The Fort Myers Moving Checklist (8 Weeks Before Move Day)

Moving in Southwest Florida is different from moving in most U.S. cities. Between the seasonal timing, the Florida heat, and the specific logistics of Lee and Collier counties, a good checklist matters.

Here's the complete Fort Myers moving checklist — starting 8 weeks out.

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8 Weeks Before Moving

Housing:

• Sign new lease or close on new home
• Give written notice to current landlord (most require 60 days)
• Schedule final walkthrough / inspection at current home

Logistics:

• Decide: full-service or labor-only movers?
• Get 2–3 moving quotes
• Book movers and put deposit down (moves book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season)
• Arrange rental truck if going labor-only (U-Haul, Penske, Budget)

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6 Weeks Before Moving

Packing:

• Start with items you rarely use (off-season clothes, books, decorations)
• Order moving boxes (Home Depot, U-Haul, or ask your mover)
• Label all boxes: room + brief contents ("Kitchen - pots/pans")
• Create an inventory of valuable items (photos + serial numbers)

Utilities & Services:

• Transfer / cancel utilities at old address (FPL, LCEC, City of Fort Myers water)
• Set up utilities at new address (schedule start date 1 day before move)
• Update address with USPS (usps.com/move) — takes 1 week to process
• Notify: bank, credit cards, insurance, subscriptions, employer

Florida-Specific:

• If renting: document current condition with photos (Florida security deposit law)
• If buying: set up homeowners insurance before closing date
• Check HOA rules at new community (move-in hours, elevator reservations, parking)

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4 Weeks Before Moving

Packing continues:

• Pack guest rooms and non-essential living spaces
• Declutter — Fort Myers has 3 good donation centers:
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore (furniture, appliances)
  • Goodwill (clothes, household items)
  • Salvation Army (large furniture pickup by appointment)

Administration:

• Update Florida driver's license address (flhsmv.gov — 30 days after move required by law)
• Update vehicle registration address
• Transfer medical records to new providers if relocating within Florida
• Notify schools (Lee County School District: 239-334-1101)

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2 Weeks Before Moving

Practical prep:

• Confirm mover booking + arrival time
• Confirm truck reservation (rental truck pickup location + time)
• Reserve elevator if moving in/out of a condo building
• Reserve parking space close to both properties
• Plan route from old home to new home (avoid I-75 rush hour: 7–9am, 4–7pm)

Packing:

• Pack all non-essential rooms completely
• Disassemble large furniture (beds, wardrobes, large shelving units)
• Set aside "move day essentials" box (chargers, toiletries, 1 set of clothes, snacks, important docs)

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Move Week

Monday–Wednesday:

• Finish packing all rooms
• Confirm everything with mover (arrival time, address, parking)
• Defrost and empty refrigerator (24 hours before move)
• Arrange child care and pet care for move day
• Charge phones and portable battery packs

Day Before:

• Pack your "essentials" box last — keep it accessible (goes in your car, not the truck)
• Get cash for moving crew tip (optional but appreciated)
• Confirm truck pickup time and location

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Move Day

Morning:

• Walk through entire home — nothing left behind
• Take photos of every room (proof of condition)
• Meet movers at agreed time → walk them through the home
• Have water/snacks available for the crew (especially in Florida heat)

During the move:

• Stay nearby and available for questions
• Direct movers where each item goes at new home
• Check off items on your inventory list

After loading:

• Final walkthrough of old home — closets, attic, garage, under sinks
• Return keys to landlord or confirm with real estate agent
• Photograph empty home (security deposit documentation)

At new home:

• Verify utilities are active (lights, water, AC — critical in Fort Myers heat)
• Direct movers room by room for unloading
• Set up beds first (you'll be tired tonight)

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After Moving

Week 1:

• Unpack essentials first (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms)
• Test all appliances at new home — document anything not working immediately
• Locate nearest hospital, pharmacy, grocery store
• Register for Lee County utilities if not done (or Collier County)

Month 1:

• Update Florida driver's license (required by law within 30 days)
• Register to vote at new address (vote.org)
• Find a local doctor/dentist if you've relocated to Fort Myers
• Update address with IRS (Form 8822 or through tax return)

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Fort Myers-Specific Tips

Heat strategy: Schedule your move for early morning (7–9am start). Fort Myers hits 95°F+ by noon in summer. Early morning moves are faster and less exhausting for everyone.

Hurricane season: If moving May–November, check the weather 5–7 days out. Have a contingency plan if a storm approaches (most movers will reschedule at no charge for weather).

Traffic: Avoid US-41 (Tamiami Trail) during weekday rush hours. Take I-75 or Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy for cross-town moves.

Snowbird timing: If moving April–May or October–November, expect higher demand. Book movers 3–4 weeks ahead.