How to Plan a Long Distance Move from New York City to Florida

Moving can be a stressful, hectic time for any person or family, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of moving to a different state, especially when that new state happens to be a thousand miles away.

You’re in luck, though. Driving from New York to Florida will give you the chance to travel through some of the most scenic and historic areas that our nation has to offer. Plan a relaxing route and give yourself plenty of driving and resting time, and you’ll be well on your way to turning a stressful move in time to make some wonderful new memories – almost like a vacation.

Here are a few more tips to help prepare for moving to Florida from NYC:

Keep the Climate in Mind

While everyone knows that Florida is the Sunshine State, New Yorkers are also used to dealing with the heat and humidity of the summer months. So even though you’ll probably need to extend your summer wardrobe of shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops, you’re going to need to take into account the difference in the winter months.

Winter storms in New York can be severe, with accumulations of snow and ice, and gray, slushy weather that can last for weeks at a time. In Florida, particularly on the coast, snow and ice won’t be a factor, but it can still get a little chilly at night. You’ll want to trade in those heavy winter coats and thermals for something with a thinner lining, like a windbreaker.

Adjust Your Outdoor Expectations

Depending on what part of New York you’re moving from, you’ll either be used to the noise, pavement and manicured greenery of Manhattan or the more rugged, mountainous scenery upstate. Florida will likely feel as though you’ve landed in a different country at first, exchanging mountains or cityscapes for dunes and palm trees. If you’re bringing any outdoor furniture, make sure it’s made to withstand the realities of Florida living – gritty sand, salty air and a lot of direct sunlight.

Pack and Travel with Distance in Mind

No matter how direct or leisurely your route to Florida might be, there is no escaping the fact that you’ll be moving your household and belongings over a thousand miles and varying terrain. For this reason, you should be prepared with sturdy boxes that are labeled and packed in a secure, logical way. You should also plan to hire movers for the trip, unless navigating a huge moving truck over hundreds of miles sounds like your idea of a good time. Several NYC moving companies, like Imperial Moving & Storage (imperialmovers.com), run routine loads between New York and Florida for a low, flat rate.

You’ll likely need to stop at least once overnight for rest, so be sure not to pack away anything you’ll need access to. A separate overnight bag with the essentials can come in handy if you’ll be spending one or more nights in a hotel along the way.

Keeping these tips in mind can make the difference between a stressful move and one that is relaxed and enjoyable. Pack securely, drive safely and enjoy the sunshine.