Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but the process itself can quickly become overwhelming. In Florida, factors like sudden afternoon storms, high humidity, and heavy traffic corridors such as I-4 add extra layers of complexity that a standard moving checklist often fails to address. A successful move here requires a strategy built specifically for the realities of Florida living.
Whether you’re relocating from a downtown Orlando apartment to a family home in Winter Park or downsizing to a condo in Kissimmee, preparation makes all the difference. A well-planned residential move helps control costs, protects your belongings from weather-related damage, and reduces unnecessary stress throughout the process.
Phase 1: The Strategy (6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day)
The biggest mistake homeowners make is thinking, “I have plenty of time.” In the moving world, two months is the blink of an eye. This is the planning phase where you set the foundation for a stress-free experience.
1. Create Your Moving Binder
In our digital age, physical paper still has its place. Create a binder (or a dedicated Google Drive folder) for all moving-related documents.
- Contents: Lease or deed documents, mover quotes, utility account numbers, and school records.
- Florida Tip: Keep a hard copy of your hurricane insurance policy and mover’s insurance handy, just in case.
2. The Great Purge: Decluttering
Moving is the perfect excuse to evaluate what you actually need. Why pay to move items you haven’t touched in three years?
- The One Year Rule: If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year, donate it.
- Garage & Lanai: Florida homes often accumulate “outdoor clutter” like old pool noodles, rusted beach chairs, and half-empty bags of fertilizer. Dispose of hazardous chemicals properly; movers cannot transport flammable items like propane tanks or gasoline.
3. Vet and Book Your Movers
Florida is a high-demand moving market, especially during the summer and at the end of the month.
- Research: Look for licensed and insured residential moving professionals in Orlando who understand the local geography.
- In-Home Estimates: Schedule walk-throughs to get accurate quotes. Be sure to show them everything, including the attic, shed, and crawl spaces.
Phase 2: Logistics & Packing Materials (4-6 Weeks Out)
Now that the date is set, it is time to gather supplies. Using the right materials is crucial for protecting your goods against Florida’s humidity and heat.
1. Sourcing Quality Packing Supplies
Don’t rely on free boxes from the grocery store. They are often weakened by food residue or moisture, which attracts pests—a major “no-no” in Florida.
- Plastic Bins vs. Cardboard: For long-term storage in a garage, clear plastic bins are superior as they are waterproof and pest-resistant.
- Wardrobe Boxes: Essential for keeping suits and dresses breathable yet protected.
- Dish Packs: Double-walled boxes specifically designed for fragile kitchenware.
2. Managing Humidity Sensitive Items
Florida’s humidity averages over 70%, which can damage sensitive items if they are packed too early or incorrectly.
- Books & Paper: Do not pack these in plastic bags where moisture can get trapped and cause mildew. Use sturdy cardboard boxes with silica gel packets if possible.
- Leather Furniture: Clean and condition leather items before moving day to prevent cracking if they are exposed to heat during transit.
- Electronics: If you are packing electronics weeks in advance, ensure they are in a climate-controlled room, not the garage.
3. Notify Utilities and Services
Transferring utilities in Florida can sometimes take a few days to process.
- Electric/Water: Contact Duke Energy, OUC, or your local provider to schedule the switch. Set the disconnect for the day after you move and the connect for the day before you arrive.
- Internet: Internet providers can be booked weeks out. Ensure you won’t be left without Wi-Fi in your new home.
Phase 3: The Packing Marathon (2-4 Weeks Out)
If you haven’t hired professional packing and wrapping services, this is when the heavy lifting begins.
1. The Least Used Strategy
Start with the rooms you use the least.
- Guest Bedrooms: Pack extra linens and decor.
- Formal Dining Room: Pack the fine china and crystal stemware.
- Decor: Take down wall art, mirrors, and curtains.
2. Labeling System
A chaotic unloading process usually stems from poor labeling.
- Color Coding: Assign a color to each room (e.g., Blue for Kitchen, Red for Master Bedroom) and place a colored sticker on the box.
- Inventory List: Number your boxes. If you have 50 boxes, and box #42 is missing, you’ll know immediately.
- Fragile isn’t enough: Add directional arrows (“This Way Up”) to boxes containing liquids or delicate items.
3. Plan for Storage Needs
Sometimes, closing dates don’t align perfectly. You might have to move out on the 1st but can’t move in until the 5th.
- Short-Term Solutions: If you have a gap between homes, coordinate with your moving company. Many offer secure storage moving services where your items can be held on the truck or in a warehouse for a few days, saving you from unloading and reloading into a self-storage unit.
Phase 4: The Final Countdown (1 Week Out)
The pressure is on. This week is about details and safety.
1. Confirm Details with Movers
Call your moving company to confirm the arrival time, parking situation, and contact number for the driver.
- Parking: If you live in a condo or apartment complex, reserve the elevator and a parking spot for the truck.
- Gate Codes: Ensure the movers have the gate code for your community.
2. Prepare Appliances
- Refrigerator: Empty and defrost your freezer at least 24 hours before the move to prevent leaks. Wipe the inside dry to prevent mold growth.
