Moving to Orlando Checklist: Your Complete Timeline

Moving to a new city, especially across state lines, involves dozens of moving parts. This checklist breaks down everything you need to do, organized by timeline, so nothing falls through the cracks. We update this regularly to reflect the practical realities of relocating to Greater Orlando.

12 Weeks Before Moving: Research and Planning

This is the time to build the foundation of your move. The more thorough you are now, the smoother everything else goes.

• Research neighborhoods and communities: Start with our Places to Live directory to explore communities across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, and Polk counties. Consider commute times, housing types, schools, and lifestyle preferences.
• Set your budget: Determine how much you can spend on a home. Factor in not just the purchase price but also Florida-specific costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and potential CDD assessments.
• Compare cost of living: Review our Cost of Living in Orlando guide to understand housing, utilities, transportation, and insurance costs.
• Research employment and commute patterns: Orlando is a car-dependent city with toll roads. Understanding your daily commute can help narrow your neighborhood search.
• Start decluttering: Begin sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. The less you move, the lower your moving costs.

8 Weeks Before Moving: Find an Agent and Get Pre-Approved

• Find a local real estate agent: Work with an agent who knows the Greater Orlando market. A good agent can help you compare communities, understand pricing, and navigate Florida's specific real estate processes.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Contact a lender and get a pre-approval letter. This tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In a competitive market, having pre-approval is essential.
• Explore mortgage options: Compare conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loan programs. Each has different down payment requirements, credit score minimums, and mortgage insurance costs.
• Research Florida homeownership: Read our Homeowner's Guide to understand insurance, homestead exemption, HOA, and CDD considerations.
• Set up a moving folder or spreadsheet: Track your budget, timeline, contacts, and documents in one place. Include tabs for real estate, moving company, utilities, change of address, and new resident tasks.

6 Weeks Before Moving: Start House Hunting

• Begin house hunting: Your agent should set up a property search based on your criteria. Plan a visit to Orlando to tour homes in person, or arrange for virtual tours if you are moving from out of state.
• Research schools (if applicable): Use our School Districts guide to understand the options for your children. Contact the district directly for address-level zoning verification, as boundaries can change.
• Visit communities in person: Drive through different neighborhoods. Visit local shopping centers, parks, and amenities. Get a feel for commute times during rush hour.
• Start comparing moving companies: Get at least three in-home estimates from licensed and insured movers. Ask about interstate moving regulations, valuation coverage, and delivery windows.
• Check your credit report: Ensure your credit is in good shape for the mortgage application. Dispute any errors you find.

4 Weeks Before Moving: Logistics and Hiring

• Hire your moving company: Book the movers and confirm the dates. Get everything in writing, including the estimate, terms, and your rights and responsibilities under federal moving regulations.
• Notify your employer: Confirm your start date and any relocation benefits your company offers.
• Start gathering documents: Collect birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and any other documents you will need for the mortgage application and Florida residency.
• Schedule a home inspection (if under contract): In Florida, the standard inspection period is typically 7 to 15 days. Get quotes for a general home inspection, plus any specialized inspections (roof, HVAC, pool, termite/WDO, septic).
• Order moving supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and a good labeling system. Start packing non-essential items room by room.

2 Weeks Before Moving: Address Changes and Utilities

• Change your address: File a change of address with the USPS online or at your local post office. This is also a good time to update your address with banks, credit card companies, subscriptions, the IRS, and the DMV.
• Transfer or set up utilities: Contact the utility providers at your new Orlando home. Key providers include:
  • Electric: OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission) or Duke Energy, depending on your location
  • Water: Local city or county utility department
  • Natural gas: TECO Peoples Gas
  • Internet and cable: Spectrum, AT&T, or Xfinity are the main providers
  • Trash and recycling: City or county service, or a private hauler
• Cancel or transfer subscriptions: Notify your current internet, cable, and security system providers. Schedule shutoff dates to overlap with your move-in date.
• Forward medical records: Request your records from current doctors and find new providers in the Orlando area.
• Notify insurance providers: Contact your health, auto, and life insurance companies with your new address and moving date.
• Plan for pets: Update pet microchip information. Find a veterinarian in Orlando. Arrange safe transport for your pets on moving day.

