Expert Advice For Moving to Florida

What makes the Sunshine State so sunny? Florida is known as one of the best getaway spots in the country, welcoming nearly 80 million tourists in 2020. That’s an amazing number of visitors, but how does the state of Florida stack up as a place of permanent residence? From a booming job market to every attraction you can possibly think of – minus snow, but that might be one of the main reasons you’re interested in living here – Florida shines in so many ways as your next potential home!

Are you moving to Florida? Great Guys Moving has compiled a comprehensive guide covering what you should know: things to consider before moving here, the best places to live, an interstate moving checklist, and a rundown of the moving services provided by our network of dependable Florida movers. We also have a list of the best moving companies in Florida ranked in order to help you make an informed decision. We hope this helps you make an informed decision and allows you to move forward with confidence.

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Living in Florida: What to Know Before Moving to Florida

From Disneyland to pristine beaches, Florida holds an endless list of gems as the 3rd most populous state in the US. Home to about 22 million residents (and with a state size of 65,758 square miles), this southeastern state offers many benefits as well as some downsides. Let’s take a look!

Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

Pros:

• Sunny Weather: If you’re escaping frigid winters, Florida will feel like paradise! Offering year-round sunshine, it rarely snows in the Sunshine State.
• Reasonable Cost of Living: Offering a cost of living index close to the national average, the destination state as a whole provides many benefits with a much lower price tag.
• Recreation & Activities Galore: Florida is a big place, filled with diverse regions and ecosystems. From sandy beaches to bayou adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
• Ample Career Opportunities: From tourism to manufacturing to healthcare, there is an abundance of work and career opportunities across the state.
• Strong Economy: Home to many thriving industries – tourism, manufacturing, financial services, international trade, and so on – the state has one of the hottest economies around.
• No State Income Tax: Yes, you read that correctly! This helps make the state even that much more affordable, allowing you to pocket more of your earnings.
• Accessible Homeownership: Again, the state offers living costs close to the national average. This includes housing, but with the added benefit of gorgeous climate and more.

Cons:

• Severe Storms: It’s not always sunshine and breezy days here. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes are an unfortunate reality in the Sunshine State.
• Tourism Overload: Everyone wants to visit Florida! However, this means that many residents deal with heavy congestion, noise, and disturbances while living here.
• High Cost of Insurance: Regardless of whether it’s auto or health insurance, premiums are higher in Florida. This is due to more uninsured drivers and an overall older population. And if you live in a coastal area, expect to pay more for your homeowner’s and flood policies thanks to Florida’s severe storm risks.
• Effects of Urbanization: Urban sprawl has increased significantly in Florida over the recent decades. This continues to negatively impact natural habitats and more.
• Humidity: It can be particularly miserable during the summer months. If you’re not used to feeling like you’re swimming in sweat, it might take some time to get used to the intense humidity.
• Scary Wildlife: From pesky mosquitoes to toothy alligators, to water moccasins, Florida is filled with some fearsome critters. Just be sure to keep an eye out when exploring your surroundings.

Is Florida a Good State to Live In?

Florida is an excellent place to live when you want to slow down with gorgeous beaches, coastal residences, and major tourist attractions. These pros are just some of the reasons the Sunshine State’s economy continues to thrive even though it doesn’t collect a state income tax. Yes, that means when you live in Florida you get to keep more of your income for yourself. Plus it has a diverse population with something always going on, from the party scene in Miami Beach to the theme parks of Orlando.

What is Florida Famous For?

• Beach Resorts: Having the longest coastline in the country obviously means that you are never more than 60 miles from the beach.
• Theme Parks: The state is also home to world-renowned amusement parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando.
• Everglades National Park: With over 1.5 million acres of preserved wetlands, the Everglades is home to hundreds of animal species.
• Crocs and Gators: Florida is well-known to have an abundance of both alligators and crocodiles, with populations ranging in the thousands.
• Seven Mile Bridge: Linking the Knights Key to the Little Duck Key, this bridge is the longest expanse on the Overseas Highway, which connects South Florida to Key West.

Tax Rates

One of the advantages of living in Florida is the lack of state income tax. It’s one of seven states that don’t collect income tax (along with Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming). Overall, the state offers lower taxes than more than half of other US states.

