The Ultimate Central Florida Moving Guide: A Comedy of Sweat & Boxes
Moving can be a real headache. It’s also a hot and sticky process here in Central Florida. You call a bunch of movers, realize their prices could fund a small vacation, and decide, “I got this!” Smart move! Or was it? By the time your back starts sounding like bubble wrap, it’s too late.
So, if you’re determined to throw your stuff in a wagon and hit the Oregon—I mean, Florida—Trail, let’s do it right. Whether you’re recruiting professional back-savers or going full DIY mode, here’s your roadmap to moving success (and survival).
1. Start With a Checklist (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
Before chaos unfolds, get yourself a moving checklist. Like a treasure map, but instead of gold, it leads to less stress. Grab one here:
📋 Moving Checklist
Use it. Love it. Stick it to your fridge with the one surviving magnet from your last move.
2. Budget – Because Surprise Moving Costs Aren’t Fun
You know what’s fun? Your new house. You know what’s not? Realizing you spent half your budget on last-minute truck rentals, bubble wrap, and pizza bribes for friends who “suddenly have plans.”
Decide early:
💰 DIY or Movers? (And if movers, get quotes!)
🚛 Rental truck? Storage unit? Extra gas money?
🍕 Bribery budget for helpful friends?
3. Organize, Declutter & Clean – Less Stuff = Less Sweat
The less you move, the less you have to move. Deep thoughts, huh? Now’s the time to part ways with that treadmill-turned-clothing-rack and the collection of mystery charger cords from 2009.
🗑 Donate, sell, or toss what you don’t need
🧼 Clean as you go (so future-you doesn’t hate past-you)
4. Scheduling – Timing Is Everything
Florida weather is unpredictable, but one thing is certain: moving in July feels like surviving a sauna. Plan wisely.
📅 Book rental trucks or movers early
🌦 Check the forecast and avoid hurricane season
🏡 Confirm closing/move-in dates—no one likes surprise delays
5. Inventory – Because “Where’s My Stuff?” Is a Bad Game
Lost something? Oh well. Just kidding! Prevent the “mystery of the missing coffee maker” by keeping an inventory.
📝 Make a list of valuables
📸 Take photos of electronics/wiring before unplugging (thank me later)
6. Medical & School Records – Because They Don’t Move Themselves
You don’t want to get settled only to realize your new doctor has no idea who you are and your kid’s school needs paperwork… yesterday.
🏥 Transfer medical records & refill prescriptions
📚 Register kids for school ahead of time
7. Measure Furniture – Avoid the “It Won’t Fit” Meltdown
If your couch won’t fit through the door, congratulations! You now have a lovely front yard seating area.
📏 Measure everything—doors, hallways, furniture
🛋 Plan where stuff will go BEFORE you start shoving it inside
8. Dispose of Hazardous Materials (No, They Don’t Go in a Box)
Certain things don’t belong in a moving truck, like that half-used propane tank or your collection of mystery chemicals from under the sink.
☠️ Check local disposal guidelines for paint, batteries, propane, etc.
9. Prepping the Fridge & Oven – Because Smelly Surprises Stink
Two things no one wants: melted frozen pizza and a science experiment in an unplugged fridge.
🚿 Defrost & clean the fridge before moving
🔥 Give the oven a deep clean (because the next owners will notice if you don’t)
10. Pack an “Oh Crap” Box – Because You’ll Need It
There’s always that moment when you need something right now—and it’s buried under 50 boxes.
📦 Pack a survival kit with:
✔ Cash
✔ Chargers
✔ Important documents
✔ Snacks & coffee (non-negotiable)
✔ Soap, paper towels, TP
✔ Remote controls (unless you want a fun game of “find the TV remote” later)
11. Notify Services – Because You Still Need Power & Internet
There’s nothing like moving into a dark, WiFi-free home to make you question your choices.
📞 Notify:
✅ Utilities (power, water, gas)
✅ Internet & cable
✅ Post office (forward your mail, unless you like surprises)
✅ Subscriptions (unless the new owner wants your Amazon deliveries)
12. Packing – The Right Way (Yes, There Is One)
Packing is a skill. Some have it, some… should try harder.
🎁 Label boxes clearly (“kitchen” is better than “stuff”)
📦 Pack fragile items properly—don’t trust wishful thinking
🚚 Heavy stuff on bottom, lighter stuff on top (because gravity is a thing)
13. Managing Pets – Because They Have No Idea What’s Happening
Moving is stressful for pets, too. One minute, they have a comfy home. The next, their entire world is in boxes.
🐶 Set up a quiet space for them on moving day
🐱 Keep food, meds, and leashes easily accessible
🚗 Secure them properly when traveling
14. Cleaning – Old Place & New Place (Yes, Both)
Leave your old home clean (because karma), and make sure your new one is move-in ready.
🧽 Wipe down surfaces
🛏 Sanitize bathrooms & kitchen
🧹 Sweep/mop before hauling in furniture
15. Lifting Properly – Because Chiropractors Are Expensive
The last thing you want is to throw out your back before unpacking.
🚛 Lift with your legs, not your back
🛑 Don’t be a hero—use dollies and ask for help
🥵 Stay hydrated (because Florida is basically a sauna)
Final Thoughts – You Survived!
Congratulations! You’ve conquered the Florida moving challenge. Now it’s time to:
🏡 Celebrate
🍹 Enjoy a well-earned drink
🛋 Find that one box with the coffee maker
And most importantly—never move again.
Need help buying or selling? Call Darron Burow with Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage—because moving is easier when you have the right help!