At long last you’ve made it to your new place Orlando. Your dream of that final box being set down in your new place is a reality. If only you could snap your fingers and all of your things were unpacked. But there is more than unpacking to do to establish your new life in Florida. Here is my list of top 11 things to do the first week that you move to Orlando to start your new beginning off right.
1. Services and Utilities
- You probably have a list of the routine utilities that you will need for your new place – electricity, gas, water, and trash pick up. Contact those basic utilities first, if you haven’t already. For many, internet is a necessities now too, especially if you have kids or teens, so be sure to schedule internet service early in order to get an installation appointment as soon as possible. There is likely a few different providers available in your area, so do your research on service, reliability, price, and speed for your needs. In addition to the basics, there are some additional services you might not have thought of to contact :
- Locksmith: change the locks if your home was previously lived in (as long as it isn’t against your lease)
- Landscaper: Florida’s landscaping is unique and vegetation grows fast, especially in the rainy season (late May-November) when many people move.
- Cleaning service: hire a cleaning company to do a deep clean, plus it makes unpacking easier and faster
- Pest control: a necessity in Florida to control the more than 12,000 bug species and be sure to ask about treatments safe around pets and children
- Security monitoring: installing a security system will help you feel more at ease in your new place, along with changing the locks
- Pool maintenance: pool owners often have weekly maintenance to help maintain their pools and if you’ve never owned a pool before, it could help you learn routine maintenance or visit a pool supply store like Pinch-A-Penny with experts to help with your questions
- Dryer lint vacuum service: schedule a lint trap vacuum service annually for proper dryer hook up, efficient dryer operation, lower energy costs, and fire prevention.
2. Car Insurance, Registration, Driver’s License
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires registration of your vehicle within 10 days of beginning employment or enrollment. Before you register your vehicle with Florida, though, you have to provide proof of Florida’s minimum insurance requirements. Unfortunately, Florida’s vehicle insurance rates are some of the highest in the country. Florida’s insurance rates are higher than most states because of the number of uninsured drivers, the high insurance minimums, lawyer involvement in claims, and weather. The good news is that Central Florida does not have any cities on the most expensive list, however, you can still expect an annual insurance bill around $2,200. Once you have Florida insurance, make an appointment with your county’s DMV location, bring payment for fees and required documents.
You must also obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing Florida residency. You may be considered a resident if you have started employment, enrolled your child(ren) in school, registered to vote, or lived in the state continuously more than six months. Currently, FDHSMV is only providing services by appointment. Search your county’s location and book an appointment as soon as possible. Keep in mind what you will need to bring with you to the DMV for and any fees, and it is unlikely that will have to take a test. Driving with your out-of-state license 30 days after you’ve moved or not registering your car within 10 days can have serious and costly consequences, so make changing insurance, registration, and transferring your license a priority.
Vehicle checklist:
- Research multiple insurance quotes
- Obtain proof of Florida insurance with your new address
- Make an appointment to obtain a Florida driver’s license/ID and vehicle registration
3. Address Change
If you haven’t already completed an address change with the USPS, you can complete the process online, as well as redirect your mail if it was on hold. A trip to the post office is sometimes necessary to pick up mailbox keys too. If you have a bank of mailboxes in your community, be sure to put your name in your new mailbox so mail delivery knows where to deliver your mail. Most new communities have a bank of neighborhood mailboxes where you get your mail instead of mail delivery to individual homes.
Change your address for:
- Bank, credit cards, and financial accounts.
- Order new checks, if necessary.
- Professional associations
- Subscription accounts
4. Get Outdoors
- Go for a walk, bike ride, swim, or some other form of outdoor activity in your new neighborhood. Exercise and getting outdoors will help you feel more energized and boost your mental health after a stressful move (because all moves are stressful). You’ll feel more connected with the area and learn where amenities are located. Maybe you will also see some of the many animals that live in Central Florida’s habitat when you explore the outdoors.
5. Make new friends
Central Florida is the most friendly and welcoming place that I have ever lived. Maybe people are friendly because so many people are transplants from somewhere else too and are happy to meet new people or remember what it was like to be new. Perhaps people are more friendly here because of all of the extra Vitamin D from the sun. Whatever the reason, I love how friendly and people are here. If you are timid about introducing yourself, try some of these tips for meeting new friends: don’t be shy about saying hello to new neighbors; start conversations when you visit local businesses; join a club; volunteer; ask friends and family if they know anyone locally; and get to know new co-workers.
6. Safety
A new beginning is exciting, but don’t let the excitement distract you from some key safety precautions when you move in. Check the batteries of the smoke and CO2 detectors; check your fire extinguisher; check the HVAC filter; learn where the shut offs are for the water, electricity, and gas; change the garage door code; and set the thermostat.
7. Shopping
- Filling your pantry and fridge with your favorite foods helps to make a unfamiliar place feel more like home. Publix is the biggest grocery chain in Florida and there is always at least one nearby (but usually more), but other grocery store options include Aldi; Whole Foods; Trader Joe’s; Winn-Dixie; as well as big box store super centers that offer groceries. Wholesale clubs like Sam’s, Costco, and BJ’s are also in the area but they are spread out. Publix is especially known for its subs and bakery, but we do love their fried chicken too.
8. Try a New Restaurant
Orlando is home to more than 5,000 restaurants. Have fun exploring the many options for dining in or take out. Disney Springs and Universal Studio’s City Walk are great options too for satisfying any palate or budget. Restaurant Row in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando and Winter Park, Florida are well known for their variety of quality restaurants and fine dining. Whatever your taste or budget, you are sure to find some new favorite restaurants in Central Florida.
9. Relax
You did it! You moved to Orlando! It’s important to give yourself a well-deserved break for your accomplishment that has likely been months or years in the making. Relaxing will help you recharge and prepare for the next step: settling in. For now, though, the boxes can wait. Some ways you can relax are to spend the day at the pool; visit the beach; plan a fun day at a theme park; or simply do nothing around the house and order in. Either way, you need some time to take a break and recharge.
10. Connect
Sign up for neighborhood social media apps like Nextdoor and join Facebook groups to connect with neighbors and the community. Social media groups are also great for getting local recommendations for doctors, vets, dentists, and nearby restaurants. Stay connected, but don’t let social groups stress you out or form your opinion about the community when you’re new. Keep in mind the good and bad of social media and don’t get too wrapped up in what others have to say in the new groups you join.
11. Unpack with a purpose
You likely have a house or an apartment full of boxes the first week or weeks, but don’t just randomly unpack. Unpack rooms first that will bring the most calm to a chaotic house. Usually, the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms get the most use, so plan to unpack them first so you know where the basics are that you use daily. Think about what rooms you may paint, need furniture, or other design features that can wait for unpacking. Also, offer your used boxes and packing materials on social media to anyone in the neighborhood who may be moving.
You moved, now what?
Congratulations! It’s a huge accomplishment to move to a new city. Find a way to rest and recharge so you can then tackle the remaining tasks you need to do to settle in as a new Orlando resident. If you found this article helpful, please share on social media and subscribe to my newsletter below and to receive my mini e-book of 101 tips for moving to Orlando. Wishing you a wonderful new beginning!