• Property Tax: The state ranks #24 for the lowest property tax rates in America. The effective real-estate tax rate in 2021 is 0.89%.
• Sales Tax: The state collects 6-8% sales tax depending on the local rate.
• State Income Tax: Florida does not collect state income tax.

Housing Market

Do more people rent or own homes in Florida? Rent vs. buy depends on the county and region. In general, homes are currently considered overvalued. Two cities, Jacksonville and Tampa, have also seen significant rent growth over the past year. In general, however, Florida offers both reasonable rental prices and homebuyer deals compared to other destination states.

• Median home price: The current typical home value is $313,217. Home values went up nearly 20.1% in the past year (2020), and the prediction is that they’ll rise 4.4% in 2022.
• Median rental expense: The median rent for a 2BR apartment in Miami is $1,873/month, while rent for a 2BR apartment in Orlando comes in at $1,566. Rent for a 2BR apartment in Gainesville costs $1,268.

Looking for the cheapest cities to live in Florida? Here are the current top picks:

1. Daytona Beach
2. Fort Myers
3. Tallahassee
4. Winter Haven
5. Sanford
6. Jacksonville
7. Lakeland
8. Gainesville
9. Cape Coral
10. Pensacola

Cost of Living

Almost identical to the national average, Florida’s cost of living is a bargain when you take into consideration all the benefits the state has to offer.

Let’s use the Family Budget Calculator to take a look at the cost of living in two Florida cities.

Miami

First, we’ll examine Miami. A family of four in the Miami metropolitan area pays the following:

• $1,351 for housing,
• $853 for food,
• $1,123 for childcare,
• $1,052 for transportation,
• $1,027 for healthcare,
• $889 for other necessities
• $786 for taxes.

This adds up to a grand total of $7,081 per month or $84,972 per year.

Gainesville

Now, let’s look at Gainesville. A family of four living in the Northern Florida city pays the following:

• $894 for housing,
• $892 for food,
• $899 for childcare,
• $1,134 for transportation,
• $1,098 for healthcare,
• $720 for other necessities,
• $627 for taxes.

This average expenses total $6,265 per month or $75,183 per year.

Of course, living expenses will vary according to personal needs, region, and household size. If you’re hoping to keep your cost of living expenses down, some of the cheaper places to live are in the eastern part of the state such as Kissimmee, Palm Coast, Palm Bay, Cape Coral, and Fort Meade.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Many newcomers to Florida travel here to avoid long, cold winters. They come in the form of tourists, snowbirds, and new residents. The Sunshine State earned its nickname for the year-round sunny weather that so many folks enjoy in this southeastern state.

North and Central Florida experience a subtropical climate, while South Florida has a tropical climate. The average summer high temperature is 91 degrees F, while it dips down to about 49 degrees in January. The average rainfall is approximately 55 inches annually. Parts of FL occasionally see snow, but for the most part, there’s virtually no snowfall statewide. The state enjoys about 237 sunny days every year.

Here’s a list of natural disasters common in the state of Florida:

1. Hurricanes
2. Tropical storms
3. Tornadoes
4. Flooding
5. Tsunamis
6. Wildfires
7. Power Outages

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Economy & Job Market

According to Best State Rankings by US News & World Report, Florida comes in at #8 for its economy. It also currently ranks #3 for education, #8 for fiscal stability, #12 for the business environment, #9 for growth, and #20 for employment.

As a haven for tourism and retirees (as well as many industries), Florida sees major continued growth.

Major Employers in the state include:

1. Naval Air Station (Pensacola)
2. Adventhealth (Orlando)
3. Orlando Health
4. University of South Florida
5. University of Central Florida
6. Centers for Disease Prevention
7. Gimbel International Inc.
8. Epcot
9. Jackson Health System
10. Johnson & Johnson Co.

