Prime season for moving in South Florida (as in most places) is during the time kids are out of school – typically June through August. Moving can be among the most stressful things we do in our lives, but with the right planning, your move to South Florida can be made easier. Following the moving tips provided in the various sites mentioned below may help you turn your next house into a home sooner rather than later.
If you have any questions about intrastate household moving, you can call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) when calling within Florida, or (850) 488-2221 when calling from outside of Florida. Another helpful resource is Florida’s Division of Consumer Services website. Their site offers some good information on moving within Florida (household intrastate moving), including information on how to choose a mover, what the cost of your move will depend on, tips on successful packing, what your rights are, what to know before you sign an estimate or contract, about liability for loss/damage, important terms to know, what to do if you have a claim, as well as a basic moving checklist.
Another resource with useful information is the Florida Movers and Warehousemen’s Association (FMWA) which has established a code of ethics for its members. If you’re planning an interstate move, you may also find the information at the American Moving and Storage (AMSA) website helpful. AMSA is a non-profit trade association. Additionally, you can find articles on how to protect yourself from moving fraud as well as search movers and complaint history at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
To lighten your moving load, be sure to also read my previous post on ways you can benefit from having a garage sale which can also provide you with money to help pay for the move!
Aside from the physically demanding side of moving, remember to notify the utility companies and delivery services when to stop services at your old address and begin services at your new address. Additionally, your move will be smoother if you notify the post office of your change of address at least 7-10 days before your move-in date.