Moving to New York from Florida
Are you ready to trade the humid temps and palm trees for big cities and breathtaking mountains? A move from sunny Florida to the Empire State is a big change, but it can be exciting and fun – as long as you know what to expect.
How Long is the Journey?
Depending on your exact destinations, a move from Florida to New York State can take around 20 hours by road. Some people choose to break the drive up into a few days, stopping overnight in a few places along the way. Others prefer to plough through the miles (all 1,349.5+ of them) to reach their new home as quickly as possible. Then, of course, there are those who decide to make the best time possible by flying from FL to NY while their belongings are transported in trucks by a team of licensed, professional movers. No matter how you choose to get from point A to point B, making sure your personal belongings reach your new home safely is a critical component of having a successful move.
At Orange Movers we’ve helped thousands of people move between Florida and New York. If you are considering relocating from the Sunshine State to the Empire State, we’re available to help you plan and execute a streamline moving experience. Call us today at (786) 453-4340 or contact us online.
How is NY Different from FL?
If you’ve never lived in the northeastern states before, you’re sure to realize very quickly that things are quite different there than they are along the southern coast. You’ll likely notice differences in just about everything, but NY’s climate and landscape are probably what will strike you first.
Climate
As you know, Florida’s nickname is the Sunshine State; however, as a Floridian, you also know that Florida has more than its fair share of severe weather. Central Florida, known as the lightning capital of the United States, experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country. Florida has also experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history.
New York State, by contrast, isn’t as threatened by hurricanes and intense thunderstorms. Instead, winter storms are the main weather-related events that New Yorkers have to contend with. For this reason, make sure you buy and pack some heavy duty winter coats, gloves and boots before your move – particularly if you’re moving right before the cold season.
That being said, many non-New Yorkers are surprised to learn that yes, it does actually get hot in New York, so don’t feel like you’ve got to toss your flip flops and tank tops!
In general, New York has a humid continental climate, with distinct seasons and varying conditions depending on the region. For instance, downstate New York (which includes New York City, Long Island, and lower portions of the Hudson Valley) experiences summers that are quite warm and even has periods of high humidity. In NYC, it wouldn’t be unusual to have a high temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit in January and a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Winters in the downstate region are cold and damp, yet they are usually milder than the conditions in the upstate region, which includes the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse, as well as the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains). Summers in this region usually have less intense heat during the day and cool but comfortable nights. In Buffalo, for instance, it would be normal to have a high temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit in January with a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
Landscapes & Cityscapes
If you compare the terrain of Florida and New York, it’s almost as if they are two completely different countries. Florida is characterized by mostly flat terrain, swamplands, tropical flowers, natural springs, and sandy soil. New York on the other hand is known for rugged mountains, waterfalls, broad rivers, and thick forests. Naturally, the big cities, particularly NYC, will have a whole different atmosphere with skyscrapers, busy streets, and expansive bridges.
Fun Things to Do Across the State of New York
For newcomers to New York who are excited to experience the area’s natural and man-made wonders, consider checking a few of these off your bucket list. Sure, some are a little tourist-y, but who says you can’t be a tourist in your new home town for a little while?
- Horseback Riding in the Adirondacks (Upstate Region)
- See the Statue of Liberty (NYC)
- See Niagara Falls (Upstate Region)
- Hike the trails along the Finger Lakes (Upstate Region)
- Ride a hot air balloon and have a picnic among waterfalls in Letchworth State Park (Upstate Region)
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC)
Getting Around in New York
Being new in town is always a challenge, and being in a completely different state has its own unique set of challenges. Keep in mind that laws and regulations can vary from state to state, so you’ll want to try to familiarize yourself as much as possible with those differences before your move. One of the first things most movers want to take care of is getting their new driver’s license – that is, if they are going to be living in a part of New York where most people drive. If you’re planning on living in NYC or another large city, you may want to familiarize yourself with your city’s public transportation resources.
Exchanging Your Out-Of-State Driver’s License
If you become a resident of New York State and wish to drive a vehicle, you must get a New York State driver’s license within 30 days of your residency. If you already have a valid driver’s license that was issued by another state, you can exchange it for a New York driver’s license as long as it…
- Has your photograph
- Is valid, or expired in the past 24 months
- Shows the date it was issued and was issued at least six months before you apply for the NY State driver’s license (or is a commercial license that has been valid for any amount of time)
- Is not suspended or revoked
- Is not lost or stolen
- Is not a hardship or employment only driver’s license
- Is not marked “non-renewable” or “non-transferable”
To exchange your license, fill out the application and follow the instructions on the New York DMV’s website here. Once you receive your New York State driver’s license, it will be valid for five years.
Public Transportation
If you plan on utilizing your city’s public transportation, make sure you understand the rules and regulations as well as the schedules and fees. Here are a few helpful links to public transportation information among some of New York’s biggest cities:
- NYC Public Transportation (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
- Rochester Transit System
- Buffalo Public Transportation (Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority)
Final Tips
We know this is a lot of information to process at once and it’s completely understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. So, we’re going to conclude with a few simple tips to help keep your stress levels low when prepping for your FL to NY move.
Make a list. Keep a list of things you need to do to prepare for your move. Order them by level of urgency and importance and do your best to knock those things out ASAP. Everything else, just try to do one or two each day, every day, leading up to the move. That way, you won’t be bombarded with a ton of relocating tasks at the last minute.
Consider hiring additional help. Relocating can be very overwhelming, which is why a lot of people hire professionals who specialize in relocation services. While this service comes at a cost, many individuals and families find that the money is well worth it if it means less stress. You can probably find a ton of relocation services in your new home state of New York, as this state is known for having a high level of out-of-state transplants.
Work with qualified movers who have done out-of-state-moves before. Choosing a very good moving company is an important part of helping your transition get off on the right foot. Don’t just settle for the company with the lowest rates. Find a company that meets your budget, but is also experienced, professional and easy to work with.
At Orange Movers, we pride ourselves in offering exceptional value for your out-of-state moves and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the process. Call us today at (786) 453-4340.