Top Industries:

1. Tourism
2. Agriculture
3. Healthcare
4. Education
5. Aviation and Aerospace
6. Life Sciences
7. International Trade
8. Financial Services
9. Construction
10. Retail

Here are some great resources for Florida newcomers seeking employment:

1. State resource: Employ Florida
2. Job search sites: CareerBuilder, CollegeRecruiter, Indeed, LinkedIn
3. Resume creation and distribution: Monster, ResumeRobin, TopResume

Traffic and Transportation

Again, Florida is a big state. Public transportation in major metro areas is decent, with some cities serving as shining examples. Overall, here are the state transportation rankings: #41 for commute time, #22 for public transit usage, #14 for road quality, and #6 for bridge quality.

Major thoroughfares include Interstate 75 (the longest in the state at more than 470 miles), Interstate 95, Interstate 10, and Interstate 4.

As previously mentioned, Florida is towards the bottom when it comes to commute times. On average, it takes 27.4 minutes to commute to work. The cities with the worst traffic reputations? Look no further than Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Clearwater.

Things to Do

Along with sandy beaches and Disney World, there’s an endless list of fun things to do in FL!

Love theme parks? This is the place for you! From Universal Studios to SeaWorld Orlando, Florida is a favorite destination for kids and kids at heart. If you’re into all things space, Kennedy Space Center is a must-stop at Cape Canaveral. And we can’t leave out sports fans. From the Miami Heat (NBA basketball) to Florida Panthers (NHL ice hockey), there’s a team waiting for you to root for in the Sunshine State!

If nature is more your move, Florida is filled with wonders. From wetlands to bayous to sun-drenched islands, you can explore any number of unique ecosystems and regions. Looking for state parks? One of the best is Silver Springs State Park in Northern Florida, home to glass-bottom boats and top-rated cabins. Another fantastic park is Myakka River State Park. Located in Southwest Florida’s Sarasota, it offers some of the best kayaking around (as well as views of gigantic alligators).

Like museums? Again, you love it here! Rated the best history museum in the state, the Florida Museum of Natural History is a popular stop in Gainesville. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum, while the Great Explorations Children’s Museum is considered the top kid’s museum in Florida.

Top destination cities include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Offering outstanding nightlife, shopping, dining, concerts, arts & culture, and so much more, each city has its own flavor. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or some retail therapy, Florida as a whole offers some of the best attractions not only in the country but the world!

Schools and Universities

Currently ranked #3 overall in education, Florida comes in at #16 when it comes to Pre-K–12 rankings. The Sunshine State offers some of the best colleges and universities in the United States, especially when taking into account value and academic excellence.

Top Five School Districts:

1. St. Johns County School District (St. Augustine)
2. Sarasota County Schools (Sarasota)
3. Okaloosa County School District (Fort Walton Beach)
4. Clay County School District (Green Cove Springs)
5. Seminole County Public Schools (Sanford)

This may come as a surprise, but the state of Florida ranks #1 in higher education in the United States (according to education rankings by US News & World Report). There are several famous programs that offer a diverse selection of majors and programs. Below, you’ll find the best colleges in FL.

Top Five Colleges:

1. University of Florida
2. University of Miami
3. Florida State University
4. University of South Florida
5. University of Central Florida

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How to Become a Florida Resident

In order to become an official Florida citizen, you must take several steps. A major step is to show proof that you spend more than half the year – at least 183 days – in the state. Here are the other steps you’ll need to take in order to establish a domicile in the state of Florida:

1. File Florida Declaration of Domicile
2. Establish a home (and address) in FL
3. Register to vote in the state
4. Obtain a Florida driver’s license
5. Register your vehicle in FL

Along with the above traditional steps, you can take further action to demonstrate the intent of establishing permanent residency in Florida. Here are a few examples:

1. Notify the Florida Department of Revenue of your address change
2. Inform IRS of address change
3. Renew your passport with FL address
4. Enroll child(ren) in Florida school(s)
5. Apply for a professional license in the state

Moving to Florida DMV

Acquiring a new driver’s license:

You’ll need to secure a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the state. Here are the requirements for doing so:

1. Fill out the application and submit local DMV office
2. Show proof of residence and ID
3. Show proof of social security number
4. Pass vision test
5. Surrender out-of-state driver license
6. Pay fees and have your picture taken
7. Receive temporary driver license
8. Wait for the official driver license to be delivered by mail

Qualifications for Voter Registration:

To register in the state of Florida, you must:

1. Be a Florida resident
2. Be a citizen of the United States
3. Be at least 18 years of age (or at least 16 years old to pre-register)
4. Not be adjudicated mentally incapacitated (without restored voting rights)
5. Not be a convicted felon (without restored voting rights)

Note: Florida does offer online voter registration.

