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How to Prepare for an In-state Move in Florida

Aerial Photo The Waterways Aventura Florida

Getting ready for an in-state move? Hi, I’m Joe Polilo, President of Cousins USA, and over the course of my 30-year career, I’ve helped thousands of families with intrastate moves just like yours.  Whether you’re headed across town or to a new city within Florida, the key to avoiding chaos is clear planning and proactive task management. 

In general, you’ll want to start organizing 4–6 weeks ahead with a moving timeline that outlines everything from decluttering and packing to utility transfers. Break the process into bite-sized tasks and tick them off with a reliable checklist where you can also track costs associated with your move as they accumulate.

Ready to take control of your in-state move? Let’s break down the four essential steps you don’t want to skip.

 

Step 1: Budgeting for an In-state Move

Expenses can add up over the course of an in-state move, that’s why it’s so important to take the time well before you start packing up boxes to  plan out your budget. 

Start with a full cost estimate, including every item you can think of. You can use a free tool like Google Sheets to map out individual costs and easily add them all up. 

To help you set the foundation for your planning, here are some common sources of costs:

  • Boxes, tape, and other packing materials
  • Cleaning supplies and services for the old place
  • Fuel or mileage if you’re renting a truck
  • Meals on moving day
  • Storage costs if there’s a gap between leases or move in day is extended
  • Utility new connection or deposit charges
  • Pet boarding or vehicle transport

While this is a good starting point, it’s almost impossible to fully predict every cost that will come from your move. So be sure to keep coming back to your cost tracking document to add new charges as they arise. 

 

Step 2: Choosing the Right Local Moving Team for your Move or Finding a Rental Truck

The most important part of every move is figuring out how you’re going to get everything you own from point A to point B. 

The Right Moving Company for your Move

Hiring a moving company in Florida can cost anywhere in the range of $452 – $3,865, according to MoveBuddha. 

When looking for the best professional moving companies, there are three traits to keep an eye on:

  • Their track record with previous clients: Take a look at their reviews on their Google Business page, Yelp or ask your friends or family about moving companies they’ve worked with in the past.
  • Service Options and Licence: Did you know it’s illegal for a moving company to take in-state moving jobs without a valid license? Make sure the in-state mover you choose is licensed with the FMCSA by looking them up in the Mover Database. 
  • Quote Transparency: Avoid companies that only offer quotes over the phone without specifics. Generally, a moving company needs to actually see your house and learn about your job before they give you a quote.

Renting a Truck for your Move

Renting a truck is a great option if you think you can handle your move on your own. Be aware though, the costs associated with renting a truck can ramp up faster than you think. 

Typically, the cost for renting a truck can range from as low as $30 to as high as $3,500 for a full trip, according to Angi’s List.

ThisOldHouse.com also has a handy calculator you can use to get an estimate on how much your truck rental might cost based on your location. 

You should also know – many moving companies will help you pack your house and load your rental truck as a part of what is called a “labor only move.” This option tends to cost less than having a moving company come out to your house with their own truck. 

If you find your job starts getting bigger than you thought it would be, call around to a few moving companies and see if hiring movers just for labor is cost-effective for your relocation.

 

Step 3: Packing for your In-state Move

To keep the process of packing your house efficient and manageable, use a focused, room-by-room approach. Clearly labeling packing boxes with the rooms they belong to or the items inside. You may also want to put together another handy Google spreadsheet to log every item you pack in order to make sure everything gets to your new house without getting lost. 

The costs associated with buying packing supplies can surprise you, so make sure you carefully keep track of expenses related to boxes and packing materials. The positive thing is that oftentimes packing supplies are built to last so if you may be able to save them for a move in the future or to move things around the house over the years. 

Here are a few figures to give you an idea:

  • Boxes: Use a mix of small, medium, and large boxes—with double-walled options for fragile or valuable items. Cost: $3-10 each depending on size
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper: Wrap glassware, electronics, and decor to prevent chips and cracks. Cost: $5-13 per roll
  • Packing tape: Buy heavy-duty, pressure-sensitive tape that holds through lifting and stacking. Cost: $3 -5 per roll
  • Markers: Thick black markers for labeling, plus color-coded labels if tracking by room. Cost: $3-13 each
  • Moving blankets or pads: Protect furniture and large appliances from scratches and dents. Cost: $10-100 each, depending on size

 

Step 4: Setting up Utilities and Change of Address for a Florida Move

Moving within the same state doesn’t exempt anyone from administrative details. Updating your address and managing your utilities correctly prevents a cascade of avoidable problems like delayed mail, lapsed service, and even missed bills. Timing is everything here, so streamline the process before moving day arrives.

Here are the big-ticket items you want to make sure you don’t forget:

  • USPS Change of Address
  • Banking and Credit Cards: Log into your online accounts and update your address immediately after USPS confirmation.
  • Insurance Providers: Contact auto, health, and renters/homeowners insurance companies. Policies can differ by ZIP code, so this step directly affects your coverage.
  • Employer and Payroll: Notify your HR department to avoid disruptions in pay stubs, tax documents, or benefits communication.
  • Subscriptions: Think of your food delivery and streaming service billing information.
  • Utilities:
    • Shut-off date
    • Activation Date

 

Conclusion

Preparing for an in-state move in Florida may feel overwhelming, but the right approach makes all the difference. By starting early, setting a budget, carefully choosing between movers or a truck rental, packing with intention, and staying on top of utilities and address changes, you’ll keep the process organized and stress levels low. 

Think of your move as a series of small, manageable steps instead of one giant task, and use checklists or digital tools to keep track of progress. With thoughtful planning and a proactive mindset, you’ll be ready to settle into your new Florida home with confidence and ease.