Before you book
- Pick flexible dates if you can, with a backup date a few days later.
- Ask about the mover's weather policy: rescheduling fees, delays in transit, and how items on the truck are protected.
- Choose valuation coverage that fits the value of your belongings (basic coverage is limited).
- Book storage options in advance in case delivery has to wait. Climate-controlled storage is best for Florida humidity.
Insurance: handle this early
- Buy homeowners or renters insurance for your new home well ahead of the move. Insurers often pause new policies when a storm is approaching.
- Consider flood insurance. Standard homeowners policies usually don't cover flooding, and NFIP flood policies typically take 30 days to start.
- Keep your old policy active until you've fully moved out.
Two weeks before moving day
- Photograph or video your belongings and note serial numbers for electronics. This helps with any claim.
- Pack important documents (IDs, deeds, insurance papers, medical records) in a waterproof bin you carry yourself.
- Use plastic bins or double-bag items that can't get wet, such as photos, papers and electronics.
- Refill prescriptions and set aside a 3-day supply of water, food and medications.
- Confirm your condo or HOA move rules, elevator reservations and any certificate of insurance requirements.
The week of your move
- Check the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) daily for tropical activity.
- Confirm the crew arrival time and keep your mover's direct number handy.
- Charge phones and power banks, and keep cash in case of power outages.
- Fill your car's gas tank early, since fuel lines form quickly when a storm threatens.
If a storm threatens your move
- Call your mover right away to discuss rescheduling. Safety comes first for you and the crew.
- Follow local evacuation orders. Don't try to finish a move during a watch or warning.
- Secure packed boxes off the floor and away from windows in an interior room.
- Keep your "go bag" and document bin with you, not on the moving truck.
After the storm passes
- Check both homes for damage, and photograph anything affected before cleanup.
- Inspect deliveries carefully and note any water damage on the delivery receipt before signing.
- Contact your insurer and mover promptly about any claims. Deadlines apply.
Tip: Moving into Florida? Hurricane shutters, impact windows, a generator plan and your evacuation zone are worth asking about before you buy or rent. Many Florida counties offer an online evacuation-zone lookup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the riskiest time to move in Florida?
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and activity typically peaks from mid-August through October. Moves in that window benefit most from flexible dates and a backup plan.
What happens if a hurricane hits on my moving day?
Reputable movers will reschedule for safety. Ask before booking how they handle weather delays, whether rescheduling costs extra, and what happens to items already on the truck.
Can I buy insurance on my new Florida home right before a storm?
Often not. Insurers commonly stop issuing or changing policies once a storm threatens an area. Secure homeowners or renters coverage well before your move date. Flood policies through the National Flood Insurance Program typically have a 30-day waiting period.
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