Top 5 Essential Florida Moving Tips For 2022

Florida is a state that draws in people for different reasons: the warm weather, the diverse community and unique culture, and beautiful beaches to name a few. Whether you're looking to buy a house or just relocate down south, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. We explore five key relocation tips in this quick guide. Let’s dive in!

Weigh the pros and cons of moving to Florida

Many people move to Florida for the beautiful weather, but there are also many other reasons to want to live in the state.

Wine Country
With over 1,000 wineries, Florida has more than any other state. The climate is perfect for wine production and the state has a wide variety of grape types to choose from.

The diverse population
Over 20 million people call Florida home, which means there are always plenty of opportunities to meet new people. The population is also incredibly diverse, with people from all over the world living in the state.

Cost of living
Florida is one of the most affordable states in the country, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a place to start their own business or invest money.

On the downside, you might want to reconsider relocating here for the following reasons:

High temperatures and humidity
Both are very common in Florida, which can be tough on the body and mood.

Hurricanes
Florida is one of the states most vulnerable to hurricanes, so it's important to be prepared for the possibility of one hitting your area.

Crime levels
Florida ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S., so if you're looking for a safe place to live, you may want to look elsewhere.

Research Florida cities to find the best one for you

From the bustling metropolises of Miami and Orlando to the charming small towns dotting the state's Gulf Coast, Florida has plenty of options to choose from. Here are the top 3 cities worth considering:

Miami
Miami is one of the most popular destinations in Florida due to its alluringly warm weather and numerous attractions, including world-famous beaches like Miami Beach. If you're looking for a bustling metropolitan area with all the amenities, Miami is definitely worth consideration.

Cape Coral
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral offers year-round sunshine with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The city features many attractions such as Hyatt Regency Cape Coral Resort and Spa, Cross Creek Mall, and The Village at Gulfstream Park.TallahasseeWith access to world-class universities and plenty of job opportunities, Tallahassee is a great place to live and raise a family. The city is compact with manageable traffic and offers a variety of shopping options, including outlets like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Other cities to check out are Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

Decide whether to buy or rent

A big decision when relocating is deciding whether to buy or rent a home. Buying gives you the stability and tax perks of owning a home, but renting can be more flexible, particularly if you have school-aged children who attend different schools throughout the year.

When you buy a home in Florida, you will typically enjoy more tax breaks and deductions than if you rent. Even so, you need to factor in the cost of property taxes, which can be up to 8% of the price of the home.

If you decide to rent, be sure to explore all your leasing options. Also, remember to factor in the cost of utilities, parking, security deposits, and possible repairs or replacements that may be necessary over time. Rental properties in major cities in Florida like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville can come in all shapes and sizes, from apartments to houses, condos, and land plots.

Educate yourself about Florida weather and hurricanes

Florida weather can be tricky to predict, especially during hurricane season. To help you deal with the unpredictable elements, follow these tips to stay safe:

Have a plan for dealing with Florida weather and hurricanes
Keep yourself informed about the weather conditions in your area and make sure your preparation includes enough supplies and shelter. Before you even leave your home state, be sure to consult with your insurance company about coverage in case of an event like a hurricane.

Learn about Florida's weather patterns
Familiarize yourself with your new location's typical temperatures, precipitation levels, and hurricane potential. This will give you an idea of what to expect while on the move, and help you make informed decisions about packing and planning.

Look for areas that are less susceptible to hurricanes
Jacksonville, Miami Beach, Tampa Bay, and Orlando are areas that have seen their fair share of major hurricanes in recent years.

Hire a professional mover

To make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible, enlist the help of a professional relocation mover. A professional will do all the heavy lifting for you, so you can spend your time packing and organizing instead of dealing with back-and-forth phone calls, long drives, and navigating tricky bureaucracies.

When choosing a mover, it is important to think about your specific needs and preferences. Do you want assistance packing and organizing your belongings? Do you need help transporting your furniture and large items? Do you want help loading and unloading the truck? All of these factors will play into what type of mover is best for you.

Welcome to Florida!

Whether you are moving to Florida for work, school, or just because life has brought you here, you need to plan accordingly to ensure your big move goes on as planned. We hope that this information will help make your transition as smooth as possible and that you'll end up loving living in sunny Florida!