Guide for Moving to North Florida

Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is a popular choice among those relocating from around the country. Known for warm climates, friendly residents, exceptional outdoor living, plus a great quality of life with a reasonable cost of living, Florida draws a number of new residents annually. The state also has a long and colorful history, including the native Seminole Tribe and early Spanish settlements like St. Augustine, the U.S.’s oldest European settlement. 

There is much to love about Florida – from the younger crowds to those raising a family or even those retiring in their golden years, people of all ages often succumb to the allure of Florida. If you find yourself among those moving to the area, here is everything you need to know.

If you’re thinking of, or planning on, moving to Florida, you’re likely already attracted to the sandy beaches, the sunny weather, the delicious foods, the outdoor living, and the lack of state income tax. 

Let’s explore the perks of living in North Florida, starting with the savings.

• The Lack of State Income Tax – You know what this means, more money in your pocket monthly to save or spend, whichever you prefer.
• Lower Cost of Living – In terms of housing, the majority of Florida offers a great value dollar for dollar. As far as daily expenses go, the cost of living – products, services, healthcare, and so on – is well below the national average.
• Sunny, Warm Days – In North Florida, seasons are mild and warm, allowing residents to enjoy the great outdoors and explore all the state has in store.
• The Beaches – Though the pristine beaches of Florida can speak for themselves, it is good to know that Florida beaches are among the most beautiful in the world.
• Indoors and Out – There is so much to do in Florida, inside and out, from water sports to theme parks, to nature hikes, to biking, to cultural experiences, art festivals, and the list goes on!
• Sports and More Sports – Florida is a mecca for sports fans with three professional football teams, two professional baseball teams, two professional hockey teams, two professional basketball teams, plus a plethora of college and minor league teams as well as spring training venues.
• Delectable and Diverse Foods and Drinks – With thriving farms and multiple climate zones, fresh produce abounds, along with fresh seafood of all kinds from the ocean, gulf, rivers, and lakes. International influences offer the promise of uniquely Florida fare as well as craft beer, local wines, Cuban coffee, and more.
• Cultural Diversity – Florida, with its distinct allure, may be the most diverse melting pot in America. Attracting people of all ages, religions, and backgrounds, Florida is quite definitively a great place to live.
• Discounts on Local Attractions – Florida residents get discounts throughout the year at theme parks, resorts, and more! From Disney World to Palm Beach, locals-only discounts abound!
• The Ultimate Staycation – When you call Florida home, you can vacation anytime. Attractions, beaches, theme parks, and all that Florida has to offer are nearby – at most only a few hours away – making it unlikely you’ll ever run out of new, exciting places to explore. When you call Beacon Lake home, there are endless amenities to enjoy for all interests and ages!

Do you have your home picked out and your bags packed yet? If not, read on.

Now, given the weather in Florida year-round, when is the best time to make your permanent move to Florida?

The short answer is moving during the slow season can be less stressful. Especially if you have school-age children, moving during the summer months may be your best option, as your kids are out of school and there are fewer snowbirds.

As a parent, you want to be settled and ready for children to begin the school year at the start, rather than enrolling them mid-year. Searching for a home and moving during the middle of the school year would be stressful for you to balance and a tough adjustment for your young ones. On the other hand, the advantage of moving in the fall and winter is the weather is milder and cooler.

Moving is often stressful, even if you are moving to sunny and beautiful Florida, but with a little advance planning, you can make your move stress-free.

Now that you know all about living in the Sunshine State, let’s get you moving with a checklist designed to minimize your stress by helping you declutter and simplifying your packing and moving so you can settle quickly and easily into your new home.

One Month Prior to the Big Move:

• Research moving companies, make contact, and secure written estimates. Research each company’s insurer as well as how claims are made if property is damaged.
• After making comparisons, choose your moving company, make your reservation, and confirm, dates, times, and costs.
• Update your address with the USPS (United States Postal Service) – it can be completed easily online with no trip to the Post Office needed. You’ll also need to notify the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) of your new address.
• If needed, transfer school records for your children.
• Ask your family’s physicians for referrals, if needed, and inquire about the process of transferring medical records to your new doctors.
• Notify and update insurance information – home, auto, health, etc. Ask if your personal property is covered during the transition to your new home in Florida.
• Schedule cancellation of utilities, cable, internet, lawn care, pool care, etc. at your old home, as well as installation and start-up of these services at your new home.
• Notify your creditors of your new address.
• Declutter your home as you prepare your items for packing. Now is the time to make donations (tax-deductible), have a yard sale, and get rid of items you no longer need.
• Once the decluttering is complete, start prepping to pack your items.

Two Weeks Prior to the Big Move:

• Verify utility and home services cancellation dates.
• If you are packing, gather the needed packing supplies – boxes, tape, packing material, etc.
• Plan your travel arrangements for your family and your pets.
• Begin packing, labeling boxes clearly with contents and rooms. Keep items needed daily out in a central location to be packed on your final day in your old home.

One Week Prior to the Big Move:

• Confirm your moving reservations (moving company or truck rental).
• Secure your important documents and carry them with you. They shouldn’t be packed with your other belongings.
• Have any prescriptions transferred to your new pharmacy, or, if mail-order, make sure to update your new address.
• Notify bank of your move or transfer your accounts as needed.
• Clean as you pack, making sure to empty cabinets, closets, and appliances.
• Notify your friends and family of your new address.

The Day Prior to the Big Move:

• Make sure you have cash on hand for unexpected expenses.
• Have water and snacks for moving day and your travel days.
• Pack your final boxes, with the exception of traveling clothes and toiletries needed.

The Big Move – Moving Day:

• Note any meter readings in case of discrepancy with your final utility bills.
• Supervise your movers and verify details regarding your new address as well as the time to expect delivery.
• Make plans to arrive at your destination prior to the movers.

Once you arrive at your new home in Beacon Lake, unpack and begin enjoying your home with your family, exploring the amenities, meeting the neighbors, and making memories with your loved ones. As you settle in, you have all you need to enjoy everything Florida has to offer.

Contact Beacon Lake today – you’ll love living here!