made the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in America’ list, according to Livability.com.
Start Moving from New York to Maryland!
While it may seem like moving from New York to Maryland is a daunting task, you don’t have to do it alone.
Your Hometown Mover can help! With locations in New York and South Florida, our teams can work with you to create a long-distance moving solution that makes sense for your family.
We offer guaranteed pricing and offer expedited delivery within 1 to 3 days for many moves. Get a free moving quote today.
Our team will do the heavy lifting so that you can spend less time worrying about your relocation and more time enjoying your new home.
