Are you thinking about making the cross-country move from California to Florida? If so, you aren’t alone. Every year, the Sunshine State attracts thousands of newcomers looking to live in a state with beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, and an affordable cost of living. From the ample sunshine and warm climate to the stunning coastline and incredible wildlife, there are countless reasons to love Florida. With so many exciting attractions and so much to offer, it’s easy to see why so many people are flocking to Florida.

While the thought of moving across the country to this beautiful destination is certainly exciting, it can also be quite stressful.

There is a lot to consider when moving long distance including cost, logistics, and timing. The process of moving from California to Florida will be different for everyone, but let’s explore the benefits of living in Florida as well as moving options and tips for a successful cross-country relocation.

Why It’s Great to Live in Florida

Florida is packed with incredible amenities that draw millions of visitors as well as droves of new residents.

For starters, many people are drawn to Florida’s climate. Floridians are treated to more than 300 days of sunshine each year and winter temperatures that hover around 70 degrees. Although it can get hot in the summer, you are never far from a pool or ocean where you can jump in and cool off and you can’t beat living in a state where t-shirts and shorts are your year-round attire.

Aside from the weather, Florida boasts some of the best beaches in the country and no matter where you live in the state, you are never far from a beach. Combine the beautiful weather and beach life with affordability, low taxes, diverse wildlife, and world-class attractions and it’s no wonder the Sunshine State is such a popular destination.

Boasting fabulous food, exciting sports, charming beach towns, and world-famous amusement parks, Florida is one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

How Much Does it Cost to Move from California to Florida?

One of the first things on your mind is probably, “How much will it cost me to move from California to Florida?” The fact is, there are a number of factors that go into determining the cost of a move so it is difficult to say exactly how much it will cost. The price of your move will vary depending on whether or not you hire professional movers or move yourself as well as the number of items you are moving. Other factors such as the time of year and the exact distance of the move can also affect the price.

What Moving Options Do I Have?

Hiring Professional Movers: You have the option to hire a professional moving company to handle your long-distance move and while this might seem like a convenient option, it doesn’t come cheap. The average cost of a cross-country move with professional movers can be anywhere from $4000-$8000 depending on how many items you are moving.

Renting a Moving Truck: This is a much more affordable option than hiring professional movers and is ideal for those do-it-yourselfers looking to save money. That said, it is a great option for moving from a small one or two-bedroom apartment but might not be feasible for someone moving from a larger home. As far as cost, the cost of renting a truck usually includes a set rate, fuel charges, and additional insurance.

Renting a Portable Storage Container: One of the most popular and convenient cross-country moving options is renting a portable storage container. It is a great alternative to full-service movers because it saves you a tremendous amount of money and the portable containers double as storage before and after the move. It gives you the flexibility to pack and unpack at your leisure and the container can be safely transported directly to and from each location by the storage company. The cost will depend on how long you rent the storage containers as well as the distance of the transport. In general, the average price of a cross-country move with a portable storage container is between $2000-$3000 compared to $4000-$8000 for hiring professional movers.

Tips for a Long-Distance Move

A long distance move is a big undertaking but taking the time to plan your move carefully can help you avoid pitfalls along the way. Since you won’t have the luxury of making multiple trips back and forth, you need to take a few extra steps to simplify the process so you are prepared right from the start.

• ●Purge and Declutter: In order to make your long-distance move as easy as possible, you need to rescue the amount of items you take with you. Before you pack, take the time to sort through your belongings and sell or get rid of any unwanted items.
• ●Pack in Advance: Don’t wait until the last minute to get started packing. There are a lot of logistics involved in planning a long-distance move and you don’t want to exacerbate your stress by waiting until the last minute to pack.
• ●Create an Inventory List: An inventory list is a great way for you to keep track of everything you are bringing with you. You can also color code your boxes and make note of that on your inventory list so you can easily find what you need when you arrive at your new home.
• ●Create a Moving Checklist: There are so many things to get done when you are moving and it’s easy to lose track of time.A moving checklist can help you stay organized, stay on track, and ensure you get everything done.

Moving all the way from California to Florida is no easy feat but Smartbox Moving and Storage has everything you need to make your cross-country move easy and affordable. We are your one-stop-shop for everything you need for a successful long-distance move. Whether you prefer to rent a moving truck or portable storage containers, we have you covered. We even offer loading and unloading services to make your move even easier. We can assess your needs and help you find a moving solution that fits your budget. We also have boxes, packing supplies, and everything you will need to prepare for your move. We provide you with convenient and affordable moving and storage solutions so your relocation is easy and hassle-free.