Process for Vehicle Registration: 

As a new resident of Florida, you must title and register your out-of-state vehicle within 10 days of establishing residency. Check out the New Resident Titling and Registration page for more info.

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Best Places to Live in Florida

Florida is a big state. To help you find the perfect place to call home, here are the top picks!

Fort Lauderdale

Population: 180,000

Median Home Value: $334,000

As one of the largest cities in the Miami metro area, Fort Lauderdale offers an amazing blend of quiet suburban living and access to lively activities. Add to the mix low taxes and more-than-reasonable living expenses and housing values – the median home value is under $335,000 – and you’ve got a nice recipe for great living. If you’ve got your eye on SoFlo (South Florida), Fort Lauderdale should definitely be on your list!

Known as one of the top cities for retirees in America, Fort Lauderdale packs in a lot! From high diversity to top-notch attractions & nightlife, it’s virtually impossible to get bored here. Some top spots include Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, renowned beaches, and Everglades wildlife. Looking for a job? This city is brimming with opportunities, from tourism to boating to trade & business. There are also many family-friendly neighborhoods that include Cooper City, Parkland, and Weston.

Family-friendly and exciting, Fort Lauderdale certainly checks a lot of boxes. Keep in mind that, though the weather is overall sunny, the humidity and propensity for storms can be an issue. That being said, between the gorgeous beach lifestyle, stellar healthcare, and activities galore, you may find yourself falling in love and relocating to the Venice of America!

Gainesville

Population: 132,000

Median Home Value: $161,900

Home of the University of Florida (UF), Gainesville has both a surprisingly small-town feel and cosmopolitan flair. You’ll find this city in the heart of Northern Florida, providing access to numerous opportunities, activities, and other major cities. Known for its outstanding natural resources – this is Florida wetlands country – as well as college atmosphere and sunshine, the City of Gainesville offers affordability, outdoor recreation, education, and more!

The combination of the college atmosphere and the close-knit vibe is an attractive selling point. Along with family-friendly neighborhoods and proactive communities, there are a number of fun events, restaurants, shopping, and recreational activities. It’s not only great for college students but also for growing families. Whether you’re looking to live close to the college action or enjoy some peace & quiet, there are many neighborhoods that can cater to your needs.

Housing is still quite affordable, offering a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers and families looking for a fantastic deal. One downside is that if you’re looking for a diverse job market, outside of healthcare or education, you might want to consider other options. However, as we mentioned already, Gainesville is in close proximity to other major urban areas. Whether you’re relocating for school or a new job offer, the City of Gainesville is one of the best places to call home in Northern Florida!

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Jacksonville

Population: 890,000

Median Home Value: $173,200

As the most populous city in Florida – it’s situated in the northeastern portion of the state – Jacksonville is an economic and cultural powerhouse! But don’t let these impressive tidbits fool you. The City of Jacksonville is still very much an affordable place to live and buy a home. With a medium home value of less than $175,000, this is a perfect place to retire or have a family!

Home to numerous industries, including banking, manufacturing, and technology, Jacksonville is a great place to start or bolster your career. It’s also home to one of the most active deep-water ports in the country. There are also fantastic neighborhoods that include the likes of Secret Cove, Deerwood, and Bayard, just to name a few. And as for education, you’ll find a nice selection of schools, from public college preparatory magnet schools to private Episcopal institutions.

But it’s not all about work, schools, and neighbors. JAX is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures and a host of attractions & activities! At four times the size of Manhattan, Jacksonville’s urban park system is the largest in the entire nation (offering 80,000 acres and 262 parks). Into fishing or hunting? St. Johns River is a popular spot. If events are more your style, there are a ton of them, including the Gator Bowl, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and Springing the Blues!

Miami

Population: 454,000

Median Home Value: $317,700

Bienvenidos a Miami (welcome to Miami)! With an illustrious reputation – it’s been featured in countless movies, shows, billboards, and more – Magic City is home to impressive beaches, nightlife, and a flair for living that’s hard to beat. This is the type of place where your dreams can take flight, whether you’re visiting or making the city your new home!

