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How to Prepare for a Move to Florida
By Aja McClanahan MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
How to prepare for a move
Main things to know before moving to Florida
When is the best time to move to Florida
Are there any laws about moving to Florida?
How to prepare for a move to Florida FAQ
Summary of our guide to preparing for a move to Florida
If you’re considering a move to Florida, your first thought might be about the fun you’ll have living in a warmer climate with access to plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy year-round.
But before you can start enjoying the sunshine and beaches, there are some things you’ll need to do to prepare for your relocation. This moving guide will provide a checklist of items and activities for your big move. So whether you’re already packing your bags or just starting to think about it, read on for everything you need to know about moving to Florida.
How to prepare for a move
The best way to prepare for a move is to create a moving plan and timeline. This plan and timeline should include tasks, deadlines and any costs associated with your move. Here are more tips on this process.
1) Create a moving checklist
You should start with a moving checklist to create your moving plan and timeline. This is just a list of things you need to get done before, during and after your move. Here are some items you might add to your checklist:
- Decluttering, cleaning and junk removal
- Creating an inventory of everything to be moved
- Packing (including the purchase of packing supplies)
- Hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck
- Getting a support system in place to help with kids, pets, moving tasks
- Alerting neighbors of your departure/arrival
- Arrange how you’ll arrive at your destination (i.e., driving, taking a plane, etc.)
- Scheduling utility disconnection and connection
- Completing residential paperwork (change of address, new ID, etc.)
- Creating a moving day checklist
2) Create a budget and estimate your moving costs
Once you’ve completed your checklist, it’s time to tie expenses to each item on it. Here are some things to think about as you create your moving budget.
If you’re moving locally, your moving expenses will be lower than they’d be for a long-distance move. Get multiple quotes from different moving companies and moving brokers so you can compare rates. Start with our guide to the best moving companies in Florida or the best moving truck rentals in Florida when getting your estimates. If you’re headed to south Florida, review our guide on the best moving companies in Miami.
If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas and/or airfare. Don’t forget to add lodging expenses if you’ll need to spend a few nights in a hotel en route to your new home.
In addition to the cost of moving your belongings, don’t forget to budget for things such as:
- Packing supplies
- Equipment rental
- Moving insurance
- Airfare, fuel, tolls, parking, lodging
- Cleaning (labor and supplies)
- Transporting your vehicle
- Storage in Florida or wherever you’re coming from
- Snacks, dining out, and other food items
- Utility disconnection/connection fees
These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your overall moving budget. Finally, it’s a good idea to add 10% to 30% to your final budget in case you spend more than anticipated—which is very easy to do with a long-distance move.
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3) Decide which moving option is best for you
There are pros and cons to hiring a moving company versus doing a DIY move, so you’ll need to decide what’s best for you based on your circumstances. Hiring a moving company can be expensive, but it could save time and energy. A DIY move might be better if you’re on a tight budget. However, preparing for a long road trip could present additional expenses and challenges. So you’ve got to factor in many things to determine if you are truly saving money with a DIY move.
Here are some questions to ask to help you decide whether to hire a moving company:
- Do I have enough manpower to load and unload my belongings?
- Is the distance I’m moving too far for a DIY move?
- Do I have time to move on my own?
- What are the cost savings of a DIY move versus hiring movers? Are the savings worth it?
- Can I afford to hire a moving company?
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a better idea of which option is best for you. If you’re still unsure, ask friends or family who’ve moved recently for their advice.
Hire a moving company
Here are the pros and cons of hiring a moving company:
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Move yourself
Here are the pros and cons of a DIY move:
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4) Decide how to pack
If you’re hiring a moving company, they may also offer packing services. If you’re doing a DIY move, you’ll need to pack everything yourself. Here are some things to remember when packing:
- Create a packing plan. Make a list of all the rooms in your house and what needs to be packed in each room. This will help you stay organized and on track while you’re packing.
- Start packing early. Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing because it will be much more overwhelming and stressful. Start packing non-essentials first, and then gradually work your way up to the items you use every day.
- Label everything. Label boxes and containers by room and add a list of a few items in the box to help jog your memory when it’s time to find things during the unpacking phase.
- Set aside essentials. Separate items like toiletries, clothes, electronic devices and medications in an overnight bag. You should also have a secure place for important documents like passports, birth certificates, IDs, tax returns, medical records, etc. This way, if there are any delays with your move, you’ll still have these items within arm’s reach.
- Be strategic. If possible, try packing items in smaller boxes so they’re not too heavy to lift and easy to carry. Also, consider disassembling large furniture items.
- Get rid of anything you don’t need. This includes old items you don’t use anymore or even things you won’t need in Florida, like heavy winter clothing or a snowblower. Remember, moving with less can also reduce your moving costs.
