Moving is tough. You have to settle into a new neighborhood, routine, and possibly a job. On top of that, you often need to navigate legal matters differently depending on your new city or state. Every state has different expectations, but if you’re about to move to Florida or if you’ve already done so, you’ve come to the right place to seek advice for how to settle in.
Moving and Settling In
Before you move, ask your friends if they know someone in your future city. Send out a few emails and try to set up a video chat or a coffee date once you arrive. Once you get there, you’ll have to settle into your new home or apartment. Give your new home a thorough clean before unpacking; it’ll be harder to give your home a deep-clean once you’ve unboxed everything.
Speaking of unpacking, it helps to spread the process out over a few days. Start with organizing your kitchen so you can prepare meals and snacks right away, and then tackle rooms separately. Designate a linen closet, storage area, or specific drawers for small everyday items such as phone chargers and adapters.
Introduce yourself to the neighbors, and consider having an open house after you’ve unpacked. Ask your real estate agent if there are any neighborhood watch groups, zoning areas, or codes you’ll need to keep up with. Also, visit local establishments, such as the nearest public library, coffee shop, or visitors center. Staff at these locations are often well-integrated into the community and probably have great restaurants, events, and local resource recommendations. Finally, change the locks in your new home and check your home’s security features.
Children and Pets
Children can become disoriented during a move. Help them by moving over the summer and involving them in local extracurricular activities so they can make friends. Visit local parks and community centers as well so they can see that their new home is fun and accessible. Pet owners also have to prepare their four-legged family members as well. Be extra patient as you help them adjust to their new home. Your pets have to get ready for new smells, sounds, and places to play. It’s important to establish a routine and you’ll see how your children and/or pets eventually get used to their new home.
Navigating Auto Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is the bare minimum required across the country, but you need to consider changing your policy once you move to Florida. Florida has one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the country. In addition, Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that if you’re involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you will file a claim with your own insurance company instead of the person whose fault it was. “No-fault” insurance policies often mean you will not sue the other party to get expenses paid for, and you need to educate yourself about how this affects some of your rights in the event of an unforeseen collision.
For this reason, the state of Florida requires cars registered in the state to have proof of property damage liability (PDL) and personal injury protection (PIP) as part of their insurance plans. Your minimum PIP and PDL should be $10,000 each, and this insurance must be valid when you register your car to the state. The state of Florida doesn’t require you to have bodily injury liability (BIL) in the event of a person’s injury or death.
Moving can be difficult for you, your family, and pets. Making Florida your home means making a few adjustments, but asking about your options, talking to neighbors, and updating your auto insurance policy can help you start your life in Florida on the right track.
Guest blog post courtesy of Jim Vogel/Elderaction.org