What to Know Before Moving to the Sunshine State

Thousands of people are moving to the sunshine state (Florida) every year. The Sunshine State enjoys mild to warm year-round temperatures, attracting snowbirds who don't want to deal with the cold. Instead of shoveling snow, Floridians can enjoy shuffleboard, walks along the beach, and water sports throughout the entire year.

With 8,346 miles of shoreline coast, Alaska is the only state in the U.S. with more shoreline coast. Whether you're planning your retirement or want to live near the ocean, you may have your heart set on relocating to Boca Raton, Miami, or another location in Florida. Read on to learn about everything you'll need to make your move to the Sunshine State.

You'll need a community to call home

Decide where you want to live is where you'd like to live. Although the average high temperatures range from 70.1°F in January to 90.0°F in August in Tampa, Key West FL enjoys highs of 75°F in January, which means water temperatures will also be warmer in Key West. That could help water lovers decide where they want to live.

You may opt for a city on the Gulf Coast to be closer to family in Texas or the Midwest. You can opt for a custom home in Pompano Beach or a retirement community in Boca Raton, FL. One way to narrow your search is to identify the reasons you want to live in Florida. Perhaps you have your heart set on an oceanfront home, or perhaps you'd like to live in a thriving city, such as Miami. Once you've clarified your priorities, research cities in Florida to find the best place to call home.

You'll need moving professionals

Moving is an enormous task. You can simplify the moving process by hiring a moving company to transport your belongings. This way, you won't have to worry about getting friends to help you move appliances or large pieces of furniture or driving a moving truck through your new home city. Moving professionals ensure you enjoy a stress-free, quick move.

Acquiring a storage unit is a great way to make moving manageable. Google "storage in Boca Raton" to find storage facilities near your destination. Renting a self-storage unit enables you to unpack at your leisure. You can reduce the stress of moving by taking items to your self-storage facility before relocating, so you have less to deal with on moving day. Thanks to self-storage locator tools, you can find a storage unit that's the right size for your needs and secure your belongings in a space with climate control, ensuring your property won't be affected by extreme temperatures.

You'll need a new home

Once you've chosen a destination, you'll need a new home. You may opt to use virtual custom home tours to find a custom home builder to construct a home suited to your needs. With a custom home, you'll be able to choose the layout and design features for your new home. Determine how many baths and bedrooms you need and consider your style preferences to ensure you find the perfect home for your new start in Florida.

You'll need a new job

Unless you're retiring, you'll need income. Since the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, many employers have embraced remote work options, so you may be able to work remotely in your present job. You can also search for in-person and remote work opportunities. Fortunately, websites such as Monster and Indeed make it easy to find job opportunities in every community throughout the United States.

You'll need local friends and favorite places

One of the challenges of moving is loneliness. Lack of familiarity with your new surroundings can be overwhelming, and you may find you're missing your favorite restaurants and stores from your former community. Use social networking sites to find local groups you can join. Attend a book club or take scuba diving lessons so you can meet people who share your interests. Explore your new city. Forming friendships and familiarizing yourself with the area will ensure you feel at home and settle into your new life in Florida.

You'll need to choose a new community to live in and find a new home when you plan your move to the Sunshine State. Professional movers and storage facilities can simplify the moving process. Once you're settled, you'll need a new job and local friends. Discovering favorite places you enjoy visiting, such as restaurants and shops, will also help you feel more at home.