5) Remember to change your mailing address
You don’t want to miss any important mail or packages, so you must change your address as soon as possible. The U.S. Postal Service offers a free service called “change of address” which will forward your mail for up to 12 months. You can go to a physical post office location or complete your change of address form online for a small fee.
You should also change your address directly with the companies you do business with. You can call or log into your customer account to change the address on file with:
- Financial institutions and accounts: banks, credit cards, retirement accounts, the IRS
- Insurance company: homeowners (or renters), auto and health
- Subscriptions and delivery services: Doordash, Amazon.com, magazines
In the process of changing your address, it’s helpful to think about creating your new “Florida identity” as well. This includes getting an updated state ID or driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida. You can also register to vote at the same time.
If you’re bringing a vehicle to Florida, you should know that the registration fees vary with its weight. Before doing this, you’ll need your Florida driver’s license and proof of insurance.
6) Set up a moving day checklist
A moving day checklist will help you stay organized and smooth out the moving process. Some items to include on your moving day checklist might include:
- Meeting movers or picking up your moving truck
- A final walkthrough to ensure the space is clean and that you’ve not left anything
- Getting cash to tip your movers
- Packing the car for the drive or getting to the airport
- Getting new keys for your home or apartment at your new location
- Arranging pet or childcare during the move
Moving day can be a hectic time and it’s inevitable that you’ll forget something or the move won’t go according to plan in some way. So be patient and give yourself some grace during this stressful time.
Main things to know before moving to Florida
You probably know that Florida is a popular place for people to live and travel to. There’s plenty to do, and most people find it a pleasant place to live or vacation. Here are some other things to know before moving:
Climate
Although Florida’s known as the sunshine state, there’s a rainy season, too. Florida’s hurricane season lasts from June to November. Even if no major storms or hurricanes develop, the rainy season brings frequent heavy downpours and thunderstorms. With this in mind, you should also consider adequately insuring your property against damage caused by storms and flooding.
Ensure you are prepared for these events by stocking up on essentials like food, water, and emergency equipment. Consider buying a generator so you’ll have a source of electricity if the power goes out. Don’t forget to get surge protectors so your electronics don’t get zapped during storms and power outages.
Cost of living
Florida is a top destination for relocation because of its affordability. The state doesn’t levy income taxes on residents, and property prices and taxes are typically below the national average in many areas.
If recreation is your jam, you’ll find many attractions that are easily accessible by car: beaches, rivers, marinas, theme parks, national parks, concert venues, cruise ports and more. There’s no expensive airfare to pay since there’s a lot you can do within a short drive.
Florida’s plants and animals
If you’ve never visited Florida or a similar climate, be prepared to encounter plants, animals and insects in a different way. Lizards are just as common as house mice, cockroaches can be large and plentiful, plus you’ll want to watch out for alligators that hang out near bodies of water like retention ponds and creeks.
When is the best time to move to Florida
Ideally, you’ll move to Florida outside the hurricane season or sometime between December and May. Doing so reduces the risks of being caught in a major storm and having your belongings destroyed. It also keeps you safe from all the other dangers of hurricane season, like flying debris, flash flooding and power outages.
Are there any laws about moving to Florida?
Yes. You should know at what point you are considered an actual Florida resident. This will determine when you need to update the information on file with different local, state and federal entities.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you may be considered a resident of Florida when you:
- Have started employment or engaged in a trade, profession, or occupation in the state
- Have enrolled your children in the public schools of this state
- Have registered to vote in this state
- Have filed for homestead tax exemption on property in this state
- Have lived in this state for a period of more than six consecutive months
How to prepare for a move to Florida FAQ
How much time do you need to prepare your move?
At minimum, you should start preparing at least 30 to 60 days before your anticipated moving date. The amount of time you need to move depends on a few factors, such as your budget, the size and scope of your move, and how organized you are, so it's best to start planning sooner than later.
How do I know a moving company is legit in Florida?
To check a moving company's or moving carrier's legitimacy, start by searching the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) registered mover database. Then you should check out online review sites like Google Business, Yelp, Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau for customer feedback and common complaints.
What is the average cost of moving companies in Florida?
This will depend on how much you move and how far you're going. If you've got a 2-bedroom apartment, you could expect to pay a Florida moving company anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for an interstate move or $2,500 to $5,000 for a long-distance move. These costs increase with the size and distance of your move.
Summary of our guide to preparing for a move to Florida.
If you’re planning to move to Florida, the best thing you can do is be prepared and do your research ahead of time, which can help you know what to expect. With careful planning and decent organization, moving to Florida can be an exciting and rewarding experience. So start thinking about what you need to do now and get ready for life in the Sunshine state!
Aja McClanahan is a writer that covers personal finance and a number of related topics. Her work and personal story of paying down over $120,000 in debt have been featured in publications around the web including sites like Money, CreditCards.com, Business Insider, Inc., Experian and many others.