As a melting pot of culture, the City of Miami is filled with sights, sounds, and delicious smells of its richly diverse communities, including Little Haiti and a host of other Caribbean influences. From vibrant food to clothes to music, there’s electricity in the air! Plus, there’s year-round sunshine and some of the most jaw-dropping gorgeous beaches in the world. This is a city that loves to live life to the fullest, embracing a vibe that’s both fun & enriching.

Of course, all these attractive selling points come at a price. Cost of living and housing are on the higher end, and crime rates tend to be higher. However, the streets are clean and highly walkable, healthcare is outstanding, and there’s never a dull moment here. If you’re looking for that quintessential SoFlo experience, Miami is at the top of the list!

Orlando

Population: 281,000

Median Home Value: $240,000

As one of the best cities for young professionals, Orlando is buzzing with opportunities and excitement! When people think of the city, Disney World usually comes to mind. However, it’s more than just a tourist destination. From huge economic growth to historic neighborhoods to endless fun things to do, the City of Orlando is a prime candidate for ambitious young people and families alike!

Home to a bustling job market, Orlando has been attracting more and more professionals and family-oriented folks – come for the work and play (especially the theme parks) but stay for the neighborhoods and stellar amenities. What makes the city tick, aside from the major tourist attractions, are the small businesses. This is a place for the entrepreneur and kid at heart, opening doors to bringing your dreams to life. If you’re in search of an area that’s brimming with energy and overflowing with joy, Orlando serves it up in many flavors.

Of course, as with any other city, there are some disadvantages to living in Orlando. These include mosquitoes, tropical storms, toll roads, sinkholes, and lots of tourists. And if you’re not a fan of alligators… well… you’ve been warned. If none of these are really dealbreakers, then Orlando might just be the perfect city for you!

Tallahassee

Population: 191,300

Median Home Value: $203,800

Looking for one of the top college towns in the US? Look no further than Tallahassee! Home to not one but two famous institutions – Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M – the Northern Florida city serves as both the capital and major hub of the Sunshine State. Offering a high quality of life and vibrant atmosphere, the City of Tallahassee is great for students, professionals, and families!

As a Goldilocks city – it’s not too small and not too big – Tallahassee offers the right balance between cozy living and urban amenities. It also has everything you’d expect in one of the best college cities in the United States. From outdoor recreation (kayaking, fishing, and more) to college sports (football and basketball) to arts & culture, there’s definitely something fun & engaging for everyone.

On the other hand, however, there are some drawbacks to living in Tallahassee. It’s virtually impossible to really get around without access to a car. Also, the city has higher-than-average crime rates. And if you’re looking for work that is related to education or government, you may have a hard time finding a good fit. The silver lining is that residents don’t pay state income tax. That money can go towards buying a home or investing in your future. Bottom line? Tallahassee is a fantastic city to learn, have fun, and grow!

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Tampa

Population: 387,900

Median Home Value: $238,900

Did you know Tampa is considered one of the top 50 cities to live in America? It earns this distinction in an assortment of ways! Located on the western side of Florida, along the Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay, the city offers metropolitan amenities, gorgeous weather, and thriving communities!

From breathtaking beaches to leisurely boardwalk strolls to lively nightlife, the City of Tampa provides plenty of diversity, opportunities, and fun pursuits. And when compared to other major cities, the cost of living is more than reasonable! Homeownership is well within reach, providing you have the income to pay for a mortgage. And speaking of work, the major industries include healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and financial services. Whether you’re single or part of a large family, Tampa offers a lot for a relatively affordable price. And the local schools are also highly rated.

Keep in mind, however, that it can get pretty hot and humid here. Temperatures typically hit the 90s during summer. But if you’re okay with the heat, Tampa offers so many cool things to do! From beach adventures to the Florida Aquarium to bayous & wetlands, the city is a nature enthusiast’s dream. There’s also a ton of sports teams to cheer for, along with a variety of amusement parks. Simply put, Tampa is one of the best places to live along the western coast of Florida!

