How to Plan a Move Between June 1 and November 30

Plenty of Southwest Florida moves happen during hurricane season, and most go off without a hitch. The difference is planning: flexible dates, clear paperwork and a backup plan for your belongings if a storm heads for the Gulf Coast.

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The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. NOAA notes that the peak is around September 10, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Summer is also when leases turn over, school years start and many home sales close, so avoiding the season entirely is not realistic for most people. You can still move safely in these months if you build some slack into the plan.

Start with your dates. If you have a choice, June and July tend to carry less storm risk than the late-August to mid-October peak. Whatever month you pick, avoid scheduling the move for the same day your lease ends or the day after a closing. A cushion of a few days on either side gives you room to shift if a storm forms. Morning starts help with the heat and afternoon thunderstorms that are common in Southwest Florida summers.

Know your evacuation zone before you need it. Charlotte County publishes a Know Your Zone lookup that places each address in a zone from A to F, with Zone A most likely to be evacuated first. The county also notes that because Charlotte County is low-lying and surrounded by water, it may not be possible to open shelters in the county, so residents should plan to evacuate elsewhere. Look up both your current address and your new one. If you are moving between counties, check each county's emergency management site.

Insurance deserves early attention if you are buying. Florida insurers commonly stop binding new policies once a storm is named or a watch is issued, and lenders generally will not fund a loan until the home is insured. That means a closing can slip if a storm appears in the final days. Bind your homeowners policy as early as your lender and agent allow, and keep proof of coverage handy.

Now the question everyone asks: what if a storm threatens move day? First, safety comes before schedules. No one should be loading a truck or driving across bridges in tropical-storm conditions or during an evacuation order. Before you sign, ask your mover how rescheduling works if a storm forces a change, and get that answer in writing on your estimate or contract. Every company handles this differently, so do not assume. Keep a copy of your contract, inventory and contact numbers on your phone and on paper.

Think about where your belongings will be if the timing goes sideways. If you are between homes, the worst place for furniture is often a half-loaded garage or a rented unit you cannot reach. Hurricane prep storage is one way to handle it: your things are picked up, wrapped and held until your new home is ready and roads are clear, then delivered. It also works well for people who close on a new place during the season but want to wait on furniture until shutters and insurance are in place.

Pack a go-bag that does not go on the truck: documents, medications, chargers, a few days of clothes, cash, water and anything you would need if you had to leave in a hurry. Label one box for the first night and keep it in your car.

If you are planning a move this season, call Flamingo Moving at 941-273-6928 or request a free written quote. Share both addresses and a date range rather than a single day, and we will build the plan around it.

What's included

Date plan with a few days of cushion
Evacuation zone checked for both addresses
Homeowners policy bound early for closings
Rescheduling terms confirmed in writing
Storage backup for furniture between homes
Personal go-bag kept off the truck

Questions to ask a mover during storm season

Ask how the company handles a change of date if a storm threatens, and whether that is written into your estimate or contract. Ask whether storage is available if your new home is not ready or roads are closed. Confirm the crew size, start time and what is included. Check the mover's Florida registration and make sure the IM number appears on the paperwork. Clear written answers now are worth more than verbal reassurance when the forecast changes.

Protecting belongings in summer heat and rain

Heat and humidity are hard on electronics, wood furniture, photos and paper. Pack those items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard where you can, and do not leave boxes in a hot garage for days. Afternoon storms are common, so plan the load and unload for mornings and keep a tarp or covered path between the door and the truck. Our plastic moving bin rentals start at $149 and hold up better than cardboard in wet weather.

If you are moving into a coastal home

Before move-in, find out how the new home's shutters or impact windows work and whether they need tools or hardware you do not have yet. Locate the main water valve and breaker panel. Look up the address in the county evacuation zone map and save your route. If shutters or insurance are not in place yet, consider keeping furniture in storage a little longer rather than moving everything in at once.

Frequently asked questions

When is hurricane season in Florida?

The Atlantic season runs June 1 through November 30. NOAA puts the peak around September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October.

Is it a bad idea to move during hurricane season?

Not necessarily. Many Southwest Florida moves happen in summer. Build a few days of flexibility into your dates, know your evacuation zone, and have a storage backup in mind.

Can a hurricane delay my home closing?

It can. Insurers commonly pause new policies when a storm is named or a watch is issued, and lenders usually need proof of insurance to fund. Bind coverage early.

What happens to my move if a storm is coming?

Rescheduling rules vary by company, so ask before you book and get the answer in writing. Safety comes first; no crew should move in storm conditions or during an evacuation.

Where can I store furniture during a mid-season move?

Hurricane prep storage from Flamingo Moving includes pickup, wrapping, storage and redelivery. Call 941-273-6928 for a free written quote.

Moving & storage from Flamingo Moving