Palm Beach Moving Checklist

Your Complete Relocation Guide

Organized timeline from 8 weeks before moving day to after arrival

This comprehensive checklist will guide you through every step of your move to Palm Beach County, Florida. Check off items as you complete them to stay organized and stress-free throughout your relocation journey.

📞 Expert Assistance Available

Contact Natasha Masri at (561) 370-8320 for personalized guidance throughout your Palm Beach relocation.

8 Weeks Before

Initial Planning & Research

Research Palm Beach neighborhoods – Visit Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Tequesta, and Palm Beach Island to compare communities

Contact local real estate agent – Work with Natasha Masri (561) 370-8320 for expert local guidance

Get pre-approved for mortgage – Contact Florida-based lenders familiar with Palm Beach County market

Research schools – Tour top-rated schools like Jupiter High, Dwyer High, Independence Middle, Lighthouse Elementary

Create moving budget – Include moving costs, deposits, insurance, storage, travel expenses

Research flood zones & insurance – Check FEMA flood maps for properties, get insurance quotes

Plan visit during "season" – Visit January-April to experience area at its peak activity

Review HOA rules and fees – Understand community regulations, monthly fees, and restrictions

6 Weeks Before

Home Purchase & Moving Prep

Make offer on home – Submit offer with agent, negotiate terms, sign purchase agreement

Schedule home inspection – Include wind mitigation and four-point inspection (Florida-specific)

Get moving quotes – Contact 3-5 licensed moving companies for estimates

Book moving company or truck – Reserve early, especially during peak season (October-April)

Start decluttering – Donate, sell, or discard items you won't need in Florida

Order packing supplies – Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, labels

Research homeowners insurance – Get quotes including wind, flood, and hurricane coverage

Transfer or close current utilities – Contact current providers for end-of-service dates

4 Weeks Before

Packing & Notifications

Notify current employer – Provide official resignation notice if relocating for new job

Change mailing address – Submit USPS change of address form online (usps.com)

Notify current landlord – If renting, provide notice per lease agreement

Transfer medical records – Request copies from current doctors, dentist, veterinarian

Transfer school records – Request transcripts and immunization records for children

Update subscriptions – Cancel or change address for magazines, newspapers, delivery services

Start packing non-essentials – Seasonal items, decorations, books, rarely-used items

Label boxes clearly – Mark room destination and contents on all sides

Take photos of valuables – Document condition for insurance purposes

2 Weeks Before

Final Preparations

Confirm moving company – Reconfirm date, time, and all logistics

Confirm closing date – Final walkthrough scheduled, all paperwork ready

Set up Florida utilities – Electric (FPL: 800-468-8243), water, internet, cable

Update financial institutions – Banks, credit cards, investment accounts with new address

Update insurance policies – Health, life, auto insurance with Florida address

Defrost freezer – Clean and dry refrigerator and freezer if moving them

Service vehicles – Oil change, tire check, full tank for move day

Pack "essentials" box – First-night items, toiletries, medications, phone chargers

Backup important files – Cloud storage or external drive for documents and photos

1 Week Before

Final Week Tasks

Finish all packing – Complete packing of all non-essential items

Empty safe deposit box – Transfer to new bank or take contents with you

Dispose of hazardous materials – Paint, chemicals, propane (cannot be moved)

Clean current home – Deep clean or arrange cleaning service

Drain lawn equipment – Empty gas from mowers, trimmers, generators

Gather important documents – Birth certificates, passports, titles, deeds, medical records

Prepare pets for travel – Health certificates, carriers, comfort items

Get cash for tips – Have cash ready for movers, helpers

Moving Day

The Big Day

Be present for movers – Oversee loading, review inventory list

Do final walkthrough – Check all rooms, closets, garage, attic for forgotten items

Turn off lights and lock doors – Leave keys as instructed

Pack car essentials – Valuables, documents, medications, overnight bag

Take photos of new home – Document condition before moving in

Supervise unloading – Check items off inventory, note any damage

Tip movers – Standard 15-20% of total cost or $20-50 per mover

Test all utilities – Ensure electric, water, internet are working

First Week

Settling Into Palm Beach

Unpack essentials first – Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen basics

Locate emergency services – Nearest hospital, urgent care, police, fire station

Find grocery stores & pharmacies – Publix, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens locations

Explore your neighborhood – Walk/drive around, locate beaches, parks, restaurants

Meet your neighbors – Introduce yourself, join neighborhood social media groups

Set up security system – If applicable, activate or install home security

Stock hurricane supplies – Water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlight, first-aid kit

Update Amazon & online accounts – Delivery address for all shopping accounts

First Month

Official Florida Resident

Get Florida driver's license – Within 30 days, visit FL DMV with proof of residency (flhsmv.gov)

Register vehicles in Florida – Within 10 days, get FL plates and registration

Register to vote in Florida – Update voter registration (pbcelections.org | 561-656-6200)

Find doctors & dentists – Establish care with local physicians, pediatrician, dentist

Find veterinarian – Establish pet care with local vet clinic

Enroll children in school – Contact school district (palmbeachschools.org | 561-434-8000)

Open Florida bank account – Establish local banking relationship if needed

Apply for homestead exemption – File by March 1 for tax savings (pbcgov.org/papa | 561-355-2866)

Join community groups – HOA, neighborhood association, Nextdoor, local clubs

Find gyms & recreation – Join fitness center, explore beaches, parks, golf courses

Explore local attractions – Jupiter Lighthouse, Roger Dean Stadium, Gardens Mall, Harbourside Place

Establish lawn & pool service – Find reliable yard maintenance and pool care providers

Important Palm Beach County Contacts

🏛️ Government Services

Palm Beach County: (561) 355-2000

Property Appraiser: (561) 355-2866

Tax Collector: (561) 355-2264

🚗 DMV & Registration

FL DMV: (850) 617-2000

Website: flhsmv.gov

⚡ Utilities

FPL (Electric): (800) 468-8243

Waste Management: (561) 640-4000

Water: Contact local municipality

🎓 Schools

PBC School District: (561) 434-8000

Website: palmbeachschools.org

🗳️ Voter Registration

Elections Office: (561) 656-6200

Website: pbcelections.org

🚨 Emergency

Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency: 311 or (561) 804-4900

Need Help With Your Move?

Contact Natasha Masri for personalized assistance throughout your Palm Beach relocation journey.

📞 (561) 370-8320