West Palm Beach

Population: 110,000

Median Home Value: $251,700

Last but not least, we have West Palm Beach! Dreaming of white sandy beaches, palm trees, and endless days (and nights) of fun? This city has it all and then some. Whether bumping into celebrities on the streets or enjoying a plethora of world-class dining & nightlife at Rosemary Square, entertainment, and outdoor recreation, West Palm Beach serves up some of the best living in Southern Florida!

Offering endless summer vibes, West Palm Beach is the type of place where you feel like you’re perpetually on vacation. It’s a magnet for tourists – which can be a good thing and a not-so-great thing – but also a great place for retirees and ambitious young people. Whether you’re looking to spend your golden years on the beach or start a thriving nightclub or small business, the city opens its arms to those looking to soak up the year-round sunshine and lively energy of the area.

It’s not all paradise on the beach. Tourists can create a lot of congestion, and crime rates are higher than usual. But as a smaller city, it offers a great mixture of luxurious amenities, suburban-urban charm, and a gorgeous beach lifestyle. Paradise is waiting, and for the right person, West Palm Beach can be the ultimate place to put down your roots amongst palm trees and breezy beaches!

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How to Plan an Interstate Move to Florida

Without a plan, your cross-country move may become needlessly complicated. Here is a straightforward list to help you stay on track during your move to Florida. Hire help where you need it to minimize stress and avoid accidents.

Make your moving checklist

Using this list as a general guideline, create a personalized moving checklist that incorporates your unique needs. Send your final list to friends and family who may be involved in your relocation, so everybody is on the same page.

Hire a moving company

Once you have a list written out, it’s time to be honest with yourself. What can you reasonably complete yourself, and which tasks would you be better off giving to professional movers? Once you have decided what services you need, investigate potential moving companies.

1. Do research online and by talking with friends and family.
2. Make sure the movers you are interested in are certified and experienced.
3. Call several moving companies to discuss your needs and collect quotes.
4. Make your decision and set a date for your move!

Your movers can help you with anything from packing to handling appliances to classic unloading and loading. Most companies will allow you to customize every component of your move. Great Guys Moving eases the burden of finding a reliable moving company. We screen all the movers we work with to ensure they are licensed and insured. You submit your information just once and receive free quotes back from movers in our network. We take the guesswork out of hiring a Florida moving company!

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Create your home inventory

It’s crucial for you to know which possessions you will be taking with you and which are better left behind. Consider what you use in your day-to-day life and the cost of moving your belongings versus the price of replacing them.

Jot down or type out a basic home inventory, keeping your new apartment or home layout in mind. You can establish an organization system for packing. You might label the boxes based on which room they should go in the new home, or you can keep things simple by labeling things “Keep,” “Sell,” “Gift,” “Donate,” “Recycle,” and “Dispose of.” These labels will allow both you and any helpers you may have to stay organized.

Start selling your stuff

You should attend to those items labeled “sell” early in the moving process. You don’t want to be stuck with bulky furniture on moving day that you had no intention of taking with you.

You can sell your stuff online or using phone apps. We recommend Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, and Craigslist as a good start. Old-fashioned yard sales are always an excellent way to go, and you can also reach out to friends and family to offer them discounted prices. Start with what you believe to be a fair price and lower the prices as you get closer to moving day!

Make plans for children and pets

Are you moving with kids or pets? Start looking into accommodations for them now. There’s plenty to do. Here are some things you’ll want to make sure are on your list:

• Hire a babysitter for the day of move-out and potentially move-in
• Prepare to change your children’s schools, childcare, doctors, and other providers
• Bring your pet to the vet and discuss the upcoming move
• Buy a car harness for your pet if you plan to drive
• Call your airline and discuss possible accommodations for your pet if you plan to fly

Make travel and auto transport arrangements

Book your airline tickets or get everyone on board for the cross-country driving plans. Secure seats for everyone involved in the move. If you will be flying and plan to bring your car with you, contact top-rated auto transport companies. You could also hire a driver you know personally or go through a professional driving company to transport your vehicle to Florida.

Alternatively, be sure you are working on selling your vehicle and locating a new one in Florida.

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Get to work

Packing is the most monotonous part of the move, so it is essential to give yourself plenty of time and to use best practices throughout the process. Try to set dates to complete each room or area in the house and stick to your schedule. Of course, you could always let the experts take care of all your belongings instead!

