Moving to South Florida? Here are 5 Tips I Learned From My Own Move

Four years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move from New York City to South Florida. As a real estate professional, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what to expect—but as anyone who has made a big move knows, there are always lessons you learn along the way. Today, I’m sharing my top 5 tips for making your relocation smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable—especially if you’re moving from the hustle of the Northeast to the sunshine of South Florida.

1. Visit Before You Commit

You can read all the blog posts, watch all the YouTube videos, and scroll through every city guide on Instagram—but nothing compares to experiencing a place for yourself.

Before choosing your new city or neighborhood, plan at least one or two trips to South Florida. Walk the neighborhoods, eat at the local restaurants, talk to people, and most importantly—pay attention to how it feels. Every city has a different vibe, and just because someone else loved a certain area doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for you.

For example, you might think you’re a Miami Beach person… until you discover the peaceful lifestyle in Boca Raton or the family-friendly charm of Palm Beach Gardens. Trust your gut. You know yourself better than any online article does.

2. Let the Homes Help You Decide

This one might surprise you. When I started looking for homes, I had my heart set on a specific city. But during my search, I discovered a new construction community in another area that offered better pricing and more of what I wanted in a home.

It turned out to be the perfect decision—and one I wouldn’t have made if I hadn’t stayed open to possibilities. Sometimes, finding the right home helps guide you to the right city. Don’t be afraid to pivot if the housing options in another location align more with your lifestyle or budget.

3. Choose the Right Moving Company (and Ask All the Questions!)

Your moving company can either make your life so much easier—or add unnecessary stress to an already emotional transition. That’s why I strongly recommend interviewing several companies and asking detailed questions about their services.

Some movers offer:

• Packing materials or full-service packing

• Storage solutions (which can be essential during a staggered move)

• Pet transport or concierge services

• Discounted rates for flexible move dates

• Visual quote assessments via video

Others don’t offer any of the above. You’ll want to find a company that aligns with your timeline, your non-negotiables, and your comfort level—especially if you’re moving with pets, children, or on a tight schedule.

4. Turn the Journey into a Mini-Adventure

If you’re driving down, don’t treat it like a chore—turn it into a memory! I chose to drive when I moved to Florida, and instead of rushing through the trip, I made two overnight stops in cities I’d never visited before: Nashville and Savannah. Both were amazing experiences that helped break up the drive and turned a stressful move into a mini-vacation.

If you have pets with you, I highly recommend Marriott brand hotels—they’ve been incredibly pet-friendly in my experience.

If you're flying, make sure you’ve arranged car shipping well in advance and have looked into airline policies for pet travel, especially if your pet doesn’t fit under the seat and needs to fly in cargo. These logistics can be time-sensitive and need careful planning.

5. Declutter Before You Pack

This tip alone can save you thousands. The less you move, the less it costs—and in many cases, it’s more cost-effective to sell items and buy new once you arrive. I personally used Facebook Marketplace to sell many of my large or unnecessary items, and it was a game changer.

Not only does this lighten the load, but it gives you the opportunity to design your new space from a fresh perspective. Moving is a fresh start—take advantage of it!

Final Thoughts

Moving to South Florida was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—but it was also a huge adjustment. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others who are making the same move feel prepared and excited, rather than overwhelmed.

Whether you’re still in the “just thinking about it” phase or already planning your Florida relocation, I’m here to help you make the transition as smooth as possible—from finding the perfect city and home to navigating moving logistics.

If you’re planning a move to South Florida and have questions, feel free to reach out. I’d love to share more insights, local knowledge, and connect you with trusted vendors and resources to make your move a success.

Let’s make your Florida dream a reality—together.
Contact me today to start the conversation.

Olivia Bardinelli, Real Estate Professional with eXp Realty

561-400-9657

info@allbusinessre.com