Moving to Miami means trading winter coats for sunscreen — and dealing with a few local details that newcomers often don’t expect. This checklist breaks the move into manageable steps, starting eight weeks before moving day.
Eight weeks before
- Book your movers. Peak season runs from late spring through the summer and again in December. Get at least three quotes and check that the company is licensed for interstate moves if you are coming from out of state.
- Research schools. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the fourth-largest district in the country and offers many magnet and charter programs with early application deadlines.
- Plan your budget. Factor in deposits, insurance and the cost of furnishing a home in a new climate.
Six weeks before
- Declutter. Heavy winter clothing and snow equipment won’t be needed. Sell or donate them before the move.
- Arrange home insurance. If you are buying, get insurance quotes early — in Florida, they can affect your closing.
- Transfer medical records and find new doctors and dentists.
The families who settle in fastest are the ones who visit the neighborhood at different times of day before they move. Drive the school run at 7:30 am and the commute home at 5:30 pm.
Four weeks before
- Set up utilities. Electricity in most of Miami-Dade is provided by FPL; water and sewer are handled by the county or your city. Book internet installation early, as appointments can fill up.
- Forward your mail and update your address with your bank, employer and subscriptions.
- Plan parking for moving day. Condo buildings usually require you to reserve the service elevator and loading dock and may ask for a certificate of insurance from your movers.
Two weeks before
- Pack a first-week box with essentials: sheets, towels, chargers, medicines, a few kitchen items and important documents.
- Confirm details with your movers, building management and utility providers.
- Prepare your pets for the move and find a local veterinarian.
Moving week
- Do a final walk-through of your old home.
- Keep valuables with you, including jewelry, documents and computers.
- Check the weather. Summer afternoons in Miami often bring heavy thunderstorms. Morning moves are easier.
After you arrive
Within 30 days
- Get a Florida driver’s license and register your vehicle. Florida requires new residents to do this within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Register to vote and update your address with the IRS if needed.
By March 1
- Apply for the homestead exemption if you bought your primary residence. It reduces your taxable value and caps future increases in assessed value. The deadline is March 1 of the year after you buy.
Before hurricane season
- Prepare a hurricane kit with water, non-perishable food, batteries, a radio, first-aid supplies and copies of important documents.
- Know your evacuation zone and plan where you would go.
Settling in
The first few weeks set the tone. Introduce yourself to your neighbors or your building’s staff, learn the garbage and recycling schedule and find the nearest pharmacy, urgent care center and hardware store. Sign up for your city’s emergency alerts, and if you have children, visit their new school before the first day.
Miami’s climate is part of the adjustment. Plan outdoor activities for the morning or early evening in summer, wear sunscreen year-round and keep an umbrella in the car for the daily afternoon showers.
Finally, give yourself time. Most newcomers say it takes a full year — one complete cycle of seasons, from the busy winter to the quiet, humid summer — before Miami truly feels like home.
Enjoy your new city
Once the boxes are unpacked, get out and explore: the beaches, the parks, the food and the culture. Miami rewards curiosity, and every neighborhood has something new to discover. Welcome home.
New to the city? Start with our neighborhood guide, browse rentals for a soft landing, or talk to one of our agents before you book the movers.
