For the 131 million visitors to Florida each year, the Sunshine State is a tropical paradise. Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, top theme parks like Disney and Universal Studios, and unique wildlife like alligators and manatees. Some people love their visit to Florida so much, they actually want to stay there.
Between finding a moving company or storage facility and preparing for the relocation of all your possessions, here are a few things you should know.
1. Florida has wet and dry seasons.
While Florida is known for its temperate climates, it does have changing seasons. For moving, the most notable season is the summer, where it rains almost every day. A sunny sky can turn dark and storms can rush in, typically in the afternoon. While these showers don’t last long, they can impact an otherwise great experience during your move.
Consider moving during the drier months from October through April. You can also look for reliable movers in Fort Lauderdale, like Solomon & Sons, who can work quickly to beat the rain and handle your belongings with great care.
2. Look for a house that meets hurricane standards
If you are planning to buy a home when you move, make sure it meets basic recommendations for hurricane safety, especially if you’re making a long-distance move. At the very least, you need a strong foundation, reliable roof, and hurricane windows that can withstand the wind and rain. Additionally, some people look for elevated houses or homes that have built-in hurricane shutters to make storm preparation easier.
Additionally, check the flood zone in the areas you want to live in. Moving past that zone could be the difference in keeping your home dry when the rains come.
This isn’t to say that you should be afraid of hurricanes or reconsider moving because of these storms. Most storms pass by Florida or inflict minimal damage. However, hurricane preparedness is part of life there and you can set your home up for some peace of mind.
3. Housing costs in Florida are on the rise.
Florida is the third-largest state in the nation behind New York and California. The current population is also growing. Each year, more people move to Florida to enjoy the tropical weather and readily available job opportunities.
The problem is that all of these people moving to Florida need to live somewhere, and housing costs have been on the rise, especially in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. It may take you longer to find a home you love or you may need to get a smaller house when you move there. If this is the case, use the US Storage Units finder to hold your belongings like your couch or dresser until you have a house that fits everything you need.
4. You might not want to live next to tourist attractions.
Many people move to Florida because they want to live next to Disney or have a house on the beach. However, this might not provide the best experience for you. These homes are significantly more expensive. This can raise upfront costs, placing a financial strain on your family. During peak tourist seasons, traffic in these areas spikes, and it will take longer to get where you need to go. Living in these areas also means living farther away from schools and many business districts.
Consider looking for a home near your new workplace or near some of the top schools in the area. You can still live close to the beach without sacrificing several of the creature comforts you have grown to love.
Whether you’re looking for a mover or Long Distance Movers Florida that prioritizes punctuality and reassembly or you’re dying to get to the beaches in Ft. Lauderdale, preparing for your move is the smartest option.
