The Complete Orlando Moving Guide
Moving can be stressful, especially when you're trying to coordinate a home, apartment, family, work schedule and dozens of small details at the same time.
If you're moving within Orlando, moving to Orlando from another Florida city, or relocating to Central Florida from another state, having a plan can make the process much easier.
This Orlando moving guide walks you through the major steps—from planning and packing to moving day and settling into your new home.
1. Start planning your move early
Ideally, begin planning several weeks before moving day.
Start by determining:
- Your moving date
- Where you're moving
- How much you're taking
- Whether you'll pack yourself
- Whether you'll hire professional movers
- Whether you need storage
- Whether you're moving locally or long-distance
- Whether you have specialty items such as pianos, safes or large furniture
If you're moving from an apartment or condominium, also check whether the property requires a reserved loading area, elevator reservation, certificate of insurance or specific moving hours.
2. Decide what you actually want to move
Moving is a good opportunity to reduce clutter.
Before packing, separate your belongings into:
Keep
Items you use and want in your new home.
Donate
Items that are still useful but no longer needed.
Sell
Furniture, appliances and other items that may have resale value.
Dispose
Broken, damaged or unusable items.
The less you move, the less time and effort the move generally requires.
3. Create a moving budget
Your moving expenses can depend on several factors, including:
- Number of movers
- Hours required
- Amount of furniture
- Distance
- Stairs
- Elevator access
- Packing services
- Disassembly/reassembly
- Specialty items
- Storage
- Additional services
Don't compare moving companies based solely on an hourly rate. Make sure you understand what is included in the estimate and whether there are additional charges for specific circumstances.
For a more detailed discussion, MOVE IT ALL can also provide an Orlando moving cost guide with examples and factors that affect pricing.
4. Choose the right type of moving service
Different moves require different levels of help.
Full-service moving
A professional moving company handles the physical move and may also provide packing, unpacking and other services.
Loading and unloading
If you have your own truck or container, you may only need professional help loading or unloading.
Apartment moving
Apartment moves may involve elevators, stairs, parking restrictions and building requirements.
House moving
House moves often involve larger quantities of furniture and may require additional planning for access, driveways and large items.
Commercial moving
Office and business moves require additional coordination because furniture, equipment, documents and technology often need to be moved around a company's operating schedule.
5. Pack strategically
Don't wait until the night before the move.
Pack items according to how you'll use them.
Label boxes with:
Room + contents + priority
For example:
KITCHEN — COOKING SUPPLIES — OPEN FIRST
Use sturdy boxes and appropriate packing material for fragile items.
Keep important documents, medications, valuables, chargers and personal necessities separate from the main household shipment.
6. Prepare for an Orlando move
Central Florida presents some unique moving considerations.
Heat, humidity and afternoon storms can affect moving day, particularly during warmer months.
Keep water available and dress appropriately for the weather.
If rain is expected, protect floors and furniture and communicate with your moving team about access to the property.
For apartment and condominium moves, check building rules ahead of time.
7. Don't forget your address changes
Before moving, update your address with organizations and companies that need your current information.
Consider:
- USPS
- Banks
- Credit cards
- Insurance companies
- Employers
- Schools
- Doctors
- Subscription services
- Government agencies
- Utilities
- Online retailers
Also arrange electricity, water, internet and other utilities for your new home.
8. Prepare your current home
Before movers arrive:
- Clear walkways
- Remove small objects from floors
- Secure pets
- Protect important personal items
- Disconnect items that you're responsible for disconnecting
- Make sure movers can access the property
- Reserve elevators or loading areas when required
- Tell the movers about stairs, gates, parking restrictions and other access issues
9. Prepare your new home
If possible, make sure the new property is ready before the moving truck arrives.
Check:
- Utilities
- Electricity
- Water
- Air conditioning
- Internet
- Parking
- Elevator access
- Building access
- Keys or access codes
If you're moving into an apartment or condominium, confirm where the moving truck should park.
10. Create a first-night box
Don't put everything you need immediately into the moving truck.
Keep a separate bag or box containing:
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Change of clothes
- Towels
- Toilet paper
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Snacks
- Water
- Pet supplies
- Children's essentials
Think of it as an overnight bag for your entire household.