1 Week Before Moving: Final Preparations

• Confirm your moving details: Call your moving company to confirm the date, time, and any special instructions. Confirm the delivery window for your belongings.
• Schedule a final walkthrough: If you are purchasing a home, do a final walkthrough within a few days of closing. Verify that repairs were completed, systems are working, and the property is in the agreed-upon condition.
• Prepare an essentials box: Pack a separate box or bag with items you will need immediately upon arrival: toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, important documents, snacks, and basic tools.
• Pack valuables separately: Jewelry, important papers, passports, and irreplaceable items should travel with you, not on the moving truck.
• Dispose of hazardous materials: Moving companies cannot transport flammable, corrosive, or pressurized items. Properly dispose of paint, cleaning chemicals, propane tanks, and batteries.
• Take photos of your home: Document the condition of your current home for your records, especially if you are renting and need to claim a security deposit.

Moving Day: Keys, Utilities, and First Night

• Pick up your keys: At closing, you will receive the keys to your new home. If you are renting, coordinate key pickup with your landlord or property manager.
• Verify utilities are active: Confirm that electricity, water, and gas are turned on before the movers arrive. You do not want to unload boxes in the dark or the Florida heat.
• Walk through the home: Check for any damage or issues that were not present during the final walkthrough. Document with photos.
• Direct the movers: Show the moving crew where to place large furniture and boxes. Label rooms in advance if possible.
• Check the essentials box: Unpack your first-night essentials: toilet paper, hand soap, towels, bedding, a few dishes, and basic cleaning supplies.
• Secure the home: Change the locks (rekey or replace them) so you know exactly who has keys. Set up any security system or cameras.

After Arrival: Florida Residency Tasks

Once you are settled, complete these important tasks to establish your Florida residency and protect your new home:

• File for homestead exemption: This is one of the most important and time-sensitive tasks after buying a home in Florida. File with the county property appraiser by March 1 of the year following your purchase to receive the $50,000 reduction in taxable value and the Save Our Homes cap. For more details, see our Florida Property Tax Guide.
• Get a Florida driver's license: New Florida residents must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit a local DMV office with proof of identity, Social Security card, and two proofs of Florida residency.
• Register your vehicle: New residents must register their vehicles with the Florida DMV within 10 days of starting employment or within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need your out-of-state title, proof of Florida insurance, and a vehicle inspection.
• Register to vote: Florida allows you to register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections website or in person at the DMV.
• Find local services: Identify a primary care doctor, dentist, pharmacy, and veterinary clinic near your new home. Find the closest grocery store, hardware store, and urgent care center.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors: Building relationships with your new neighbors helps you feel at home faster and can provide valuable local knowledge.
• Update your homeowner's insurance with the correct details: Make sure your policy reflects the correct address, occupancy status, and any completed renovations or security upgrades that could earn discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Orlando

How long does it take to move to Orlando from another state?

Most interstate moves to Orlando take 4 to 12 weeks from the initial planning stage to settlement in your new home. The timeline depends on whether you are renting or buying, how quickly you find a home, and the logistics of the move itself.

Should I rent first before buying in Orlando?

Many relocating buyers find it helpful to rent for the first 6 to 12 months to get to know different neighborhoods before committing to a purchase. This gives you time to experience commute patterns, local amenities, and community character firsthand. If you are confident about your target neighborhood and have a trusted local agent, buying directly is also common.

Do I need to visit Orlando before moving?

A visit is strongly recommended, especially if you are considering buying a home. Walking through neighborhoods, driving commute routes during traffic hours, and seeing homes in person gives you information that online research cannot provide. If a visit is not possible, your agent can provide detailed neighborhood information, video tours, and virtual showings.

What is the best time of year to move to Florida?

October through May offers the most comfortable weather for moving. Summer months (June through September) are hot, humid, and coincide with hurricane season. Moving during the off-season may also mean lower moving company rates and more flexible scheduling.

How much does it cost to move to Orlando from another state?

The cost varies widely based on distance, household size, and moving services. A typical interstate move of 1,000 to 1,500 miles for a 3-bedroom home can range from $4,000 to $10,000 for professional movers. Additional costs include travel, temporary housing, utility deposits, and closing costs on a home purchase.