How to Protect Your Move in Florida

Moving is always a stressful experience, but moving in Florida brings its own unique set of challenges. The intense heat, sudden storms, and high humidity can complicate packing and transporting belongings.

At Emerald Moving & Storage, we understand the difficulties Florida residents face during their move. To help, we’ve compiled tips on how to protect your move from start to finish and safeguard yourself when choosing a moving company.

Florida Moving Challenges

While moving is difficult anywhere, Florida comes with additional challenges that can complicate the process. Here are the key Florida-specific factors to keep in mind when planning your move:

1. Extreme Heat and Humidity: Florida’s hot, humid weather can damage sensitive items like electronics, wood furniture, and fabrics.
2. Thunderstorms and Hurricanes: Sudden storms, especially during hurricane season, can cause delays or damage. It’s important to plan for inclement weather.
3. Pests: The warm climate in Florida is home to insects and rodents, so you need to check your boxes and furniture carefully for pests.
4. Specialized Packing Needs: High humidity can cause moisture damage to items like books, fabrics, and papers, so proper packing is essential.

These challenges make it crucial to take extra precautions when moving in Florida. Here’s how you can protect your belongings during your move.

How to Overcome Florida’s Moving Challenges

Most people choose to move during the spring and summer months, which leads to higher demand for moving services. To avoid problems like traffic congestion, extreme heat, and humidity, plan your move early in the day, before the midday heat sets in. Here are some additional tips:

1. Monitor the Weather: Stay updated on forecasts and adjust your moving schedule to avoid rain or storms.
2. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you have plenty of water to keep cool in Florida’s heat.
3. Pack for Humidity: Use waterproof containers to protect your items from moisture.
4. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage: For added protection, store sensitive items in climate-controlled storage to avoid temperature extremes.

If you want to leave the hard work to the pros, a reliable moving company like Emerald Moving & Storage can handle the logistics, weather planning, and heavy lifting to ensure a stress-free move.

A Few More Things To Keep In Mind When Moving In / Out Florida

When hiring a moving company in Florida, be aware of potential scams. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

1. Get Written Estimates
   Always request at least three written estimates. Choose binding estimates to avoid surprise charges, and beware of “too good to be true” prices.
2. Check Insurance Coverage
   Ask about liability insurance and get written proof. Consider extra coverage for valuable items, and check if your homeowner’s insurance covers your move.
3. Know Local Ordinances
   Some counties have specific moving regulations. Contact the local county commission for more info.
4. File a Complaint: If you encounter issues with a moving company, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at www.800helpfla.com. You can also file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office online at www.myfloridalegal.com 

Prep & Plan: Steps to Protect Your Move

Proper planning can make all the difference between a smooth move and a stressful experience. Follow these steps to ensure your belongings stay safe and secure during your move:

1. Choose the Right Moving Company: Start by selecting a trustworthy, licensed, and insured moving company. This ensures accountability in case anything goes wrong. Emerald Moving & Storage is fully licensed and insured, so you can trust us with your possessions. Before hiring a moving company, check reviews, get multiple quotes, and choose a company with a strong track record.
2. Inventory & Documentation : Create a detailed inventory of your items before you start packing. Take photos and videos for insurance purposes in case something is damaged or lost during the move. Keep essential documents like IDs, contracts, and insurance policies safe and easily accessible.
3. Pack Properly: Packing is crucial for protecting your belongings. Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and strong tape. To guard against Florida’s humidity, consider using waterproof containers for sensitive items. For fragile items, be sure to pack them with plenty of padding to prevent damage. The better you pack, the safer your belongings will be during the move.

How to Protect Your Belongings During Transit

Once your move is planned and your belongings packed, it’s time to ensure their safety during transit. Here’s how to protect your items while they’re on the road:

1. Weather Preparedness: Florida’s weather can change rapidly. Always monitor the forecast and be ready to cover your items with plastic sheets or tarps when loading or unloading.
2. Safe Handling: Ensure movers use proper lifting techniques to prevent damage, especially in the heat where items may be more fragile.
3. Securing Items in the Truck: Properly secure items in the moving truck to prevent shifting during transit. Unsecured items are more likely to get damaged.
4. Pest Prevention: Inspect your items for pests before loading them onto the truck. Florida’s warm climate is home to various insects and rodents, so it’s important to prevent infestations from following your move.

After the Move

1. Unpacking & Inspection
   Check your belongings for any damage or missing items as soon as you arrive. Contact your moving company immediately to start the claims process if necessary.
2. Insurance & Claims
   Review your insurance coverage before moving. If anything is damaged, file a claim promptly for quick resolution.
3. Post-Move Storage
   Consider climate-controlled storage for sensitive items like electronics and documents to protect them from temperature and humidity changes.

Hire Emerald Moving and Forget About Everything Else

Moving in Florida takes extra care, but with the right planning, packing, and weather prep, you can ensure a smooth transition. Let Emerald Moving & Storage handle the heavy lifting, logistics, and all the details so you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact us today for a free quote, and experience a hassle-free move from start to finish!