11. Specialty items require additional planning
Some items need special attention.
Examples include:
- Pianos
- Safes
- Pool tables
- Large appliances
- Oversized furniture
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Heavy equipment
Tell your moving company about specialty items before moving day rather than surprising the crew when they arrive.
12. Moving day
On moving day, keep communication simple.
Have someone available to answer questions and provide access to both properties.
Before the move begins, confirm:
- Destination address
- Items being moved
- Special instructions
- Access information
- Any items requiring special handling
Before leaving the old property, do a final walkthrough.
Check closets, cabinets, garages, attics, patios and storage areas.
13. Moving within Orlando vs. moving to Orlando
A local Orlando move and a long-distance relocation can require very different planning.
Someone moving from:
Winter Park → Orlando
has different logistical considerations from someone moving:
Miami → Orlando
or
Atlanta → Orlando.
Distance, transportation, scheduling and the amount of coordination involved can all change.
14. How MOVE IT ALL can help
MOVE IT ALL is an Orlando-based moving company providing residential and commercial moving services throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
Services include:
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- House moving
- Apartment moving
- Commercial moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Furniture moving
- Piano moving
- Specialty moving
- Store deliveries
Orlando Moving Questions & Answers
Before Your Move
How far in advance should I hire movers?
As soon as possible. Especially on weekends and holidays. Even a tentative date is better than no date at all.
When should I start packing?
As soon as possible. Start with items you do not normally use or will need to use before moving day. Leave boxes where they lay. Piling them up in a corner makes for a longer move when loading per size box and weight.
What should I do before moving day?
Return cable and internet equipment. Set important papers, keys, jewelry, medications, and toothbrush aside.
What should I get rid of before moving?
Anything that you haven't used in over a year. Now is the time to clean out and organize what you do not need.
What should I pack first?
Items that you will not use before moving day.
Moving Day
What should I do when movers arrive?
Do a complete walk through with them to explain everything that is going.
What should I keep with me?
Important papers, keys, jewelry, medications, and toothbrush.
How should I prepare my home?
Leave walk ways open and free of items for easy access to exits. Put animals up.
What should I do with pets?
Crates, kennels, or secured in a room. We do not want any injuries for pets or movers.
What should I do with children?
Keep them busy and out of the path of the movers. We do not want them injured.
Where should the moving truck park?
Leave this to the discretion of your lead mover. Place vehicles prior blocking areas where the truck may need to park when they arrive, especially at apartment complexes.
Packing
Should I pack everything before movers arrive?
Unless you paid for professional packing services, yes, you are responsible for everything that fits in a large, medium, or small moving box.
Do movers pack dishes?
Yes, we do pack all fragile items.
How should I pack fragile items?
Bubble wrap or pro packing paper. Do not use newspaper. The ink will imbed itself on your items. Fill boxes to the top.
What should I not put in moving boxes?
Garbage bags are perfect for stuffed animals, bed pillows, throw pillows, comforters, etc.
Hiring Movers
How do I choose a moving company?
Check Google reviews! Check availability! You get what you pay for in this industry.
What questions should I ask movers?
Are you insured, are you licensed, what is your damage process, can I change my moving dates?
What information should I give a mover?
Billing name, email address, pick up addresses, delivery addresses.
What should a moving estimate include?
A guaranteed rate, billing name, email address, pick up addresses, delivery addresses.
Orlando-Specific
What is the best time of year to move in Orlando?
The winter time, out of the rainy season. Have a towel on hand to wipe water spots from furniture during the rainy season.
How does Orlando traffic affect moving?
Depending on the weather, construction, the day of the week, and the time of the day, this can effect your bill based on additional travel time.
What should apartment residents know before moving?
Secure a spot for the moving truck with your vehicle prior to arrival. After 9AM on the weekdays is the best time to move when most are at work.
What should I know about moving into a downtown Orlando building?
Make sure you know all of the HOA requirements needed for the moving process. Secure the day and the times needed for the elevator usage.
Need help with your move?
Call or text 407-750-2323 for a free moving estimate.