- Washing Machine: Drain the hoses.
- Safety Check: If you aren’t comfortable disconnecting gas dryers or complex appliances, hire a professional or ask if your movers offer furniture and appliance assistance.
3. The “First Night” Box
Pack a suitcase as if you are going on a weekend trip. You don’t want to be digging through 100 boxes at midnight looking for your toothbrush.
- Essentials: Toiletries, pajamas, change of clothes, phone chargers, medications.
- Bedding: Clean sheets and pillows for the first night.
- Tools: A box cutter, screwdriver, and flashlight.
Phase 5: Moving Day Execution
The big day is here. In Florida, an early start is critical to beating the afternoon heat and thunderstorms.
1. The Walkthrough
Before the crew lifts a single box, walk the lead mover through your home.
- Identify High-Value Items: Point out antiques or fragile items that need extra care.
- Clarify “Do Not Move”: Show them the pile of items you are taking in your car (plants, pets, sensitive documents).
2. Protect Your Home
Professional movers will lay down floor runners and pad door frames, but it helps to be vigilant.
- Floors: Ensure hardwood and carpet are protected from muddy boots or dolly wheels.
- Walls: Watch the corners when large furniture is being maneuvered.
3. Stay Hydrated
Moving in Florida is a workout. Keep a cooler with water bottles for yourself and the moving crew. A well-hydrated crew is efficient and happy!
4. The Final Sweep
Before the truck pulls away:
- Check Hidden Spots: Look in the dishwasher, the oven, the top shelves of closets, and the attic.
- Lights & Locks: Turn off all lights, lock the windows, and lock the front door.
Phase 6: Unpacking & Settling In
The truck is unloaded, and you are surrounded by a fortress of boxes. Take a deep breath.
1. Assemble Furniture First
Before you unpack books or decor, get the big pieces in place. Assemble the beds first so you have a place to sleep. Then, set up the sofa so you have a place to crash.
2. Kitchen Priorities
Unpack the kitchen next. Getting the coffee maker, toaster, and basic plates set up makes the house feel like a home instantly.
3. Address Updates
- DMV: You have 30 days to update the address on your Florida driver’s license.
- Voter Registration: Update your registration to your new county.
- Banks & Insurance: Update your billing address to prevent missed payments.
Why Florida Moves Require Special Care
We’ve mentioned the heat, but let’s dive deeper into why Florida moves are different.
The Summer Slump
In Florida, the summer months (May through September) are the busiest for movers. It’s also hurricane season.
- Rain Delays: A heavy afternoon downpour is common. Professional movers will have shrink wrap to protect furniture, but they may pause loading for 20 minutes to wait out a storm. This is normal and ensures your items don’t get soaked.
- Pest Control: Florida bugs are resilient. Before you unpack in your new home, it’s a great idea to have pest control spray the empty house a day or two before you move in.
Handling Specialized Furniture
Florida homes often feature specific items like pool tables, grand pianos, or heavy outdoor kitchen equipment. These aren’t standard items.
- Heavy Lifting: Attempting to move a slate pool table or a Sub-Zero fridge with friends is a recipe for injury. Utilize specialized heavy furniture moving services to handle these beasts safely.
Storage: The unsung Hero of Moving
Sometimes, the timeline just doesn’t work out. Maybe your new construction home in Lake Nona is delayed, or the seller of your new home needs a lease-back for a week.
Rather than panic, utilize storage. But be careful—traditional self-storage units without climate control can bake your items. Temperatures inside a non-air-conditioned metal storage unit in Florida can exceed 120°F. This can melt vinyl records, warp wood furniture, and degrade electronics.
- Recommendation: Always opt for climate-controlled storage or ask your mover about their warehouse options, which are often temperature-regulated and more secure than public storage facilities.
Conclusion: Planning Pays Off
Moving is a complex puzzle of logistics, physical labor, and timing. But with this checklist in hand, you have a roadmap to success. By planning early, respecting the Florida climate, and hiring the right professionals, you can turn a potentially stressful day into a smooth transition.
Your new home is a blank slate—a place for new memories. Don’t let the stress of moving day overshadow the joy of arrival.
Need help executing this plan? At Legend Movers 4 You, we specialize in Florida relocations. From packing your delicate china to navigating the stormy afternoon weather, our team is equipped to handle it all. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get you moving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I move my plants in Florida?
Most moving companies cannot transport live plants due to liability and heat risks in the truck. It is best to transport them in your air-conditioned car. If you have large potted trees, you may need a specialized landscape mover.
Q: What should I do with hazardous items like paint and chemicals?
Movers cannot legally transport hazardous materials (paint, propane, gasoline, bleach). You should give them to neighbors or drop them off at your county’s chemical waste disposal center before moving day.
Q: Is it better to move on a weekday or weekend?
If your schedule allows, moving on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) is often better. There is typically more availability, and sometimes rates are slightly lower than on peak weekends.
Q: How do I handle food when moving locally?
For a local move, pack a cooler with ice for your essential refrigerated items (milk, cheese, condiments). Try to eat through your freezer stock in the weeks leading up to the move so you don’t have to throw much away.