You can gather up free or cheap moving boxes in a variety of ways. Reach out to people you know personally or through friends or on social media who have recently moved. Visit your local supermarket or stores that may have a variety of boxes handy. You will also need to purchase or gather other packing necessities like bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, dollies, etc.

Begin packing up areas like storage, basements, attics, and closets. These often are the messiest and most time-consuming areas anyway.

Here are some suggestions for packing your boxes properly:

• Always tape the bottom and sides before beginning to fill it
• Use bubble wrap before packing fragile items
• Fill empty spaces between objects with the proper packing materials to prevent damage from shifting
• Label with “fragile,” “this side up,” “handle with care,” and other pertinent information

Break down bigger belongings

Are you moving hot tubs, gun safes, pianos, pool tables, or various appliances? Look into the work that goes into breaking these items down and preparing them for the move. Bring in the experts or set a timeline for preparing and moving these belongings yourself, and make sure you have plenty of hands to load and unload them so you can avoid injury.

Of course, you will also want to start disassembling furniture. This step is something else that professional movers can do for you. Follow instructions and keep associated screws, nails, and other pieces taped securely to the piece of furniture. Start with less-used furniture and move onto more frequently used pieces.

Inform important parties

Who needs to know about the big move? Consider banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies. And don’t forget to do these two things:

1. Change your mailing address with United States Postal Service (you can do this online)
2. Update your utilities and services information

Once you arrive in Florida, don’t forget other critical changes, like getting your new driver license, registering any guns, and arranging for prescriptions and medical care.

Be diligent with the packing and be honest about what you can do by yourself and when you could use help. Take our tips and tricks and customize them to your move, so you can begin living the good life in sun-kissed Florida!

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Florida Moving Services

You’ll never run out of things to do in sunny Florida, but before the fun begins, you have a tricky move to tackle. We find you the best services from the top Florida moving companies, so your move goes smoothly!

Interstate Moves

Your cross-country move to Florida can run smoothly with the right help. An interstate move can be daunting, but the experts will move your possessions safely and leave you happy and smiling in your new home. Our movers care about your belongings and have experience moving everything from bulky furniture to hefty boxes.

Intrastate & Local Moves

Florida is so great, why move anywhere else? If you are moving within the Sunshine State, we strive to keep your local move affordable. Affordable prices should never mean inferior services. Find the best Florida moving companies right here on Great Guys!

Small Load Moves

Is your move big or small? Even for small moves, you may choose to hire professionals to assist you with packing your boxes, transporting appliances, shipping a small load or simply loading the truck.

Furniture Shipments

Do you need to move all your furniture to your new home or storage unit? Our professionals can handle everything from couches to armoires with grace. You won’t have to worry about causing damage to your belongings or injury to yourself!

Piano Transport

Piano transport can be stressful, and you need effective experts to get the job done. The movers in our network employ the safest piano-moving strategies to make moving your beloved instrument worry-free.

Art & Antiques

Your art and antiques are valuable, and sometimes even irreplaceable. Professional movers offer attention to detail and securely transport your fragile belongings. Not only do they provide quality, but they also establish reasonable prices, so you experience minimal stress to your bank account.

Storage-in-Transit

Do you need safe short-term storage during your move? The FL moving professionals you’ll find here can also properly wrap up and store your belongings until you are ready for them.

Car Shipping

Do you need door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping for your vehicle? Our auto transport companies offer flexible options for shipping your automobile safely without putting any miles on it, so you can focus on getting yourself to your new home.

Packing Services

If you so choose, your movers also offer complete packing services for your home or office move. They pack items in specialty moving boxes with high-quality materials, so you won’t have to lift a finger.

Residential Moves

When it comes to moving your personal belongings or your family’s things, you want a professional who is licensed, certified, and experienced. We will make your residential move simple and stress-free by bringing you quotes from licensed and insured Florida movers.

Commercial Moves

Moving your place of work can be even more complicated than a residential move, but our office movers can streamline your relocation process. They have experience in business moves of all kinds, including special equipment and inventory.

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Ready to move to the Sunshine State? Click below to request your free moving estimates!

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